Meet Jamie Miller

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I found my purpose through my own journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. Fighting—both in the ring and in life—taught me that strength isn’t just about physical power; it’s about awareness, perseverance, and the ability to reclaim your space in the world.

As a survivor, I know firsthand what it means to feel powerless. But through martial arts and self-defense, I discovered a way to rebuild myself, not just as a fighter but as a woman, a mother, and a leader. That realization sparked something in me—I knew I wasn’t meant to just fight for myself. I was meant to fight for others, to teach them how to protect themselves, how to stand tall, how to own their power. How to heal themselves through movement.

My purpose became clear: to create spaces where women, survivors, and underserved communities could learn how to defend themselves, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. That’s why I founded Veracity Self-Defense and why I continue to push forward, ensuring that no one feels as though they have to fight their battles alone.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey is one of survival, transformation, and purpose. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and I am a former MMA champion, but long before I ever stepped into a cage, I was fighting a much greater battle—the fight for my own life.

I am a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness. For years, I endured a relationship that slowly eroded my confidence, independence, and sense of self. Trapped in a cycle of fear, I struggled to see a way out—until the day I made the choice to save my life and my daughter’s, determined to reclaim our future and rewrite my story on my own terms. The organization that gave me refuge, Women Against Abuse, not only helped me escape but later became the very place where I would make history—transforming from a survivor into the first former client ever elected to its Board of Directors in 50 years of operation.
This is more than just a title to me; it is a symbol of what is possible. It represents the full-circle moment of going from victim to survivor to leader, ensuring that other survivors have the support and resources they need to reclaim their lives.

My work doesn’t stop there. I am also a committee member for the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Engagement in Philadelphia, where I advocate for initiatives that support survivors, empower women, and create safer communities. My lived experience fuels my mission, and I use my platform to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard.

I am the founder of Veracity Self-Defense, a program designed to teach women, survivors, and underserved communities how to defend themselves—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I know what it feels like to be afraid, to feel powerless, and to second-guess yourself at every turn. That’s why my program goes beyond self-defense techniques—it’s about awareness, confidence, and reclaiming control over your own life.

In addition to Veracity, I am launching MOVE. Martial Arts & Fitness, a kickboxing and martial arts studio that focuses on women’s-only classes, youth empowerment, and real-world self-defense training. This space will be more than a gym—it will be a community of strength and resilience, a place where women and youth can train, heal, and rebuild their confidence in an environment designed for them.

Beyond the mats, I have expanded my work into corporate and law enforcement safety consulting, developing programs to educate businesses, hospitality teams, security personnel, and real estate professionals on personal safety, crisis prevention, and self-defense strategies. Safety isn’t just about reacting to danger—it’s about prevention, awareness, and knowing how to protect yourself before a situation escalates.

I am also a professional speaker and advocate, sharing my story with audiences across the country. From schools to corporate boardrooms to community events, my message remains the same: you are stronger than you think, and you deserve to take up space without fear. I recently launched a series of speaking engagements and self-defense workshops, including a two-day event in my hometown, where I will be speaking at my former high school and leading a community self-defense class.

What’s next for me:

The launch of MOVE. Martial Arts & Fitness – I am actively fundraising to open this space, creating a sanctuary for women and youth seeking strength, empowerment, and self-defense education.
Expanding Veracity Self-Defense’s reach – Bringing survivor-focused self-defense workshops to more schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Corporate and law enforcement safety training – Finalizing specialized training programs for professionals in hospitality, real estate, and security sectors to improve workplace safety and crisis response.

Speaking engagements and sponsorships – Securing partnerships to bring my message to more communities, ensuring that survivors and underserved individuals have access to the tools they need to reclaim their strength.
At the heart of everything I do is this truth: Survival is not just about escaping a situation—it’s about reclaiming your power, your voice, and your future. My work is not just about teaching self-defense—it’s about rewriting the narrative for survivors everywhere.

I am also working on my first book, which I plan to release later this year. This book is a deeply personal project—one that shares my journey as a survivor, fighter, and advocate. Through raw storytelling and hard-earned lessons, I hope to inspire others to reclaim their strength, overcome adversity, and step into their power. My goal is for this book to be more than just my story; I want it to be a guide for resilience, healing, and transformation.

I am living proof that you can rise from the darkest of places and not only survive, but thrive. My mission is to help others do the same. To stand in their power, unafraid and unstoppable. Because strength isn’t just built in the body—it’s forged in the spirit, in the fight to keep moving forward.

And I intend to make sure no one has to fight alone.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were resilience, adaptability, and the ability to advocate for myself and others.
Resilience kept me moving forward even in my darkest moments, pushing me to rise after every setback, whether in my fight career, personal healing, or stepping into leadership roles I never imagined for myself. Adaptability allowed me to pivot without losing my sense of purpose, embracing change and trusting that every challenge was an opportunity for growth. When I transitioned from professional fighting to founding Veracity Self-Defense, I had to reimagine how my skills could serve a greater mission, proving that reinvention is not a loss but an evolution. Advocacy became the bridge between survival and empowerment, teaching me to not only fight for myself but to amplify the voices of those who felt unheard. I use my voice to create the change I once needed. For those early in their journey, the most important thing is to keep pushing forward—trusting that setbacks are lessons, change is necessary for growth, and your voice, when used with intention, has the power to impact lives. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Just take up space, fight for what you believe in, and keep moving forward—because your story isn’t over, it’s just beginning.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe success comes from leaning into your strengths while strategically improving areas that enhance them, rather than trying to master everything. The key is recognizing where your natural talents lie and refining them to the highest level, rather than spreading yourself too thin.

As an MMA fighter, I learned this lesson firsthand. My strength was striking—I had power, precision, and the ability to read my opponents in ways that gave me a competitive edge. Early in my career, I felt pressure to become equally dominant in every discipline, so I poured time into perfecting areas that didn’t come as naturally. But in doing so, I neglected the very thing that set me apart. It wasn’t until I shifted my mindset—focusing on sharpening my strongest skills while developing just enough versatility to complement them—that my performance truly elevated.

That philosophy has shaped my approach beyond fighting. When I founded Veracity Self-Defense, I knew my greatest strength wasn’t just in teaching technique—it was in my ability to connect, empower, and inspire confidence in others. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I built my programs around what I do best, bringing in experts to fill gaps where needed. As a result, the impact of my work is deeper and more authentic to my purpose.

I believe in going all in on what makes you exceptional while refining the skills that support your growth. The most successful people aren’t those who are merely competent in many areas—they’re the ones who become undeniable at what they do best.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bad_mmama/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiecolleen/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/x9V0fuLL4cU?si=hA6-kNLDB2ohhA7C