Andrea Badillo

... is my lived experience overcoming adversity, infertility, depression, injuries, & becoming the first person in my family not to be diagnosed with diabetes. Life is full of curves & challenges. Through those experiences, I’ve learned not only how to endure change, but how to confront, grow, and lead through it. My passion deepens when I'm able to share strength with others. I believe true strength isn't just personal, it's transferable and can be shared and borrowed.

I love my group HIIT classes. My gym family is the most amazing community, & it became a way for me to overcome my injuries in a safe & friendly environment. My ultimate favorite training time is taking walks with my husband or sister. We almost never miss a weekend getting in our miles. These walks are so important because it's fitness but it's also quality time & great for emotional and mental wellness to just live in the moment with great discussions. Healthy food choices are up there too!

I have always lived "by the book and had the career and the plan". However, that landed me years of being unhappy & unhealthy. Over the last year, that logic has been replaced with self-care, family-time, healthy habits, and a new business. So, I would love to use this money to take a much-needed anniversary vacation with my husband of 20 years and invest in my new gym as a first-time small business owner.