Box United was founded in 2019 by Mary Kate Vanecko through a U.S. State Department grant designed to inspire leadership in girls around the world through sport. Mary Kate founded Box United after completing a Fulbright fellowship in South Africa where she taught boxing and was inspired by the power of sport to unite communities. In 2021, Box United evolved to focus exclusively on Chicago, and has impacted over 500 girls. Box United's signature program, Fight Like a Girl, currently operates in 15 schools and three boxing gyms in Chicago, serving over 300 girls every year.

Fight Like a Girl consistently delivers impactful results. After our 20-week program, 95% of participants reported increased confidence, 94% felt more positive about their bodies, and 94% felt more confident in their leadership abilities.

Boxing has been the single greatest tool I've used to change my life. I initially took up boxing when I was playing Division I lacrosse, because it was the hardest workout I could find in the off season. Soon, I saw that the benefits of boxing went far beyond physical conditioning. Boxing allowed me to recognize my strength and understand my mind in a way I never had before. Training as a boxer is what gave me the confidence to pursue things I didn't initially think I was capable of.

Boxing is what helped me receive a Fulbright Scholarship, teach boxing and start a technology company in South Africa, and win funding from the U.S. State Department to start Fight Like a Girl. Boxing is what allowed me to work for 3+ years at a Fortune 500 managment consulting firm, get into a top 3 MBA program, and ultimately, resign from my consulting job to build Box United full time.

I'm on a mission to help every girl use boxing to recognize her limitless potential. This work is needed now more than ever. At Box United, we are building a movement of people that believe in the power of sport to build a better world. We would love for you to join us.

Mary Kate Vanecko | Founder & Executive Director