Louisiana Women In Business Winter 2021

Ashley Gibson

by Tabitha Vilardo

20 Winter 2021 LOUISIANA WOMEN WOMEN IN BUSINESS BUSINESS

Born to be a Fighter. Called to Protect & Serve. Leader by Nature.

It sounds like the trailer for a superhero movie. While you won’t find Ashley Gibson in a comic book, you can find her fighting crime - as a Baton Rouge police officer. She’s been fighting in the literal sense for much longer, though. This owner and founder of Fighting Fit Fitness Club is a former USA Boxing Champion!

Ashley began boxing when she was twelve at Neutral Corner gym with Coach James Joseph. She reminisced about her first fight in the ring. While it might have been Ashley’s first match, her opponent was a bit more experienced - with this being her final fight as an amateur. Though Ashley lost that match, she didn’t lose her drive. She continued fighting and started winning - becoming a champion boxer on State, Regional and National levels and even taking the Bronze at the Junior Olympics in 2004!

After Hurricane Katrina, Ashley put down her gloves and enrolled at SELU to earn her Criminal Justice degree.

when she talked about being an officer. I asked her what she loves most about being a cop. She replied, “Being a part of the community and having the ability to help others.”

In 2007, she moved to Baton Rouge and began an internship at the Baton Rouge Police Department. While training at the academy, Ashley was reminded of her love of athletics. She completed her Boxing Coach Certification and started training people as a parttime job. After graduating, Ashley immediately began working for BRPD. I could hear the passion in her voice

Ashley opened Fighting Fit Fitness Club in 2017, and she’s both a boxing coach and personal trainer at the club. Her goal was to give her community an affordable, safe space to work out, learn self-defense or boxing, regardless of age or fitness level.

Her commitment to the community didn’t stop there. She began a summer program for kids ages 8 - 14. She rallies local businesses into joining the effort by having them sponsor the program. Their generosity allows her to offer it free of charge.

Not only is it free for the kids, but between 8 am - 2 pm, they can work out with the champion herself.

Ashley credits her desire to follow her dreams to the inspiration she received from childhood coaches and her parents’ loving support. I’m sure they’re very proud of her and they’re not alone.

We thank you for your service and dedication to your community - both at your gym and behind your badge.

LOUISIANA LOUISIANA WOMEN WOMEN IN BUSINESS Winter 2021 21 21