Legacy: Our Why
_edited.jpg)
Free to Move was founded in honor of Dr. Alyssa Lokits, a beloved advocate whose unwavering love for others, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to progress left a lasting impact. Alyssa was a strong, independent, and compassionate person who deeply cared about empowering others, especially women. Her commitment to safety, support, and community continues to inspire us every day.
​
Alyssa was an active woman who loved running and holistic health, and she always believed in the importance of physical activity for both mind and body. Tragically, her life was taken in a senseless act of violence while she was simply out for a run, a place where she felt safe and free.
​
Alyssa’s legacy lives on through our mission to foster a safer, stronger world for women, focusing on their safety, empowerment, and education. We are committed to carrying her vision forward by creating a community where women can be free to exercise, move, and live without fear.
Mission
Empowering women to be active without fear.​
Vision
We envision a world where every woman moves confidently, free to pursue her ambitions without fear—supported by groundbreaking safety innovations, empowering education, and a strong, united community.
who we are and why it matters
Free to Move was born out of tragedy to build a legacy.
​
We believe that by identifying and addressing safety concerns and barriers to accessibility, we can develop actionable strategies that drive real change.
Through comprehensive research, inclusive education, equitable resource sharing, and community engagement, we aim to create safer outdoor spaces and
empower women to move without fear.
​
We are creating lasting change in the world by focusing efforts in four, key areas.
​
research. education. advocacy. empowerment.
Research
The data on women’s outdoor safety is lacking. We plan to change that. From conducting a nationwide survey to community focus groups alongside Vanderbilt University, we are digging in to identify specific changes needed to make our outdoor spaces safe.
Education
We’re here to equip women with the tools they need to feel as safe as possible while moving outdoors. Our educational programming is designed around three
interdependent strategies that meet people where they are—emotionally, physically and socially. We explore each core safety strategy through accessible, video-based resources that support prevention, preparedness, and confident decision-making—without amplifying fear.
Advocacy
We believe deeply that through community and connection we can create meaningful change. Our approach to creating lasting impact is grounded in a systemic framework that empowers individuals, activates communities, and complements infrastructure improvements.
Empowerment
We want women everywhere to get outside and move in whatever way feels most fulfilling. In 2026, we will partner every month with a walk/run club or community partner event to gather women in movement, sharing Alyssa's story and spreading awareness about our mission.
