Alongside Vanity were her Pivotal Boxing teammates, Sara and Erica, who helped shape the tone of the workshop. “Sara brings a calming, grounding presence. She can walk into a room and settle everyone’s spirit,” says Vanity. “Erica brings warmth and structure. She watches the room with intention, making sure everyone feels included, supported, and seen.”

Participants felt that intention in the room. Sophia, a third-year student, said she appreciated how the workshop reframes vulnerability. “I loved the openness of it and the fact that vulnerability was shown as powerful rather than something fragile,” she says.

For many, the session offered a sense of safety. Clare, another third-year student, said, “I felt really seen in the room. It wasn’t just about boxing, It was about feeling safe and being able to focus on myself. It was easy to let go, and I can 100 per cent see myself trying more things like this.”

Vanity has also brought trauma-informed boxing to communities beyond the Dal campus. She and the founder of Pivotal, Holly McDonald, recently led a workshop in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick. She describes this experience as “powerful, full of emotion, strength, and cultural grounding.” 

They taught self-defence to women of all ages while creating space for stories, cultural connection, and intergenerational strength. 

“You could feel healing happening in real time,” she says, “Our sessions are never just about punching pads. They are about reclaiming identity, power, voice, and safety”.