Building stronger kids, one connection at a time.
Mentor highlights
David Gitman, 17
David has played ice hockey for 11 years and brings that same dedication to mentoring. “Seeing a younger athlete start believing in themselves reminds me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place,” he says.
Olivia Nanes, 16
Olivia has been running track for four years and brings that same focus and perseverance to mentoring. “Watching a younger athlete realize what they’re capable of is the best feeling,” she says. “It reminds me that progress always starts with belief.”
Kai Destine, 17
Kai has played basketball for 10 years and knows that true strength comes from perseverance. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall,” he says.
Greta Bass, 16
Mariia Vainshtein, 17
Mariia has been playing tennis for 11 years and brings both passion and perseverance to the court. “Confidence is the strongest muscle we train,” she says. Mariia believes tennis teaches valuable life lessons about patience, focus, and resilience, and as a mentor, she hopes to inspire younger athletes.
Avi Aloni, 17
Avi has been boxing for three years and has already competed in 11 fights. His journey is one of discipline and transformation, dropping from 240 pounds to 165 pounds. As a mentor, Avi hopes to help younger athletes find confidence through persistence, reminding them that progress takes time.
Greta Bass, 16
Greta has played volleyball for three years and believes mentorship is about growing together. “A mentor isn’t someone who walks ahead to show you how they did it,” she says. “A mentor walks beside you to show you what you can do.”
The Beginning
Growing up, I noticed how not every middle schooler had access to athletic programs outside of school. Many kids who loved sports simply didn’t have the opportunities or resources to keep playing. I realized that access shouldn’t define potential, and that sometimes, all a kid needs is someone who believes in them enough to show up.
Our Mission
Founded in 2024, Strong Kids Global has connected high school athletes with younger students through weekly virtual mentorship sessions on Zoom. Each session blends movement, conversation, and encouragement, giving kids the support and confidence to stay active and grow stronger.
The Future
We’re expanding to new schools and communities, training more mentors, and creating a network where every child, regardless of background, can feel seen, supported, and strong.
Our Team
Leeya Madar, Founder & Director
Leeya founded Strong Kids Global to connect student-athletes with underserved youth. She oversees national expansion, partnerships, and mentor development, ensuring every student feels empowered to grow stronger — inside and out.
Mireille Casimir, Social Worker & Founding Advisor
Ms. Casimir, a social worker has played a key role in building Strong Kids Global’s first chapter at James Madison High School. She continues to support SKG by guiding the on-site club’s growth and ensuring student progress aligns with our mission of mentorship and empowerment.
