Meet Ramona Braganza

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ramona Braganza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ramona below.

Ramona, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

It’s been a long and exciting journey one that began with my dream and led me to my purpose. Growing up in a small town, I knew I was destined for more than marrying my high school sweetheart and working in a factory for the rest of my life. Not that there is anything wrong with it but my vision was to go to Los Angeles and become a star and so began the roadmap of my life. I had a talent for sports particularly gymnastics and competed from age 9-18. I also loved to dance, and so after high school I heading for Toronto, Canada where I planned my strategy, and was successful using God given talent and tenacity. I first landed a spot on the CFL Toronto Argonauts and yet that was just the beginning of the climb for me. A few years later I auditioned for the NFL and as an LA Raiders cheerleader the doors to stardom had begun to open. I tumbled my way onto TV shows such as Full House, danced in Music Videos and did pushups on Fitness commercials such as Reebok and Champion sports. I also placed myself amidst a world where high powered entertainment types could be found. Working in a state of the art gym Sports Club LA during the 80s, I was in the right place at the right time when a successful producer offered me a job as a movement coach to a young actress. The tv show was Dark Angel the actress was Jessica Alba, I would go on to become her fitness trainer for over a decade, putting my dream to be the star on hold and opting instead to shape and sculpt those needing to look like superheroes for their roles. While it seems the story could stop here, having had a successful career as a Celebrity trainer, owner of a mobile fitness gym , a published author, and leading retreats around the world, my true calling was yet to reveal itself to me and in 2016 the idea arrived. I knew that one day I wanted to give back for all the great joy I had received pursuing my dream and so I started my 501c3 3-2-1Empower helping girls saved from trafficking become fitness trainers. Over the past years what began in India is now rolling out in the US specifically in LA. Trafficking is a world wide problem , my purpose is to combat it and empower women through movement as I was empowered as a young girl.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have always loved exercise and sharing what I know with others. As Jessica Albas trainer for over a decade and having worked with many celebrities and “every day people” in different stages of their lives, at age 62 I feel I have the experience to help many populations , from teenagers to new moms to menopause and onwards. I offer digital products and sessions on line these can be found on my website www.Ramonabraganza.com
Currently I find myself getting very excited with the prospect of helping young girls better their lives, particularly seeing the impact and potential my non profit 3-2-1 Empower has had. We help girls saved from trafficking become fitness trainers giving them a chance to connect positively with their bodies, while assisting them to earn a living. To find our more about us visit our website at www321Empower.com
As I look ahead to 2025 I am excited to launch my second book a dedication honouring my Mother, Lucy and her fitness legacy. Turning 90 she has overcome great obstacles in her life, yet nothing stops her from continuing to sing and dance, even in a wheel chair, bringing joy to all she comes in contact with. I hope it gives hope to others and the tools to always live their best life.

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?

3 qualities that made a huge difference in my life which were honed by my sport of gymnastics

Stand on your own two feet, believe in yourself
Any gymnast or individual sport athlete learns they must have an unwavering dedication to being the best, there is no one else to blame for a performance that does not result in a win. . In order to be the best they need to work hard everyday, with countless hours of dedication and commitment. They must have focus and are constantly sacrificing for their goals. Ask yourself if the course you have chosen will include this sort of commitment and dedication.

Be a risk taker , courage to move through unchartered waters
A gymnast flying through the air requires a great deal of skill but even more it asks for blind courage. Learn to calculate the risks worth going for. At times the risk while not successful can offer results in a different way, by becoming life’s greatest lessons. But without taking those chances, we risk never finding our true potential and our purpose.

Trust in something greater than yourself.
I have been blessed to always have great Faith in my higher power, God. My faith has freed me from carrying a heavy burden, that of my life alone. Through the good times and the bad I’m supported in ways I can only call miracles. If you have not found a spiritual life that parallels your physical and mental develop one this coming year, I promise you every great leader has one.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would love to seek partners in my work with 3-2-1Empower anyone interested please reach out to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: ramonabraganza.com. 321Empower.org
• Instagram: @ramonabraganza @321Empower
• Facebook: @321fitness. @ramonabraganza @321Empower
• Linkedin: @321Empower @ramonabraganza
• Youtube: @ramonabraganza