 |
Pattianna Harootian |
 |
Parvati Shallow, Parvati Shallow graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and minor in
French and Italian. Always one to face a challenge
head-on, Shallow moved to Los Angeles to pursue a
career in Entertainment Public Relations. A
free-spirit at heart, she soon realized the corporate
world was not for her and quickly nabbed a gig
bartending while she searched for a new career. As Vice President of Knockouts For Girls, Parvati created the first Knockouts Calendar and, with the support of local Boys and Girl's Clubs, has helped develop boxing camps for the young girls in the program. Shallow recently signed with the William Morris talent agency and currently works as a television host and actress. Winner of CBS’s Survivor: Micronesia-Fans vs. Favorites, survived 38 days on the island beating out 17 other contestants and winning the $1 million prize ($50,000 of her winnings she donated to KO4G). |
 |
Laurie Paolone was born in Toronto, Canada and is one of our Star KNOCKOUTS. Aside from designing our original website and designing and printing our posters, flyers and press kit, Laurie boxes for KO4G. She graduated from California State University at Northridge with a degree in Humanities and a minor in Art History. Her Italian parents, who immigrated to Canada in the 1960’s with barely a dime to their name, moved the family to California when she was 9 years old. Her diligent father worked hard and created MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust, a successful business in the aftermarket auto industry. Laurie is currently working for her father’s company. She helps give all the car enthusiasts and gear heads in the world more power and performance to their vehicles. Laurie has a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do and has been training in kickboxing and boxing for over 10 years at LA Boxing in Costa Mesa, CA. |
 |
Tanjareen Martin |
 |
Christie Abbott |
 |
Lydia Callins |
 |
Lydia Castro is a co-founder of KNOCKOUTS FOR GIRLS. She was extremely instrumental in the formation of the charity. Lydia is an Actor and Producer who has long loved philanthropy work. As a Bruin Belle at UCLA, she volunteered for several different organizations, all of which worked with children. She has mentored kids in foster system through EASE IN and is an active Club Member of FOOD ON FOOT, an organization that feeds the homeless in Los Angeles. www.LydiaCastro.com |
 |
Wendy Augustine was born in Australia and raised in both Florida and Puerto Rico. Wendy had participated in boxing events as both a boxer (winning both of her matches before retiring) and as a producer. She prefers to work behind the scenes and keeps the sport close to her heart by acting as our ring girl. Wendy recently took over as administrator of photography and videography for KO4G, as well as manager for the KO4G models. Aside from her numerous volunteer duties for KO4G, Wendy works in copyright law. Wendy is fascinated by the diversity in cultures and spends her free time traveling the world. She is currently studying Japanese and looks forward to utilizing her new found knowledge of the language in her future travels. |
 |
Yolanda Ezell |
 |
Lisa Nugent is an Orange County native and hold her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Vanguard University. She is currently a property manager for commercial high-rise buildings. As a child of divorced parents, Lisa is familiar with the ups and downs that so many of today’s youth face. “Even though I’ve faced challenges in the past, my parents have always taught me that in order to attain what you want in life, you have to be willing to work for it. Success takes sacrifice.” She has proved this by working since her senior year in high school and putting herself through college to becoming a professional today. Since joining LA Boxing in Costa Mesa 5 years ago, Lisa found the extracurricular hobby she’d been missing and has gained confidence and a stronger focus in life. She hopes to use her driven attitude and passion to strive for excellence as an example to young women today. |
 |
Ashley Eryn Powell |
 |
Lora Schallert was born and raised in Seattle Washington. She moved to California to get away from the rain. Lora works as a nurse in a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU). An adrenaline junkie at heart, she has gone on such adventures as skydiving, white water rafting, and canyoning. In her spare time she sings in a band called We the Fallen (myspace.com/wethefallenonline). Lora recently took up the sport of boxing and is happy to be a part of KO4G. Boxing has brought confidence and structure to her life and she looks forward to turning others onto the sport. |
 |
Brandy Greenleaf |
 |
Melanie Poblete is our Scholarship Administrator and Mentorship Coordinator. She processes scholarship applications, and is responsible for organizing the mentor program. "The reason I joined KO4G is because I believe strongly in community and helping wherever and however I can. I try to live and think globally, therefore hopefully creating a better local and world community." She attended UC Santa Cruz for her B.A. in Legal Studies and is currently working in the legal field and partner in a start-up party planning business called Pretty.Perfect. Her diverse work history includes owning her own custom cake shop, Sugar & Spice Cakes (a family business), sales and marketing for an environmental compliance firm, and even teaching. She is ecstatic to be part of Knockouts for Girls and eagerly anticipates reading the scholarship applications and pairing reciepients with mentor Knockouts. |
