Meet Valerie Sizemore

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

Valerie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome hit me hard when I first began dreaming up Femme Rising. I am not a lifelong martial artist or a seasoned competitor, and I do not fit the traditional mold of someone starting a jiu jitsu gym. For a long time, I questioned whether I was “qualified” to create this space for women, especially in a male-dominated industry. I had to face the nagging voice in my head that whispered, Who are you to do this?

The same feeling resurfaced when I began my PhD program in ethics. Entering a space filled with incredibly talented and accomplished academics, mostly men, I often felt like I had to prove that I belonged. While I was deeply passionate about my research, I would second guess whether my voice carried the same weight as others in the room. There were moments when I felt I was balancing too much, questioning whether I could truly succeed as a PhD candidate, a mother, and the founder of Femme Rising.

But the answer became clear when I thought about why I was pursuing both of these dreams. As a survivor of abuse, I did not feel comfortable or represented in the martial arts spaces I encountered. There was always this unspoken pressure to conform to a “bro culture” that felt alienating and unsafe. Similarly, my academic work aims to challenge systems that marginalize women. Both endeavors are about carving out spaces where women can reclaim their agency and thrive.

Overcoming imposter syndrome took intentional work. I leaned into the support of people who believed in my mission, both in Femme Rising and in my academic journey. I reminded myself that neither journey is about fitting into someone else’s mold. Femme Rising is a response to a deep need for empowerment and safety. My PhD work is about addressing systemic inequities that impact women, making space for voices like mine to challenge those norms.

The moment I shifted my mindset to focus on the people I wanted to serve and the change I wanted to create, I stopped trying to prove myself to an invisible standard. I embraced my story, my struggles, my motherhood, my trauma, my vision, as the foundation for everything I do. That authenticity became my greatest strength, and now, I see imposter syndrome as a sign that I am stepping into spaces that matter deeply. I remind myself: I belong here, not because I fit the mold, but because I am breaking it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the founder of Femme Rising, a self-defense, jiu jitsu, and fitness studio designed for women, girls, and anyone who has ever felt like they do not belong in traditional martial arts spaces. Femme Rising is more than just a gym, it is a movement rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and safety. As a survivor of abuse, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find spaces that feel safe and supportive, especially in male-dominated environments. Femme Rising was born out of my desire to create something different: a space where women and girls can learn to defend themselves, grow stronger, and feel inspired, all while surrounded by a community that truly understands and uplifts them.

What excites me most about Femme Rising is seeing how it resonates with people. I initially thought this would be a small neighborhood studio for myself, my daughters, and a few friends. But the concept has taken off, showing that so many women are ready to claim their strength and confidence. Our studio is warm, welcoming, and free of the intimidating energy that can be so common in martial arts spaces. We focus on teaching not only physical self-defense but also the mental and emotional resilience that comes with learning to stand up for yourself and set boundaries.

In addition to running Femme Rising, I am also working on my PhD in ethics, with a focus on how gender intersects with contemporary culture and faith. Both Femme Rising and my academic work reflect my passion for addressing the barriers women face and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Whether it is through martial arts or exploring deep ethical questions, my goal is always to challenge the status quo and open doors for women.

What I want people to know about Femme Rising is that it is a space where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background, gender identity, or fitness level. We are here for those who might not see themselves in traditional martial arts but know they deserve to feel strong, safe, and capable. Together, we are creating something truly special: a culture of empowerment and community where everyone has a place to rise.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, vision, and adaptability. These have shaped not only how I approach challenges but also how I have built Femme Rising and navigated life’s complexities.

Resilience has been essential, especially as a survivor of abuse and someone stepping into spaces where I have not always felt welcome. There were countless moments when I doubted myself or faced external criticism, but resilience taught me to keep moving forward. For those early in their journey, I would say resilience is built by taking small, consistent steps, even when the path feels uncertain. Celebrate the small victories because they are what will give you the strength to tackle the bigger challenges.

Vision has also been key. Femme Rising started as an idea fueled by my own experiences and the needs I saw in my community. Having a clear sense of why you are pursuing something gives you the motivation to keep going, even when the journey feels overwhelming. My advice is to spend time clarifying your “why.” Reflect on what drives you and what kind of change you want to create. Let that vision guide your decisions, but stay open to it evolving as you grow.

Finally, adaptability has been crucial. Starting Femme Rising and pursuing my PhD have both been full of unexpected twists and learning curves. I have had to pivot plans, let go of what was not working, and embrace new ideas. For anyone starting out, I would encourage you to approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear. The ability to adapt is often the difference between giving up and finding a better way forward.

At the heart of it all, my advice is to trust yourself and give yourself grace. Growth takes time, and there is no perfect roadmap. Be willing to learn, lean into your community, and remember that every step, no matter how small, counts.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one challenge I am currently facing is dealing with external criticism and pushback from individuals who are fearful of what they perceive as a feminist agenda. Femme Rising was built to empower women and girls in a space free of intimidation, but that mission has unfortunately drawn criticism from some who feel threatened by what we are creating. This resistance has occasionally escalated to personal attacks and even threats, which can be deeply unsettling.

What keeps me grounded is remembering why I started Femme Rising. I wanted to create a safe and empowering environment for women because I know how important it is for survivors, mothers, and anyone who has been made to feel small to have a place where they can reclaim their strength. That purpose is far greater than the negativity I encounter.

To overcome this challenge, I focus on staying true to my values and building a supportive community around Femme Rising. I lean on trusted allies and mentors, both personally and professionally, who help me navigate these moments with wisdom and resilience. I also work to educate and communicate with those who are open to dialogue, knowing that fear often stems from misunderstanding. For those who cross into personal attacks, I set firm boundaries and take steps to ensure my safety and the safety of our community.

Ultimately, I refuse to let criticism or fear derail this mission. Femme Rising is about creating something powerful and positive, and I believe that change often comes with resistance. My focus is on the women and girls we are helping, and that makes every obstacle worth facing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.femmerising.studio
• Instagram: @femmerisingstudio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUYgOxxBx8g

Image Credits

Aubrey Gigandet