Updated: June 28, 2025
How one young woman from Oaxaca is fighting for her future — and how you can stand in her corner.
Fighting for Opportunity in Oaxaca
In combat sports, the biggest barriers aren’t always physical. For athletes in underserved regions like Oaxaca, Mexico, financial limitations often hold back exceptional talent. That’s why Oax Sport exists: to support athletes with potential who lack the resources to compete.
Emily Barrera, 23, is one of those athletes.
Born and raised in Oaxaca de Juárez, with family roots in Magdalena Jicotlán (Mixteca region), Emily has dedicated her life to combat sports. She started with taekwondo and later moved into boxing, where she became a:
- 🏆 Three-time State Boxing Champion
- 🏋️ National Runner-up at the Salvador Sánchez Tournament
- 🏆 2024 State Kickboxing Champion
- 🏋️ Runner-up at the Oaxaca Roll Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
Last year, she transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — a sport that combines boxing, grappling, and submission techniques — after seeking self-defense skills in response to insecurity in her community. What began as recreational training quickly became serious.
“At first I was afraid to even step into the ring. Now I feel strong. MMA has given me confidence.”
Her coach recognized her potential and encouraged her to prepare for competition. Emily trains at Gallery MMA and Brazilian Warrior’s, two community-focused gyms in Oaxaca. She describes the environment as welcoming and supportive.
“We define ourselves as a family. There is mutual support, no judgment, and no one tries to bring others down.”
The Championship in Mexico City
Emily has the opportunity to compete in Campeón de Campeones 7, a high-level MMA event in Mexico City on July 13, 2025 — the most important fight of her life so far.
To get there, she needs to cover essential costs:
- Registration: $1,000 MXN
- Lodging: $1,500 MXN
- Transportation: $2,500 MXN
- Meals and daily expenses: $2,000 MXN
- Competition gear: $3,000 MXN
Goal: $10,000 MXN (~$530 USD)
How Oax Sport Is Helping
Oax Sport has already pledged $1,000 MXN from its general fund. The rest will be raised publicly.
We are a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. (EIN: 86-3407818) and a registered nonprofit in Mexico (RFC: OSP-230216-SG0). Our mission is to support athletes from underserved communities through transparent, accountable fundraising.
Read more about our mission at OaxSport.Org.
How You Can Support Emily
📢 Donate Online
https://givebutter.com/EmilyMMA2025
Every peso or dollar donated will go directly to Emily. We provide receipts and proof of use upon request.
💼 Bank Transfer in Mexico
Beneficiario: OAX SPORT
Celular vinculado a Dimo®: 9516526746
CLABE: 722969010427540112
Institución: Mercado Pago W
🌐 International Transfers
Bank details are available upon request. Please contact us through our contact form.
🏠 Other Donations
Visit our donation page. If no designation is made, we will contact you to confirm your intent.
Donor Benefits
When you give, you join a community supporting grassroots athletes.
Donors receive:
- A thank-you message or story from @EmilyBarrera01
- Public shoutout on @OaxSport social media
- Optional: Business or group mentions
- Name listed in campaign wrap-up
- Digital thank-you certificate
The Bigger Picture
This campaign goes beyond one event. It’s about opening doors for young women in sports.
Emily hopes to continue training, host self-defense workshops, and take part in social impact programs throughout Oaxaca.
“Every day I imagine myself winning. That’s what keeps me going.”
She has already inspired others to train, compete, and believe in themselves.
Full Transparency
This campaign is approved by the Oax Sport board and reviewed by our internal committee. 100% of what we raise goes to Emily.
Learn more: https://oaxsport.org/support-us/fundraisers/
All donations are processed legally and transparently. Receipts and follow-up reporting are available to all donors.
Final Word
Emily isn’t asking for luxury. Just a chance.
We’ve seen these campaigns work. Community donors have already supported athletes like Yamile Sánchez Guzmán, Mauricio Cantón Martínez, and Priscila Santos Jerónimo.
Now it’s Emily’s turn.
📅 Tournament date: July 13
🕒 Campaign deadline: July 12
Would you help a local athlete in your city? Share your thoughts with us.
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