September 15, 2026
Step Up Fund In Action – Mother + Son Find A New Home
Strike It Strong created a division called the “Step Up Fund” in memory of Cheryl’s sister Marilyn Squadrito Bonner, with the miss...
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Home of the Step-Up Fund
Strike It Strong
Self-Defense Classes and Personal Empowerment for Women
A 501c3 nonprofit teaching practical self-defense throughout the greater Philadelphia region, and helping women in crisis rebuild their lives.
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Strike It Strong: Empowering Women, One Strike at a Time
There's magic that happens when a group of women get together with a common goal. At Strike It Strong, we believe in the power of women to create positive change in their lives and communities. We provide a safe and supportive space for women to build physical strength, mental resilience, and lasting connections. Our programs are designed to foster confidence, self-defense skills, and a sense of empowerment that extends into everyday life. Participants walk a bit taller. See for yourself.
Cheryl Squadrito & Nancy Starr
Co-founders, Strike It Strong
The Step-Up Fund
Helping women take the next step toward a safe home
The Step-Up Fund is a division of Strike It Strong created in memory of Cheryl's sister, Marilyn Squadrito Bonner. It gives women who are leaving a bad situation the practical things they need to restart: housing deposits and first month's rent, furniture and household basics, phones and laptops, security devices, and job-readiness support.
Every class fee, shirt sale and donation helps keep the fund going.
Strike It Strong in the News
CBS 3 Philadelphia and local media have covered our self-defense workshops. Watch the clips below.
Our Sponsors
Local businesses that help us keep classes affordable and support women in crisis.
Join a class
Upcoming Events
Our self-defense primer for women meets the second Wednesday evening of each month through December at Kempo Martial Arts & Fitness in Cherry Hill, NJ. Women and girls 14 and up are welcome.
For businesses and groups
Bring a Strike It Strong workshop to your team
We teach situational awareness, confidence and practical self-defense to employee groups, colleges, professional associations and community organizations, in person or on Zoom. More than 200 women at EisnerAmper joined one of our virtual workshops from four countries.
News & Happenings
September 15, 2026
Strike It Strong Brings Self-Defense Training to Global Workforce Through EisnerAmper Virtual Event
More than 200 women in four countries participate in online empowerment and safety workshop CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Strike It Strong, ...
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September 15, 2026
Strike It Strong Announces New Home at Kempo Martial Arts and Fitness Studio in Cherry Hill, NJ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local nonprofit celebrates a new collaboration at Oct. 9th open house featuring self-defense demonstrations,...
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Change starts with your mindset. Shift it. Switch it.