THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING 2025 DONORS!!

Many many thanks to IMPACT Chicago’s 2025 Donors! As we head into 2026, we’re more grateful than ever that you’re a part of our circle. Here’s to setting our boundaries, using our voices, and leaning into building the future we want to see: a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity.

Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Young Teens. Donations cover the rest.

Janet & David Altman
Lisa Amoroso - in honor of IMPACT’s Admin Team - thank you!
Margaret Aulwes
Arden Austin
Ellyn & John Bank
Joe Bianco
Dolores Bjorkman
Susan Blessing - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Natalie Butler
Sheila & Steve Carson
Janaah Coates
Nancy & Ira Cohen
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Kelly D'Angelo - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Phyllis Daniels - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Ray Daniels
Marjorie Fitzsimmons
Laurie Fuller
Eileen Gelblat
Tess Given
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Sarah Grove - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Amy E. Harmon - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Debborah Harp
Margit Henderson
Kasey Klipsch & Angela Sherrill
Tracy Koppel - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Susan Landwer - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Denise Lewin Loyd
Mike Lively
Debra Mier
Anthony Montero - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos
Clara Orban
Liz Pfau - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Lisa Pines
Jeanne Popowits
Loriann & Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Janette Scott
Tracey Shafroth
Camille Smith
Kenneth Smith
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Carrie Villa
Margaret Vimont - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Donna Wilkens
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund


Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!

IMPACT GRAD SHARES THEIR PERSONAL IMPACT STORY

(Commercial image - not actual grad photo)

My IMPACT story is one I hope can inspire many others to achieve the same peace of mind I now have. After many searches to find a women’s self-defense course that seemed practical, I stumbled upon IMPACT Chicago about a year and a half ago. I was looking to feel safe and empowered with my own personal safety after escaping an abusive and dangerous relationship over 15 years ago that was still affecting me.

During IMPACT, I was able to re-enact some of the attacks I had experienced in the past, except this time I came out as the triumphant party this time. I feel IMPACT provides a very unique and valuable healing element to anyone that has experienced abuse in the past in addition to preparing students with practical, life saving strategies from using their voice to intimidate to delivering powerful physical moves to fend off attackers. Your attacker can be a stranger on the street - but it can also be a friend, neighbor, partner, or co-worker and they teach the importance of vigilance and listening to your gut as part of the self-protection package.

As someone diagnosed with a severe form of PTSD, IMPACT also provided a vulnerable but strong space with trauma informed instructors to ensure support was available the entire time. I am not ashamed to admit I needed it during one particularly hard exercise for me that sent me into a flashback to a violent attack from my past, and I was so grateful to have that support readily available. 

I have tried various other forms of therapy like CBT, boxing, rage rooms, and journaling to reconcile my past experiences, but nothing has made me feel safer than the peace I have knowing I can seriously kick someone’s butt if they try to mess with me. To practice live numerous times and watch other students doing the same really gets the moves in your body with muscle memory. 

Unfortunately, I had to use my teachings to fend off a recent attacker in my own home a few months ago. My usually friendly neighbor of four years had mentioned in passing to me that he had recently lost a long-term girlfriend along with his job, and from my perspective, seemed to be on a downward path of destruction for a few months in response to these things.

One night, I had my back turned to my window and was listening to music and singing when I noticed some arms behind me, only to spin around and find that same neighbor had taken off the screen of my window, opened it fully, and was trying to get into my condominium. I froze in shock for a few seconds and then recalled my IMPACT teachings to use my voice, had the confidence to abruptly slam the window on him - causing him to fall backwards out of it, and report him to the police and HOA. I wound up getting a restraining order and lawyer, and then selling my condo almost immediately as my gut told me to. 

I haven’t looked or gone back and don’t regret it. Best of all, I don’t feel bad about any of it because I know I did it to protect myself against danger. I don’t know if the pre-IMPACT version of myself would have had the same courage to prioritize my safety over the natural politeness or empathy I would have felt towards my neighbor for his hard times. Many people have asked me, “Why don’t you get a gun?” or “Why don’t you get a dog?” or “Why don’t you get a man and live with him?” and I reply with a smile, “ I don’t need any of those things to protect me – I have myself.”

Thank you IMPACT!

Yours truly – A very grateful anonymous

THE LASTING IMPACT OF EMPOWERMENT SELF-DEFENSE

 

In a survey of 97 women who completed IMPACT Self-Defense —ranging from a few months to over 30 years ago—participants shared powerful stories of transformation. Across generations and eight IMPACT chapters, women reported feeling more confident, aware, and empowered, not only in everyday life but also during high stress moments.

1. The Power of Noticing: Awareness Skills for Safety
Participants emphasized that the training heightened their ability to see and evaluate their environments and relationships in new ways. From recognizing unsafe situations to identifying unhealthy relationship patterns, participants said they had a greater awareness of themselves, others, and the environment.