 |
Candise Lakota was born and raised in Southern California. Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2005, she now resides in North Hollywood. Candise loves her three dogs Sonny, Cocoa and Monster. She loves sleeping in, working hard and eating her favorite food, Barbeque Chicken Pizza with black olives and pineapple! Candise makes a habit of running around her local park to keep in shape. She has a passion for giving back to young girls, as she too was once in a position where influential people in her life such as her older sister, Clarise kept her moving forward and on the right path to follow her dreams. She hopes to pass her gratitude forward through KO4G. Candise Lakota recently started training as a boxer in July 2008. Her dance background has allowed her to easily pick up on technique and form. She can’t wait to get in the ring! |
 |
Keanna Louise grew up with a single mom and realizes how important a program like KO4G is for underprivileged girls. Keanna boxed in the first KO4G event and is currently training to compete in the next event as well. Keanna is an active volunteer for KO4G and recently went to the Ventura Boxing Club with other KO4G volunteers to sign autographs. She was inspired by the young kids whose lives were fueled by boxing. Keanna has trained for 3 years with David Paul, who has been the only influential male she’s ever had and what he has taught her through boxing has helped her in all aspects of her life. Keanna couldn’t imagine her life without boxing. Always athletic, as a junior high student, Keanna was one of only a handful of girls on the boys wrestling team and as a 5th grader, she learned to speak and write Japanese. Keanna has worked many interesting and fulfilling jobs, including as a stewardess on a yacht on the port of Monaco during the Grand Prix in 2004. She has also hosted several underground music video shows. Keanna has been crotcheting since she was 12 years old and can make just about anything-much of her wardrobe is handcrafted by hers truly. |
 |
Jackie Szoboszlay graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2003 with a BA in Sociology. She is a licensed real estate broker, is in the process of starting her own handbag line and currently manages Air Conditioned, an amazing wine bar and lounge. Jackie grew up with a single mom who struggled to make ends meet and has been supporting herself since she was a teenager. She understands how important programs such as KO4G are for kids. Jackie enjoys being be involved in a program that helps girls reach their goals. She also does volunteer work for the Women’s Shelter in downtown Los Angeles. One of her favorite things to do is travel and she will be back packing all through Europe this summer. |
 |
Kristen Matthews recently moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of Darien, CT to teach pilates. Kristen has explored her passion for movement through many years of gymnastics, diving, and dance. Her discovery of Pilates and her decision to become an instructor was a natural progression of her physical pursuits. After graduating from UVM, Kristen was certified with Power Pilates in 2003 in NYC. She has also studied anatomy with Irene Dowd. Kristen enjoys teaching and sharing her knowledge of Pilates with her clients and finds working with people very fulfilling. You can find her teaching at Power Pilates in Santa Monica or BACE Pilates in LA. She recently became an Arbonne Constultant for Arbonne International (pure, safe, and beneficial skin care products). Kristen can be reached at krismatthews@yahoo.com with any pilates or Arbonne questions. |
 |
Meghan McCabe Hailing originally from the windy city of Chicago, Meghan was very athletic and excelled at swimming and soccer. She studied many forms of dance and graduated from Whitney Young. She continued on to New Jersey, where she attended Rutgers University and received her BA degree in Theater with a minor in English/Creative Writing. Since moving to LA she has learned how to bartend, and is actively working to pursue her dream as a tv/film actor. Meghan is very excited to be able to help KO4G and be a part of such a phenomenal group of people. |
 |
Melanie Leftick Melanie Leftick, Canadian born, moved to Los Angeles after graduating at the top of her class from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management. New York definitely toughened this nice Canadian-girl up, so when she was recently invited to join the Knockouts, she didn't hesitate for a minute. After her first spar, she realized that Boxing was definitely a sport for her. Melanie is also pursuing her acting career, and can most recently be seen on her very own youtube series, "Chloe Cohen: Domination". |
 |
Amanda Adkins Amanda Adkins was born and raised in West Virginia where she lead her high school bowling team to the state championships. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a marketing degree and worked as the general manager for Rip Curl on the third street promenade in Santa Monica before leaving to become involved with KO4G. She is one of our most valued KNOCKOUTS and oversees many aspects of the production for our events. Aside from working as a volunteer for KO4G, she is a cocktail waitress at Nikki's in Venice, where she lives with her boyfriend and their three beloved pooches. |
 |
