Read the full interview here: https://www.womenofinfluence.ca/2018/09/28/meet-gemma-sheehan-a-former-mma-champion-turned-entrepreneur/#.Xc8SqFdKg2x
Gemma Sheehan became the #1 ranked Ontario female MMA fighter at the age of 21, after ten years in the sport, attaining a record of 5 -1 and a Pan Am gold medal in Brazilian jiu jitsu. After a change of values and concerns about brain trauma, Gemma changed gears and quit professional fighting to start a program called Girls Who Fight, which teaches girls and women important skills like how to effectively defend themselves, and how to be confident and assertive. In the last year, she’s worked with over 2000 students from schools, universities, the Girl Guides, and kids summer camps and women’s programs. She also traveled to South Africa to volunteer teaching women and girls for three weeks, and is beginning work with Canadian First Nation groups this fall. Gemma accomplished this all while earning her degree in International Relations from York University, and developing and launching an app that connects people based on sport interests.