Who We Are
We are a collection of women (mostly educators) with a keen belief that when we share our life experiences with one another, we all develop the strength and resilience necessary to find health and abundance in this life. We are on a quest to empathize, share and learn from others who are on this life journey with us.
Our Background
So many intersections . . .
from Kris Ayers
A high school cross-country team
While helping coach the girls varsity cross country team at Thompson Valley in 2013, I witnessed them struggling and that inspired me to write the team a story about teamwork, perspective and friendship. The story, Warrior Princess, was bestowed upon them the eve of the state meet. After reading the story to them, the discussion that followed was so powerful. Cleansing. Beautiful. Relevant. Healing.
To my surprise, the following morning, every athlete arrived for warm-up with names and mantras of their reasons why they loved running written all over their hands. This, they said, was to remind them that with every single step they took, of their WHY. Through some significant personal sacrifices, incredible teamwork, dedication and motivation, this team stepped up to the challenge of competing – for themselves, their teammates, school, community and many others on that beautiful fall day.
The heart, the Warrior Spirit, the talent and the focus lead this team to a gut clenching finish and a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! Giggles, tears of joy, celebration and pride followed. Together, we can do great things! To this day, every person that was part of that team holds a very special spot in my heart. I admire and respect their selflessness and grit. They are the Warrior Princesses!
A Story of Inspiration
After retiring from teaching, I dreamed of taking that story I wrote for the cross-country team out of the file cabinet and consulted with some friends on how to publish it. Collaborating with former colleagues/friends on this meaningful project brought a life/breath into the story, and before long, the Warrior Princess, as well as a runners/gratitude journal (Footprints and Feathers,) a coloring book and a resource guide for educators were all published books. Since the messages of the story apply to ALL ages, the story has impacted thousands of people in various ways, from: school assemblies, after-school programming sponsored by UC Health, women’s retreats, book clubs, small group grief counseling, presentations at various community organizations and more. A quote in the story, “It takes more than one feather to fly” was proven in the development of this full curriculum. I am forever grateful to this team of educators and friends for standing alongside me to help manifest this dream into a reality.
Blayne Brown
Blayne’s mentorship and advocacy of the women’s self-defense class at Thompson Valley High School had a profound impact on my life in addition to hundreds of young women over the span of 20 years! Blayne’s participation, passion, influence and expertise helped create one of the most impactful, life-changing, elective classes we offered. The letters written, at the end of each semester, by the young women who had the privilege of taking the class and working with him were heartfelt, raw and filled with gratitude.
Once I began hosting Warrior Princess Women’s Retreats, Blayne would offer scholarships available for women who wished to attend the retreats. He advocated for those who may not have the financial means and never let that be an obstacle for anyone.
Blayne passed away unexpectedly in 2024 at 59 years old. His friendship, kindness and support changed my life, and I miss him every single day. A memorial designation from his celebration of life ceremony was the impetus for turning the Warrior Princess Foundation into a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Warrior Princess Foundation honors this man.