“After learning in class how to recognize a dangerous/manipulative person, I realized the relationship I was in at the time was an unhealthy one. I am now in a different one where I feel happy and safe.”

2. The Power of Words: Verbal Skills for Confidence
One of the core lessons of IMPACT is the value of using your voice. Women learned to set boundaries, de-escalate confrontations, and advocate for themselves and others with confidence and clarity.

“The discovery of my voice has probably been the most significant. I speak up now for what I want and know that my opinion matters. IMPACT has taught me how to say ‘no’ and the freedom to say ‘yes.’”

These verbal skills promote assertiveness in everyday interactions, whether at home, work, or in public spaces.

3. The Power of My Body: Physical Skills for Action
From learning to escape dangerous situations to projecting confidence, the physical techniques taught in IMPACT include not only striking and kicking but also breathing, strategic movement, and confident body language and are supported by a deep belief in being worth fighting for. Participants shared stories of using these skills to prevent harm or fight back when necessary.

“The person I was with decided that he was going to wake me up in the middle of the night by choking me. He was very angry and was going to kill me. I wish I could say I remembered to do the leg hook, but I didn’t. What I did remember is you never stop fighting, you never stop trying to free yourself and protect yourself.”

4. The Power of Using My Feelings: Acting Even When I’m Afraid
IMPACT training equips participants to act effectively even in unsettling or threatening situations. Participants described feeling fear while simultaneously knowing what to do to protect themselves.

“I felt like I was in a split screen experience, the part of me that was scared and the part that knew what to do.”

 The ability to project calmness and take action was empowering in high-stakes situations and in everyday life.

5. The IMPACT lasts
The long-term effects of the program are profound. Whether participants completed the course a few months prior or three decades ago, they reported confidence, assertiveness, and a deep belief that their safety, well-being, and voices matter.

“I believe that my IMPACT experience has made a difference in my life EVERY DAY since I took the program over 20 years ago. IMPACT changed my life. I’m grateful every day.”

IMPACT-trained women did not engage in self-blaming or risky behavior and used their skills to prevent and interrupt aggressive behavior. From walking confidently down the street to navigating relationships and workplaces, the skills learned in IMPACT last a lifetime.

Martha Thompson, PhD

IMPACT Chicago Lead Instructor, 1988-2020

Based on: Martha E. Thompson “Empowerment Through Feminist Self-Defense: The IMPACT Lasts.” Violence Against Women 29(14):2915-2940. doi: 10.1177/10778012231197576. 

Thank you to Mona MacDonald at Mona MacDonald Design for the infographic.

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING 2024 DONORS!!!

Sending a giant YES to IMPACT Chicago’s 2024 Donors: you are so very appreciated, and we’re so grateful to be part of your circle. Full speed ahead into 2025!

(Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Teens. Donations cover the rest.)

Modupe Akinola - in support of Denise Loyd's leadership!
Michele Alogna
Janet & David Altman
Lisa Amoroso - in honor of our amazing staff!
Jeanette Andrews - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Arden Austin
Rose Baker
Judy Balazs
Ellyn & John Bank
Dolores Bjorkman
Susan Blessing
Sheila & Steve Carson
Janaah Coates
Nancy Cohen
Dori Conn
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Cyd Curtis Bates - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Phyllis Daniels - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Ray Daniels
Cynthia Dimmitt
Deanna Dunagan Giving Fund
Maureen Dunn
Arthur Ellis
Margaret Evans
Michael Feit
Charlotte Ford - in honor of Deb
Laurie Fuller
Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Tess Given
Kim Goldbaum
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Margit Henderson
Anne Hickey
Valerie Jenkins
Deborah Kelly
Robert Koon
Rita & Ted Lammot - in honor of Deb
Debbie Lee
Denise Lewin Loyd
Ryan Libel
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Marie McCullough
Ann Mier
Chris & Jena Mier
Debra Mier
Robin Mina
Lauren Montero
Michelle Montero
Misty Moody
Lyn Moran
Clara Orban
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis
Lisa Pines
Ann-Christine Racette
Mariana Reichman - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Don & Judy Rosedale - in honor of Katie Skibbe
Loriann & Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Jennifer Schmieg Gould
Tracey Shafroth
Katie Skibbe
Adrienne Smith
Gayle Stephens
Dave & Lori Taylor - in honor of Deb
Eva Templin
Jennifer Tescher - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Michelle Trudel
Natalie Vassall
Carrie Villa
Amy Wallin
Joycelynn Watkins-Asiyanbi
Donna Wilkens
Liz Wrocklage-Gonda
Gina Yoga
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!!

Huge gratitude to IMPACT Chicago’s 2023 Donors: thank you, thank you, and thank you. We can do what we do… because of YOU. Here’s to a fantastic 2024!

(Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Girls. Donations cover the rest.)

