Congratulations!
Fencing Forward is filled with pride this season as we celebrate four incredible members of our team who are graduating and stepping into an exciting new chapter of their lives. Saanvi Mallavarpu, Ramona Chuang, Ana Beckman, and Leon Dhal have each left a lasting mark on our organization, and we are thrilled to share that all four will be continuing their journey with us as members of our Advisory Fellows group.
Ana Beckman & Leon Dhal
Long before Fencing Forward became what it is today, Ana and Leon were the two who first believed it could exist at all. What started as an idea between them—a belief that fencing could be a vehicle for real opportunity and change—grew into the organization that has since equipped countless young athletes with gear, grants, scholarships, and mentorship. As co-founders, they didn’t just start something; they built it, piece by piece, event by event, alongside every teammate and supporter who joined along the way.
Even as founders, Ana and Leon never stepped back from the hands-on work. Their tireless leadership on the Fence-A-Thon and our gear drives helped turn early ideas into some of our most beloved and impactful annual traditions. It’s rare to find founders who remain so deeply involved in the day-to-day heart of an organization’s mission, and Fencing Forward is what it is today because of that commitment.
Saanvi Mallavarpu
From the moment Saanvi joined Fencing Forward, there was no stopping her. She jumped in headfirst, took the reins, and went ahead with securing and supporting our community grant work in Peoria—turning what could have been a daunting undertaking into one of our proudest achievements. Her initiative and drive helped extend Fencing Forward’s mission and resources to even more young athletes, and her willingness to lead rather than wait made a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
Ramona Chuang
Ramona was never one to be told what to do—and Fencing Forward is better for it. She brought a creative spark to everything she touched, from social posts to graphics, and had a natural instinct for what would resonate with our community. Ramona knew how to draw attention to all that we do, helping tell our story in ways that engaged supporters, celebrated our fencers, and brought new eyes to our mission. Her creative independence and vision helped shape the voice of Fencing Forward as we know it today.
Thank You
To all four of you: thank you for your time, your talent, and your heart for our mission. You have each helped give young athletes more than equipment and training—you’ve helped give them opportunity, community, and belief in themselves.
We are especially excited that your Fencing Forward journey doesn’t end here. As you join our Advisory Fellows group, we look forward to your continued guidance and support as we grow. Congratulations, and welcome to this new chapter—we can’t wait to see everything you go on to achieve, both for yourselves and alongside us.