New Foundation to Focus on Education, Mentorship, and Support for Women of All Ages
Detroit Michigan — April 25th 2026— Jackie Kallen, the legendary boxing manager whose life story inspired the film Against the Ropes, officially announced today the upcoming launch of the Jackie Kallen Foundation, set to debut in the third quarter of 2026. Building on Kallen’s 48-year legacy of breaking barriers, the foundation is dedicated to providing education, professional resources, and emotional support to women at every stage of life.
The Jackie Kallen Foundation was born from Kallen’s personal mission to ensure that women have the tools they need to navigate “life’s hard knocks.” The organization will offer a multi-generational approach to empowerment, focusing on three core pillars:
- Educational Advancement: Scholarships and vocational training for young women entering non-traditional fields.
- Professional Mentorship: Connecting aspiring female leaders with established pioneers across sports, media, and business.
- Life Support Services: Providing resources for women facing significant life transitions, health challenges, or domestic adversity.
“I’ve spent my life in a world where I was told ‘no’ a thousand times,” says Jackie Kallen. “The goal of this foundation is to turn those ‘no’s’ into ‘yes’s’ for the next generation. We want to educate women to be fearless, support them when they’re struggling, and remind them that it’s never too late to get back in the ring and win.”
As a Hall of Fame boxing manager and a survivor of heart disease, cancer and domestic violence, Kallen brings a unique perspective on resilience. The foundation’s April, 2026 launch will be marked by a series of regional “Empowerment Summits,” featuring guest speakers from the world of athletics and business.
Further details regarding the foundation’s inaugural board of directors and specific program applications will be released in early 2026. For more information or to sign up for updates, please visit [jakiekallen.org].
About Jackie Kallen
Known as the “The First Lady of Boxing,” Jackie Kallen is one of the most successful female managers in the history of the sport. She has managed multiple world champions and she is the first woman manager inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.. Beyond the ring, she is a celebrated author, motivational speaker, and advocate for women’s health and safety.