Mia St. John is a 5-time World and International Boxing Champion and first generation Mexican born in America. She founded the "El Saber Es Poder" Foundation to empower individuals suffering from mental illness, homelessness, addiction and poverty by providing programs to better educate, inform and improve physical and mental health.

 

In November of 2008, El Saber Es Poder and Micron donated computers, electricity and internet to Barrio de La Cantera in Zacatecas, Mexico. She was presented with an award from Governor, Amalia Garcia, for her role in sports and humanitarianism and the "WBC Goodwill Ambassador" Award from The World Boxing Council.

 

 In 2011, Mia created a youth wellness program based on her book, The Knockout Workout. This innovative, holistic youth development program will directly address the most serious health and social challenges facing Latino youth and their families today. Currently the program is taking place at El Centro Del Pueblo in Echo Park, the heart of East Los Angeles.

 

Mia then joined forces with Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano and Metta World Peace on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to reintroduce the Mental Health in Schools Act and create awareness and support for mental health initiatives.

 

She also spoke at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus this month, where President Barack Obama made a riveting speech at the CHCI's annual Gala.


 On November 23, 2014 Mia's son Julian, passed away at the age of 24. He was a talented artist battling Schizophrenia and addiction. His art was displayed at the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art and Air Laguna in Laguna Beach, California. His art studio, "Stone Art" in Palm Springs, California, is now a free center for young adults suffering from mental illness, including homelessness and addiction. Classes include art, boxing, yoga and meditation. Our boxing program also takes place at Step Up on Second in Santa Monica, California and Daniels Place in Santa Monica.


St. John says of her son, "He was the light of my life and I will continue to fight for mental health until I take my very last breath". In 2015, Mia was named by CNN, "Mental Health Warrior", along with eight other inspiring people.


Mia continues to speak at Universities, High Schools and Congress about overcoming obstacles, such as poverty and addiction, to become a five time World and International Champion. 


She is currently serving on the board of Step up on second, a national organization serving the homeless and those suffering from mental illness. Her book "Fighting for My Life" A Memoir about a Mother's journey through Loss and Grief is now on bookshelves.







As well as Congress, Mia speaks in schools and juvenile halls on the importance of education and overcoming hardship. She speaks of her own battles with mental illness, addiction, poverty and overcoming it all, to become a five time international and world boxing champion.
As well as Congress, Mia speaks in schools and juvenile halls on the importance of education and overcoming hardship. She speaks of her own battles with mental illness, addiction, poverty and overcoming it all, to become a five time international and world boxing champion.
LA County Department of Mental Health, "Profiles Of Hope", video series
Fighting for Mental Health
Tune into my new radio show on Voice America! Link below...
Thank you to Socorro Rosales, Mia's mother, for inspiring this project
The Youth Wellness Program is based on Mia's book, The Knockout Workout!
Mia St. John and Rep. Grace Napolitano
The Children of La Cantera in Juchipila, Zacatecas
Mia St. john and Governor Amalia Garcia
Julian St. John's StoneArt Program