From AI to Gaming to Family Safety: The Conversations We've Been Waiting to Have
- Yesenia Yser
- Mar 14
- 7 min read
2026 The Lioness Instincts Newsletter
Brought to you by CyberJiuJiteira & InfiniteIsh1
š¦āØ February Recap | Digital Safety Conversations at all levels.Ā šÆ
š The Lioness Instincts February Webinar Recap
At The Lioness Instincts, our mission is to empower women and families to protect themselves in both physical and digital spaces. This February, we hosted three powerful panel conversations that tackled some of the most pressing digital safety topics of our time. If you missed any of them ā or just want a refresher ā here's what we covered.
š¤ Panel 1: Navigating AI Safely
February 17, 2026
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept ā it is embedded in our search engines, workplaces, social media feeds, and even our parenting apps. Our panelists Denzel Cadet (Cadet Legal), Javionn Malakhi (Trust Relief), and Ara Galarza (Last Labs) broke down what AI actually is, how it collects and stores personal data, and why critical thinking is your strongest line of defense.
The conversation explored everything from deepfakes and misinformation to the legal risks businesses face when using AI irresponsibly. One of the most powerful reminders of the evening: when a product is free, you are the product ā and your data is what's being traded.
Top Takeaways:
š Always validate AI outputs ā hallucinations and bias are real risks
š Be intentional about what personal information you put into AI tools
š§ Human intelligence is the first and most important line of defense
āļø Understand the legal risks around AI use, especially for businesses and creators
š¬ Ask AI to challenge itself ā use it as a thinking partner, not just an answer machine
šŗ Watch the full panel here: https://youtu.be/uqdTaJYqbis
š® Panel 2: Safety in Gaming
February 18, 2026
Online gaming is one of the most overlooked digital safety conversations in family households ā and our panelists Jessica Weiland, Aaron Birnbaum (Sarin Security), Greg Posner, and Jarrod Coulter (Halcyon) brought the receipts.
From app permissions and parental controls to online harassment and grooming risks, this panel pulled back the curtain on what is really happening behind the controller. The group ā all parents themselves ā shared candid stories, practical tools, and a recurring theme that resonated throughout: the most powerful parental control is not an app or a setting. It is an open, ongoing conversation with your child.
Top Takeaways:
š± Review every app permission ā if a game doesn't need access to your camera or contacts, deny it
š”ļø Standardize devices by type (Apple to Apple, Android to Android) to make parental controls easier to manage
š Implement controls at the network level ā your home router is one of your most powerful tools
š Have younger kids play in shared spaces of the home, not behind closed doors
š£ļø Punishment is less effective than conversation ā build trust so kids come to you when something goes wrong
āļø Do a regular "vibe check" ā how your child feels after gaming matters as much as what they are playing
šŗ Watch the full panel here: https://youtu.be/rbsAaUt30as
šØāš©āš§ Panel 3: Family Digital Safety & Privacy
February 25, 2026
Our final February panel brought together Aqueelah Emanuel (AQ'S Corner), Angel Grissom (CMG3 & SHE-EO), and Natalia Semenova for one of the most layered and heartfelt conversations of the series. The group explored how digital risks do not just affect kids ā they affect every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents.
They discussed how grooming and exploitation happen across everyday platforms, why elderly family members are increasingly targeted by AI-powered scams and romance fraud, and how blended families with inconsistent digital policies create gaps that bad actors can exploit. The panel also offered something refreshingly practical: a family safe word system to protect against deepfake phone calls and impersonation scams ā a tip that is simple, free, and something every family can implement today.
Top Takeaways:
šµš½ Older adults are among the most targeted groups online ā build their confidence and simplify their tech
š Create a family safe word or phrase-and-response system to verify identity during suspicious calls
šµ Remove devices from bedrooms at night ā and lead by example by doing it yourself
š¤ Approach digital safety as a partnership with your kids, not a policing exercise
š Audit apps and privacy settings regularly ā companies update their policies quietly and often
šæ Encourage offline hobbies and activities to reduce screen dependency and build real-world social skills
šŗ Watch the full panel here: https://youtu.be/dAh6iMPQwtw
š Resources & Links
š Online Safety Resource GuideĀ (free 8-page download)
š AQ'S Corner Storybook & Coloring BooksĀ for young digital citizens
šļø Upcoming Events
From self-defense to digital safety ā here is what we have coming up. We would love to see you there.
š Jacksonville, Florida
Women's Self-Defense with Jiu-Jitsu
šļø Every Monday at 6:00 PM ET š Smiley Academy of Martial Arts ā Oakleaf, Florida
Come learn practical self-defense skills in a supportive, women-centered environment. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, this weekly class is designed for you. Show up, train hard, and leave feeling more confident and capable.
