About C.A.A.N Inc.
The C.A.A.N Ethos
Established 2015
Our Mission
"Our mission at C.A.A.N Inc is to empower professional combat sports athletes to lead successful lives outside the ring by providing essential advocacy and assistance to those combat sports athletes who are in need of these services.
Established 2015
Our Vision
Our commitment is to provide professional combat sports athletes with access to resources that prioritize the health and well-being of every competitor. By fostering a culture of safety, respect, and personal growth, we aim to empower athletes to reach their full potential, personally and professionally, while minimizing risks.
Join us in creating a community where performance and wellness go hand in hand.
Established 2020
Our Commitment
At C.A.A.N Inc, we are unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our athletes. We prioritize creating a secure environment that fosters growth, development, and excellence in sports.
Our organization is dedicated to supporting our member athletes through comprehensive resources and programs, while continuously promoting education on safety practices. Together We C.A.A.N ensure that every athlete can thrive both in and out of the ring/octagon.
We Pledge to...
At C.A.A.N Inc.
01
Utilize athletics as a tool for preventing crime and reducing criminal recidivism.
It has been determined that this mission can be most effectively accomplished by supporting and advocating for professional combat athletes (such as boxers and MMA fighters) and those aspiring to become professional athletes, including but not limited to individuals who are incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, facing legal issues, or have a history of criminal activity, as well as those who are legally at-risk.
02
Leverage athletics to champion social justice for marginalized and oppressed communities through fundraising and other initiatives.
These initiatives will be carried out under the social justice division of C.A.A.N., Inc., known as the Ripple of Hope Project.
C.A.A.N Inc. CEO
Ernest DiStefano is a distinguished former sports agent and a Certified Sports Counselor affiliated with the International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA). His experience includes serving as an Associate Baseball Scout for the Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Global Scouting Bureau (GSB).
From 2013 to 2017, Mr. DiStefano was a boxing manager and certified boxing coach for both Boxers and MMA fighters. He is the author of “The Athlete (A Success Guide for Parents, Coaches, and Student-Athletes),” published by Langmarc Publishing, and has contributed numerous essays addressing social justice issues within the realm of sports.
Additionally, he possesses over 44 years of professional experience working with criminal offenders. Mr. DiStefano holds three academic degrees, including both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Sports Management at Wilmington University in Delaware for twelve years and was a member of the Faculty Advisory Board for their Sports Management Program.
Recently, he achieved certification as a Human Rights Consultant at the United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR).
Ernest J. DiStefano, M.S.M.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
ADVISORY BOARD
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Curt Shockley
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Spencer Dunkley
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Dwayne Saunders
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Andre Buck
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Kamarah Pasley
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Dave Tiberi
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Daniel Masi
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Tonia Priestley
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Steve Wesley
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Dwayne Saunders
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Jacquie Richardson
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Bill Fletcher
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Peter Olney
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Tony Tolbert
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Zeb Stokes, Board Chair
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Frederick L. Barnes, III: Director At-Large
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Roy Foreman: Director At-Large
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Dade D. Werb, Esq.: Director At-Large
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David Barnes: Director At-Large
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Tonya Lanier: Director At-Large
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Michele Huntley: Director At-Large
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Derrick L Woods: Director At-Large
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Rachel Beck: Director At-Large