Kaitlyn Marie Thomas
Founder & President, Future Champions Initiative (FCI)
Founder & CEO, Roll Gear LLC
Originally from Iowa, Kaitlyn Marie Thomas is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth empowerment through martial arts. As the Founder and President of the Future Champions Initiative (FCI), Kaitlyn provides youth with opportunities to build discipline, resilience, and confidence through structured martial arts programs. Her vision for FCI is to remove financial barriers, foster mentorship, and create a strong community where young individuals can thrive both on and off the mat.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Kaitlyn is also the Founder and CEO of Roll Gear LLC, an eCommerce brand specializing in premium martial arts and combat sports gear. With a focus on quality, durability, and performance, Roll Gear LLC is designed to support athletes at all levels, offering GIs, rash guards, training bags, and more. She actively collaborates with martial arts schools, ambassadors, and nonprofit organizations to integrate her brand into the martial arts community.
A United States Navy veteran, Kaitlyn served for 12 years, holding roles in aviation operations, secure facility management, and departmental supervision. She brings her military leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and passion for service into both FCI and Roll Gear LLC.
Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in GIS from Old Dominion University and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Regent University. She also holds certifications in Google Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, and FEMA Incident Command Systems.
Through her leadership at FCI and Roll Gear LLC, Kaitlyn continues to champion youth development, martial arts accessibility, and community engagement, making a lasting impact in the lives of young athletes and martial artists.
Keoni Nery
Co-Chair, Future Champions Initiative (FCI)
Originally from Virginia Beach, Keoni Nery brings over a decade of expertise in martial arts instruction and school management to his role as Co-Chair of the Future Champions Initiative (FCI). As a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor and brown belt, Keoni is deeply committed to empowering students through martial arts training, instilling discipline, confidence, and resilience in young practitioners.
Keoni serves as the Lead Instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Virginia Beach, where he oversees the **Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Bullyproof Program, mentoring youth in self-defense, confidence-building, and personal growth. In addition to his leadership in youth programs, he also teaches a variety of adult Jiu-Jitsu classes through the Gracie Academy, ensuring students of all ages receive top-tier instruction.
As the Academy School Manager, Keoni is responsible for the daily operations of the training facility, ensuring a high-quality and structured learning environment. His role involves program development, instructor oversight, and maintaining the academy’s commitment to excellence in martial arts education.
At Future Champions Initiative (FCI), Keoni spearheads youth martial arts programs, providing underserved communities with structured training opportunities that emphasize discipline, confidence, and resilience. As Co-Chair, he plays a pivotal role in community engagement, working to expand access to martial arts training for at-risk youth and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of martial arts.
Keoni has a particular passion for working with individuals on the ADD, ADHD, and Autism spectrum, helping them thrive through the structured discipline of martial arts. His dedication to mentorship, leadership, and community impact makes him an invaluable asset to both FCI and the broader martial arts community.
Kari L. Frerichs
Secretary, Future Champions Initiative (FCI)
Originally from Iowa, Kari L. Frerichs brings nearly three decades of experience in education, mentorship, and community service to her role as Secretary of the Future Champions Initiative (FCI). With a deep passion for academic excellence, literacy, and student advocacy, she has dedicated her career to empowering youth—particularly those in underserved communities.
Kari holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Westmar University, a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) focusing on School Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education from Morningside University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education (EdD) at Capella University, specializing in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment—further enhancing her ability to drive meaningful change in education.
Throughout her 27-year career, Kari has worked as an English teacher, administrator, and mentor. She has extensive experience in low-income schools and residential treatment facilities, specializing in behavioral health, mental health, and addiction recovery. This experience in challenging environments has sharpened her ability to help students overcome adversity and develop the resilience they need to succeed.
As FCI Secretary, Kari plays a crucial role in governance, record-keeping, and program development, ensuring the organization operates effectively to empower youth through martial arts, mentorship, and community engagement. Her unwavering commitment to educational equity, mentorship, and lifelong learning makes her an invaluable asset to FCI and the young individuals it serves.