Nessa Nemir Nessa Nemir was born in Oakland, California and raised in Berkeley. She's been on her own since she was sixteen. As a child she was moved to Edinburgh, Scotland because her stepfather was getting his master's degree there. Nemir then spent many summers in France. After high school she went to college at the University of California, Los Angeles where she got her bachelor's degree in Italian and special fields. Having an extremely high IQ and a fluent tongue in three languages, she continued to educate herself at the Make-up Designory in Los Angeles where she specialized in character make-up. Nessa competed for a million dollars in the CBS reality show, Pirate Master and was a boxer for Perfect 10 magazine (she kicked KO4G Founder, Pattianna's butt in a Perfect 10 match!). |
 |
Danielle Kelly Danielle Kelly launched her design career in 2003 with Von Dutch. She was hired by former head designer, Christian Audigier, currently the mastermind behind Ed Hardy. Danielle modified their world famous T's into one of a kind, hand cut and woven, original creations. Soon she was performing live for crowds all over the country which quickly gave her a high profile reputation and lead to her becoming a top requested designer to the stars. Her designs have been worn by Ciara, The Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Eve, Missy Elliot and Alicia Keys to name a few. We are thrilled to have her as a swimsuit and clothing sponsor for our KO4G events. Danielle designs tops, skirts, pants, jackets, dresses, leggings, swimwear, lingerie, wigs, hats, gloves, bags, furniture covering, sets and special events... for all shapes, sizes, ages, sexes & special needs... Exclusively available @ Mint Collection at 7403 Melrose Ave. (cross street Martel, parking in the back) & custom made by appointment: DK75RAW.COM |
 |
Susan Asmaryan Susan Asmaryan started her designing career as a freelance graphic artist for established designers and apparel companies such as Joey and T, Krush Clothing, Pure Venom and Pretty Punk. She created original logos and developed graphic art customized to compliment their style. Susan also hand paints signature exclusive art to customize apparel, shoes and accessories. To Susan, clothing is her canvas and through individuality and personal touch, she breaks barriers which production machines can?t duplicate. Susan, along with Danielle makes up True Kustom Designs, our swimsuit and clothing sponsor for KO4G events. |
 |
Betsy Cox Betsy Cox grew up in New Orleans with her two sisters and brother. Her brother, whom she was very close to, succumbed to cancer a couple years ago and Betsy was very involved in his care during his illness. She is philanthropic by nature and is actively involved in several charities, including KO4G. Betsy is a comedienne, actress and model. Betsy sets an exemplary example for others by always lending a helping hand and being more than happy to help anyone in need. Her smile is infectious and her kindness contagious. We are happy to have her as a role model for underprivileged girls. She currently works at Opera in Hollywood. |
 |
Vered “Did” Benami Born in NYC, but raised in Tennessee this singer/songwriter is pursuing her music career in LA. She attended Belmont University in Nashville and is the daughter of a retired Israeli soldier and the middle child of three girls. "Since I was young my mother and father taught all three of us to have a clever awareness about what is going on in our world and how to be resourceful in practical matters. It's not what you have it's who you are to yourself and others. It's about your actions and your reactions. One person can make a difference. Gandhi did, so can I. That's the world as I see it." She is sincere in her efforts to change lives for the better. for more info and her music, please check out www.myspace.com/dvered |
 |
Kimberly Kimble Was born and raised in Tennessee. She is currently attending college to be a Physical Therapist. She also works as an Aerobics Instructor and a Fitness Model. If that weren't enough to keep her busy, she has been an NPC Figure Competitor for 4 years and continues to compete in the sport. Kimberly trains and diets year round so she stays in top shape and is always ready for an event or photo shoot. As a former boxer, she is excited to be returning to what she considers to be her first love. Living in Tennessee, Kimberly is willing to travel far and wide to pursue her passion of fighting and to help young girls find there own. Contact www.myspace.com/fitnfab kr_kimble@yahoo.com |
 |
Jen Wei Jen Wei graduated from UCLA with both her bachelor's and master's degree both in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Environmental Sciences. She has worked in the non profit sector for the past two years and is very involved in her family's non-profit called Organization of Special Needs Families (OSF) which is based in Northern California. Since September 2007, she has been working towards her certificate in Public Relations at UCLA and recently transitioned into the PR sector. She is working at a technology PR firm called Brew PR in Santa Monica. |
 |
Cherie Flores Cherie Flores, whose parents are from Nicaragua, grew up in southern California the youngest of three siblings. She is professionally trained in ballet, fire and silk (arial) dance. She minored in dance and theatre at San Francisco State University and majored in psychology. After earning her BA, she traveled the world for three years before heading back to school. She is currently working towards her doctorate degree in psychology at California State University at Northridge. Along with her volunteer work for KO4G, Cherie does volunteer work with senior citizens at various senior citizen centers around Los Angeles. |
Home | Mission | Bios & Quotes | Scholarship Recipients & Application
Donations & Sponsorship | News | Press - Videos - Photos | Merchandise | Contact Us