A new lioness cub, and a question for you
Share your AI and privacy concerns by Dec 10. It takes 2 minutes.
Hi Lionesses,
It’s been a full summer, and I’ve missed being in your inbox. Here’s what’s been happening, and why I need your voice as we plan for 2027.
A new lioness in the family
This summer, I welcomed my daughter Anastasia into the world. Our pride has been so supportive as I adjust to motherhood and keeping my little cub alive. At seven weeks, I’ve been cleared to begin physical therapy and recovery so I can get back to training with you. Her birth was a humbling blessing, and a reminder that sometimes the best recovery is rest.
Holding her has changed how I see everything we do here.
What I’m thinking about as a mom
I’ve spent more than 15 years in cybersecurity, and I teach women to protect themselves on the mat and online. Now I’m asking those same questions for someone who can’t speak for herself.
What happens to the photos I share of her? How about the photo family takes? Who’s collecting her data before she can even walk? How will AI tools, from deepfakes to apps and toys that listen, shape the world she grows up in?
These aren’t hypothetical worries. Just last week, the Associated Press reported that AI is now the next big test for kids’ online safety, with companies already marketing AI-powered toys to children as young as two.
Digital safety is physical safety. That’s always been true, and AI is raising the stakes. And I know I’m not the only one lying awake with these questions.
Tell us what worries you
We’re launching a community survey on digital privacy concerns, both with AI and in general. Your answers will directly shape our 2027 workshops, content, and research. We want to build what you need, not what we assume you need.
It takes about 2 minutes, and the survey closes December 10, 2026.
Know someone who should weigh in? Please forward this to them.
What you made possible this summer
Three women, one weekend on the mats.
Thanks to your donations, we sent three women to the SOFL BJJ Retreat. Bianca and Gabriela are both postpartum moms working their way back to jiu-jitsu after having their babies. Our third winner, who wishes to stay anonymous is a mom of multiple kids who all train, finally got a weekend of jitsu with the ladies just for herself.
Backing the best at Chickjitsu.
On October 10, The Lioness Instincts sponsored the cash prize for the absolute first-place winner at Chickjitsu in Oklahoma. Congratulations to every woman who stepped on the mats.
See the results on Chickjitsu’s page → www.instagram.com/chickjitsu
Since our founding, you’ve helped us send about 50 women and children to BJJ competitions and retreats. Thank you.
New: Yoga & prenatal yoga
I’ve completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training and an 85-hour prenatal yoga training. I’ll be bringing both to our events.
Why yoga? Because getting back to the mat after a baby isn’t only about technique. It’s about rebuilding strength, breath, and trust in your body. I’m living that right now, and I want to help other moms do the same. Watch for yoga and prenatal sessions at upcoming The Lioness Instincts events.
What’s coming in 2027
SOFL BJJ Retreat | January 30, 2027 | Miami, FL We’re sending five moms back to the mats, and we’ll fund them on Giving Tuesday. More below.
BJJ Event | February 19, 2027 | Austin, TX We’re helping bring a BJJ event to tech conference, and we want it to be free for every attendee. It takes about $3,000 in costs.
Interested in sponsoring? Reach us at info@thelionessinstincts.com.
Our 2027 goal: $13,750
Here’s where your support goes:
$200 funds one grappling scholarship. Our goal is 40, or $8,000.
$3,000 covers travel, venue, and event operations to keep the Austin event free.
$2,000 keeps our operations running so these programs can happen.
The remaining $750 sends five women to the retreat. That’s our Giving Tuesday goal.
Every gift is tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, The Hack Foundation (EIN 81-2908499).
Donate → www.thelionessinstincts.com/donate
Save the date: Giving Tuesday, December 1 Moms Back on the Mats
On Giving Tuesday, we’re setting one goal for one day: fill all five SOFL BJJ Retreat spots at $150 each.
Thank-you gifts for Giving Tuesday donors:
$10+: our exclusive limited-edition Lioness Instincts stickers
$25+: a Lioness Instincts beaded bracelet, in your choice of jitsu or cyber theme
$100+: an exclusive Kinda Obsessed x Lioness Instincts yoga towel, while supplies last
Mark your calendar and watch your inbox and our socials on December 1. And if you haven’t taken the survey yet, you’ll still have until December 10.
More ways to support
Shop: The Digital Safety Audit Workbook on Etsy. Every purchase funds free programming.
Watch: Our webinar recordings, “Digital Safety IS Physical Safety” and “The Threat Within: Medical Insider Threats,” are on YouTube.
Get involved: Want to volunteer, partner, or collaborate in 2027? Just reply to this email.
Thank you for being part of this pride. Everything we do starts with you.
Be safe out there,
Yesenia
Founder & Executive Director, The Lioness Instincts
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