Demetra Bradley | Women of Impact 2025

DEMETRA BRADLEY

CEO and Self Defense Expert

Foxy Defense and Protection

Foxy Defense and Protection is a women’s self defense company empowering others to feel confident and prepared. After serving in the Army and law enforcement, I saw the need for real world, personal safety education. Now, I teach life-saving skills through classes, speaking engagements and products that help women protect themselves and walk boldly in confidence.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

Seeing the fear in women’s eyes, I knew I had to help. Watching them transform into confident individuals who were #PreparedNotScared showed me it was my purpose.

Biggest challenges in my career

Overcoming self doubt, learning how to command respect in male-dominated spaces.

My first job and what it taught me

Working at JC Penney taught me to wait to have a family because I didn’t like folding other people’s clothes.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Stand 4 Sisterhood.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Seeing a transformation occur right in front me. Watching women go from fearful to fearless makes it worthwhile.

Best career moment so far

Teaching self-defense at Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Carter’s “You Throw Girl” Summer Camp.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

It’s a tie between sales and public speaking.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Monthly self-care days are non-negotiable! I definitely need a massage, mani/pedi, lunch, and uninterrupted rest to stay balanced and recharged.

Best advice I ever received

Stop dimming your light, blinding them is your job. If your light is too bright, they can put on sunglasses! Dr. Kristen Guillory.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Self defense is more than kicks and punches, it’s a mindset. When you perfect mental self defense, physical self defense is a breeze.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Pause, pray and pivot. In that order. Will I breakdown? Maybe. But will I bounce back? Always!

IN THE DETAILS