šļø Grab your tickets here: š https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-self-defense-with-jiu-jitsu-in-oakleaf-fl-tickets-1983741754990?aff=erelexpmlt#organizer-card
Truth Over Ego: A Women's Empowerment Experience
šļø Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 PM ET š Jacksonville, FL
This one is special. Truth Over Ego is part networking mixer, part women's self-defense experience, and part real talk ā a space where women can connect, move, and have the conversations that matter. Expect a fun networking ice breaker, one hour of hands-on women's self-defense, and a closing conversation centered on truth, growth, and community.
šļø Grab your tickets here: š https://www.eventbrite.com/e/truth-over-ego-a-womens-empowerment-experience-international-womens-day-tickets-1984437899176
š¤ Partnership Event
Women's Jiu-Jitsu Competition by ChickJitsu
šļø May 2025 ā Jacksonville, FL š Details coming soon
We are thrilled to announce that The Lioness Instincts is partnering with ChickJitsu for their upcoming Women's Jiu-Jitsu Competition in Jacksonville! ChickJitsu is doing incredible work creating space for women in the sport and we are honored to be part of it. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event.
š Learn more about ChickJitsu: š https://chickjitsu.com/
š» Virtual Events
Webinar: Digital Safety Is Now Physical Safety
šļø Saturday, April 11 š Time TBA š Online ā Virtual
Our digital and physical worlds are no longer separate ā and our next webinar will explore exactly that intersection. We will be diving into how online threats are becoming real-world dangers and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. This is a conversation you do not want to miss.
š Stay notified ā join our mailing list and Eventbrite group:
š Bring Digital Safety & Self-Defense to Your Community in 2026
Weāre opening interest for locations that want to host a Lioness Instincts self-defense + digital safety seminarĀ in 2026. If your community could benefit from empowerment, awareness, and practical protection skills, weād love to connect.
š Interest Form: Apply to host a self-defense or digital safety workshop in your community:
š Email info@thelionessinstincts.com
š Who Can Host:Gyms, schools, workplaces, nonprofits, churches, women-led groups, or any organization committed to empowering women and families.
āØ Benefits for Attendees:
Learn real-world self-defenseĀ and digital privacyĀ skills
Build confidence, situational awareness, and online resilience
Connect with a supportive local community
Tools to protect themselves ā online and in person
š§° What Lioness Instincts Provides:
Professional instructors & vetted safety educators
Digital safety curriculum + physical self-defense instruction
Hands-on empowerment activities and take-home resources
Promotional support and a coordination toolkit
š Together, we can create safer spaces where women learn, connect, and strengthen their instincts.
š§” Support & Donations ā Keep the Fire Burning
Your support helps us keep the flame lit ā funding workshops, scholarships, training, and community safety programs that empower lionesses everywhere.
Quote from Ishi, our digital privacy analyst:
"I volunteer because I want women to feel protected, informed, and supported ā especially in a world where digital privacy isnāt guaranteed. Helping other women stay safer online and in real life matters to me, because we all deserve that sense of security.ā
š Donation Page:Ā Give directly and help women access life-changing safety resources:Ā š Donation Link
š Transparency: What Donations Fuel:
Free or low-cost self-defenseĀ classes for women and girls
Digital privacy educationĀ accessible to all
Competition scholarshipsĀ for women and youth athletes
Safety programming in partnership with shelters & community groups
Tools and resources for survivors rebuilding their lives
š New Ways to Contribute:
Monthly giving ā become a sustaining protector of the Pride
Sponsor a scholarship recipientĀ or a full workshop
Corporate giving through Benevity & Matching Programs
Host a fundraiser or awareness event in your community
Every contribution ā big or small ā helps our Pride grow stronger. Thank you for standing with us. š¦š
š Until Next Time
Thank you for being part of The Lioness Instincts community. Every panel we host, every class we teach, and every resource we share exists because of people like you ā who show up, stay curious, and believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful forms of protection.
Whether you are just beginning your safety journey or have been with us from the start, we are honored to walk alongside you. Stay safe, stay empowered, and do not hesitate to reach out, share these resources with someone who needs them, or come train with us on a Monday. We are always in your corner.
ā The Lioness Instincts TeamĀ š¦š
š² Stay Connected with the Pride
š Stay ahead of our next event š www.thelionessinstincts.com/mailing-list
š² Connect With Us
Email: info@thelionessinstincts.com
Website: www.thelionessinstincts.com
YouTube: @thelionessinstincts
š„ Missed a Webinar?Ā Catch all the replays here ā”ļø Lioness Instincts YouTube š»
The Lioness Instincts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit empowering women to protect themselves in physical and digital spaces through education and self-defense. Fiscally sponsored by Hack Club Bank.
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