Lissette Medina

Lissette Medina is a single mother of four boys whose life has come full circle through boxing and community involvement. At 12 years old, she joined the Pembroke Pines Police Athletic League boxing program in 1998, an experience that left a lasting impression and included the unforgettable moment of meeting Muhammad Ali. Years later, as a mother, she returned to the PAL program to give her sons the same structure, mentorship, and positive environment that once shaped her.

When the Pembroke Pines PAL closed, she moved her boys to the Davie PAL boxing program to keep them engaged and focused. It was there, in 2018, that she met Jeffrey Poritz, who shared her commitment to helping her sons succeed both inside and outside the ring.

Lissette’s involvement grew beyond being a parent in the stands. She began volunteering with both the Pembroke Pines and Davie PAL programs and later became a certified USA Boxing official, serving as a judge and ring supervisor. She now also serves as Secretary of the local boxing commission, where she continues to advocate for youth and amateur boxing in her community. Her personal experiences and values align closely with the mission of Bay to Bay Youth Boxing Education Foundation, a nonprofit created to provide mentorship, education, and athletic opportunities to underprivileged and at-risk youth. Lissette believes deeply in the work being done—not only because it makes a difference, but because she has seen its impact firsthand.