"I have always felt that the most important thing is to be yourself. I refused (and still do) to dress "down" or downplay my femininity. I am who I am--take it or leave it. When you present yourself in a a pure, honest way--it works. There is no pretense, no falseness and no dishonesty. "

Sports managing and especially boxing has always had "the old boys club" mentality. What made you think that a woman could become a successful boxing manager?

I didn't know, initially, that I could be successful, but I knew I had to try. The field drew me in and I knew I had to make my mark. I felt that I was knowledgeable and capable and I set out to show the world (and myself) what a strong woman could accomplish.

As a woman, how hard was it cracking the male-dominated world of boxing? In some ways it was a tough nut to crack. But I also feel that being a woman had (and still has) certain unique advantages.

The new era seems to be about women being all that they can be. You changed expectations and set the bar for women wanting to break the mold. People refer to you as "one of the firsts" - how did you get to be where you are today? Perseverance, a thick skin and a streak of stubbornness. I am not easily dissuaded when I believe in something and I clamp down like a pit bull. It is my belief that being a woman is not an excuse for failure. Being a woman is an advantage and when used properly, femininity and all it encompasses is a GIFT. I have found that most women are clever, wily, and able to adjust quickly in tense situations.

This is one of those questions that would never be asked of a man, but it's hard not to notice the reality that you are an attractive woman, and for a lot of people that is what they see first. Did your looks ever get in the way? I don't think so. I am not Pam Anderson or Jessica Simpson. In my case, I feel that I am attractive enough to be noticed but not to the point of being a distraction. I think that had I been an overweight, unattractive woman I would not have been as successful. It's a sad fact of life, but looks do matter.

In the movie, "Against The Ropes," where Meg Ryan portrays you, the sexy outfits seem to be saying, "' can be strong, smart and sexy at the same time, and it takes nothing away from my ability to do what I want.' That is empowering for a lot of women as the stereotype is that in order to get ahead and be taken seriously, you must downplay and fit into somebody's mold or ideal. Any thoughts on this dilemma that women face each day?

I have always felt that the most important thing is to be yourself. I refused (and still do) to dress "down" or downplay my femininity. I am who I am--take it or leave it. When you present yourself in a a pure, honest way--it works. There is no pretense, no falseness and no dishonesty.

Strength, drive, tenacity and "I am not going to go away" mentality is an obvious part of your success, what else does Jackie Kallen bring to boxing or to a successful life in general? I have been blessed with a positive attitude and a strong sense of optimism. I always see a glass as half full and I believe that when one door closes--another opens. I smile a lot and never get rattled. I refuse to let people see me sweat so in a tense situation, I take a deep breath and move forward.

Where do you get your fighting spirit? Your outlook on life? My mother was my role model and she was a strong, feisty woman who had a strong presence and a rosy outlook. She taught me that anything is possible.

Do you have an example of a situation of how hard it was breaking into the boxing world or the kind of treatment you got? My favorite story was when, in Atlantic City, I was not allowed to get into the ring with my fighter after he won. I explained to the security guard that I was his manager, but he refused to let me enter the ring. A sportswriter sitting ringside yelled out to me, "Hey, Jackie, go put on a bikini. Maybe you can be a ring card girl. That will get you inside the ropes." I never forgot his comment and it gave me a lot of incentive and motivation.

When did you realize that you'd finally earn the boxing world's respect? In 1991, when James Toney beat Michael Nunn for the Middleweight Championship. I established myself that night as a manager to be respected and admired.

You are known as "The First Lady" of boxing, you've changed the face of the sport, you've received many honors, but is it still a struggle for acceptance? Sometimes. But I just put on a smile, walk tall and face the new challenge with strength and dignity.

The movie leaves out an important element--that at the time, you were married with children. It's important that people know that you have a career, marriage and motherhood going on just like any other woman.

I was disappointed that the movie did not show that side of my life. I felt they missed the most important point: That a woman can raise a happy family AND have a meaningful career. I have managed to do both and I believe many women can do it.

What else makes up Jackie Kallen's life? I do a lot of charity work with battered and abused women. I also run a boxing gym in the inner city for kids at risk.

Domestic violence ravages a woman's spirit and you speak out against this epidemic. What kind of message or hope does your voice of overcoming and standing up for yourself give to battered women? I have found that women respond to me in a positive way and that has encouraged me to devote more and more time to this cause. I believe that all women can dig up the inner strength to change their life and be all that they can be. It starts with self confidence, good self-esteem and the belief that YOU CAN DO IT!

You're also an advocate for women's health issues such as breast cancer and heart disease. How personal are these issues to you? Very. I have had two breast lumpectomies and I had an angioplasty and a stent implant.

Your book,"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" seems to be a recipe or a metaphor for dealing with whatever life throws at you and living your best life and coming out successful. Who will benefit from this book? I truly believe anyone can benefit from this book. I tend to read parts of it from time to time just to remind myself of the important lessons in life.

Obviously, you are an inspiration to a lot of people, to have inspirated a major motion picture. The thing that will strike a lot of people is that you have that drive and you took the road less traveled and made no apologies for that or being strong and attractive. What do you want people to know about Jackie Kallen that did not come across in the movie? I am driven...but compassionate. I am confident.....but humble. I am strong....but vulnerable. I love life and I believe there is good in all people.

On your personal journey, how do you celebrate your spirit? Leading each day at a time, doing as much good for the world as possible and sharing a positive outlook and pure spirit.

Back To The Cover       In Conversation

The Empowered Woman