Anonymous - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Marianne Abel-Lipschutz
Jeanette Andrews
Janet and David Altman
Lisa Amoroso
Nate Tracy-Amoroso
Julie Aubry
Arden Austin
Ellyn & John Bank
Cyd Curtis Bates - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Dolores Bjorkman - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Susan Blessing - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Mary Jo Bolduc
Rachel Bolduc
Sheila & Steve Carson
AC Christensen
Janaah Coates
Nancy & Ira Cohen
Dee Costanzo - in memory of Adrian Costanzo
Julie Dorfman & Jerry Herst
Jillian Fraser
Laurie Fuller & Erica Meiners
Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund
Tess Given
Jennifer Gould
Robyn & Tijuana Gray
Summer Hall
Amy E. Harmon
David Haverkamp
Margit Henderson
Valerie Jenkins
Kasey Klipsch & Angela Sherrill
Susan Landwer
David Leib & Anne Gendler
Denise Lewin Loyd
Lauren Linthicum
Debra Mier
Rian Mirly
Amanda Nero
Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos
Clara Orban
Katie Palmer
Rachel Pildis
Lisa Pines
Don & Judy Rosedale - in honor of Katie Skibbe
Loriann and Roger Safian
Laura Sanders
Tracey Shafroth
Katie Skibbe
Martha Thompson
Marge Tomasik
Carrie Villa
She’s Birdie - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!!!

So many thanks to the wonderful folks who volunteered for IMPACT Chicago in 2022. We’re grateful and honored that you’re part of our circle!  

(If we have inadvertently left you off the list, please let us know).

Admin Team

Aaron Christensen
Amy E. Harmon*
Katie Palmer
Katie Skibbe

Adenike Thomas
Elizabeth West

Board
Lisa Amoroso
Tara Brinkman
Bruce Brio
Maple Walker Lloyd
Denise Lewin Loyd
Deb Mier
Katie Skibbe

Class Assistants
Lisa Amoroso
Abby Grott
Amy E. Harmon
Deb Mier

Robin Mina

Katie Palmer

Nina Svirinovska

Michelle Trudel 
Elizabeth West

Instructors
Rob*
Bruce Brio (retired)
AC*
Katie*
Rachel*
Mark Nessel (retired)*
Ben*
Martha Thompson (retired)
Margaret*
Nat Wilson (retired)
Victor*

Social Media
Rachel Marro
Katie Palmer
Nina Svirinovska

What Is IMPACT & Other
Lisa Amoroso
Amy E. Harmon

Mindy Hilt
Deb Mier
Kristen Reid
Nina Svirinovska
Elizabeth West

Website
Lisa Amoroso
Amy E. Harmon
Nate Tracy-Amoroso

Workshop Leaders
Lisa Amoroso*
Tara Brinkman*
Amy E. Harmon*
Rachel Marro*
Deb Mier*
Katie Skibbe*
Margaret Vimont*

*Paid part-time staff who also volunteer

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!!!

A mighty and heartfelt THANK YOU to IMPACT Chicago’s 2022 Donors! We know that everything we do is possible because of the generosity of people like you… and we’re so grateful that you’re part of IMPACT Chicago’s circle as we move into 2023.

Tuition and grants cover about 65% of the costs of the Core Program and IMPACT for Girls. Donations cover the rest.

Anonymous

Jeanette Andrews - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Janet and David Altman

Lisa Amoroso

Nate Tracy-Amoroso

Arden Austin

Ellyn Bank

Leigh Behrens - in honor of Karen Staib Duffy

Joe Bianco

Dolores and Glenn Bjorkman

Susan Blessing

Mary Jo Bolduc

Aaron Christensen & Michelle Trudel

Sheila & Steve Carson

Nancy & Ira Cohen

Alison Cowen - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Cheri Erdman

Margaret Evans

Jennifer Freda

Laurie Fuller & Erica Meiners

Eileen Gelblat - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Tess Given - in honor of Margaret Vimont

Jennifer Gould

Robyn & Tijuana Gray

Amanda Byler Gregory

Amy E. Harmon

Debborah Harp

Margit Henderson - in honor of Martha Thompson

Valerie Jenkins

Moniqucoe Landsberger

Cynthia Lawrence

David Leib & Anne Gendler

Denise Lewin Loyd

Priscilla Martin

Carmen Maso - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Margaret McGrath - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Debra Mier - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Anthony & Shiyu Nitsos - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Clara Orban

Liz Pfau - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Mary Pierce - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Rachel Pildis

Lisa Pines

Ann-Christine Racette

Don & Judy Rosedale

Loriann & Roger Safian

Laura Sanders

Tracey Shafroth

Michael Skibbe - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Linda Stawicki

Marge Tomasik - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Carrie Villa

Elizabeth West - supporting The Dianne Costanzo Fund

Please let us know if we have made any errors. Thank you!