A Closer Look at Women’s Safety | Ready. Aware. Empowered.
Because empowerment includes preparedness.

February 11 | February 25 | March 11 
Hall of Fame Village | Center for Excellence, Chalk Talk Room (Virtual option is also available!)

This three-part Closer Look Series is a unique learning experience for women who want to feel prepared, not paranoid. Through a sequence of interactive workshops, participants will gain critical insights into self-defense, situational awareness, and responsible firearm knowledge. It’s about readiness, respect, and reclaiming confidence in a world where preparation is power.

Cost per session: Members: $15; Guests: $20

Session One | Active Assailant Response & Real-World Safety Strategies for Women

February 11 | 11:45 am – 1:00 pm

Instructor: Laura McWilliams, Massillon Police Department and School Resource Officer

Be prepared. Be aware. Be confident. Join Officer Laura McWilliams for a dynamic session designed to help women stay safe and proactive in any environment. Learn clear, actionable steps to take during an active-assailant incident, sharpen your situational awareness in everyday surroundings, and discover how to spot risks before they become threats. You’ll also gain timely digital safety insights to protect yourself online.

Session Two | Self Defense for Women

February 25 | 5:00 – 6:45 pm

Instructors:

Brittany Scala, Co-Owner of 36 Chambers Jiu-Jitsu
Isabella Klink, Women’s Instructor at 36 Chambers Jiu-Jitsu

Empower yourself with practical, effective self-defense skills designed specifically for women. In this session, Brittany Scala—martial artist and co-owner of 36 Chambers Jiu-Jitsu—will guide participants through essential techniques to help you stay safe, confident, and prepared. This session focuses on real-world physical self-defense, including:

• Striking techniques tailored for maximum impact
• Break-away moves to escape holds and grabs
• Simple, powerful maneuvers anyone can learn—no experience needed
• Strategies to stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively under pressure

Whether you’re looking to build confidence, strengthen personal safety skills, or simply learn how to protect yourself more effectively, this training offers tools you can use immediately.

Take control of your safety—your strength starts here.

Session Three | Women’s Gun Safety and Awareness:  Basic Gun Knowledge

March 11 | 11:45 am – 1:00 pm

Instructor: Lisa Gould, Certified Pistol Instructor

Empower yourself with the knowledge and confidence every woman deserves. This essential session introduces the fundamentals of firearm safety in a supportive, judgment-free environment designed specifically for women of all experience levels—especially beginners.

What You’ll Learn

• Types of Firearms: Handguns, revolvers, semi-automatics—understand their differences and how each function.
• Safe Storage & Locking Options: Best practices to keep firearms secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
• Safe Handling Procedures: Learn how to confidently handle, load, unload, and inspect a firearm with proper technique.
• Universal Gun Safety Rules: The core rules every responsible gun owner and household member should know.
• Ammunition Basics: Understand bullet components, calibers, and how to choose appropriate ammo.
• Basic Ohio Gun Laws: A simple overview of what is legal and what is/isn’t required.
• Gun Owner Insurance: Explore coverage options and personal protection insurance may be a good idea.

Why Attend?

This session is perfect for women who want to build foundational knowledge, feel more confident around firearms, or are considering gun ownership. Whether you’re brand new to firearms or looking to strengthen your safety skills, this course gives you the tools to make informed, responsible decisions.

Sponsored by The Hall of Fame Village

Presenters:

	Laura McWilliams has been with the Massillon Police Department for about a year and a half now. Currently, she is the School Resource Officer for the Massillon Middle School.  She is a graduate of Kent State University with an Associate’s degree in Criminology in 2021, and her goal is to become a Sex Crimes detective.
	Brittany Scala, MSW, LSW, has worked in Mental health for 15 years and with traumatized youth in therapeutic foster care for 12 years. She is currently a Program Director for Ohio MENTOR has extensive knowledge of trauma and mental health disorders in children. Brittany has a BA in psychology and Masters in Social work; both obtained from Youngstown State University. She also minored in criminal behavior during her time as an undergrad. She has been practicing Jiu Jitsu for two years and earned her blue belt in June. Last year, she helped establish a 503c Non Profit to help pay for Jiu Jitsu memberships for At-Risk Youth and is currently the President.
	Isabella Klink prides herself on her work as an Airplane Maintenance Technician for Flexjet where she’s been for 7 years working on a fleet of private jets. She obtained her Airframe and Powerplant certification under the FAA from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Pittsburgh, PA along with her Associates in Specialized Technology. Izzy is a 3-stripe Blue belt and has been practicing Jiu Jitsu for 4 years. She is the Women’s Instructor at 36 Chamber’s Jiu Jitsu Academy in Youngstown, OH and actively competes at grappling industries, IBJJF & as well as super fight.
	Lisa Gould is a seasoned business executive with nearly 15 years of leadership experience in Stark County. Alongside her professional career, she has developed a strong commitment to shooting sports and firearms education. Lisa actively participates in pistol shooting and training, sporting clays, and deer hunting. Over the past eight years, she has completed extensive coursework in pistol shooting and firearm safety, culminating in her certification as a National Rifle Association (NRA) Certified Pistol Instructor. Lisa is dedicated to promoting responsible firearm ownership, safe handling practices, and practical skills training. Her instruction emphasizes safety, confidence, and informed decision-making for shooters of all experience levels. Lisa earned her MBA from University of Northwestern Ohio and her BS from Kent State University. She and her husband, Matt, have three grown children, 6 grandchildren, and live in Alliance on a 38-acre tree farm where Matt makes pure Ohio maple syrup!