Raising the Bar: How the APEX PWR Women Support Each Other On and Off the Platform
This past weekend, something special happened at APEX PWR.
Coach Jessie, one of our beloved adult group fitness coaches, hosted a weightlifting meet through her nonprofit, Organizacion de Amigos. The event, called “Raise the Bar,” was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of strength, support, and giving back.
A Fundraiser With Heart
The “Raise the Bar” meet was hosted by Organizacion de Amigos, a nonprofit created by APEX PWR Adult Group Fitness Coach Jessie that uplifts youth and underserved communities through health, wellness, and mentorship.
Proceeds from the event help fund programs and experiences for youth in the Portland area. And the best part? Kids participated too.
Young athletes stepped up to the bar, after weeks of preparation by the Amigos team, and got to experience what it feels like to be strong, seen, and celebrated. From cheering on lifters to taking part in their own attempts, the youth were not just spectators — they were part of the story.
“This is why we do what we do,” Jessie shared. “When kids feel included, empowered, and supported, they grow not just in strength, but in confidence and community.”
Also there to support Jessie and her great cause, were two familiar faces, who also stepped up to the platform: Coach Adela, our expert in pregnancy and postpartum training, and Emily, one of our performance physical therapists. But this time, Emily wasn’t on the sidelines offering the athletes support. She was in the competition.
And she crushed it.
With a 58kg snatch and an 80kg clean and jerk, Emily took home first place in the women’s open division.
Women Supporting Women
What made this event even more meaningful was how it showcased the spirit of the Female Fitness culture at APEX PWR.
Emily was coached throughout the meet by Adela, who helped time each warm-up lift, reverse-engineer the game plan, and make sure Emily stepped onto the platform primed and ready to succeed.
“Adela helped me work backward from my goal,” Emily said. “She planned my reps, my weights, and timed everything to make sure I peaked at the right moment.”
This kind of collaboration isn’t rare at APEX — it’s our standard. From brand new lifters to elite athletes, and every stage of life in between, our team of women is here to support other women.
- Emily, a licensed physical therapist and certified USA weightlifting coach, specializes in helping athletes of all backgrounds overcome injuries, lift safely, powerfully, and get back to meaningful activity.
- Adela, a certified pregnancy and postpartum fitness expert, works with expecting and new moms to rebuild strength and confidence through one of life’s most amazing journeys.
- Iris, one of our youth speed and strength coaches, who’s also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, guides girls as young as 10 to build strong foundations in sport and training, on up to college athletes that are looking to take their performance to the next level.
- Jessie, group coach at APEX, CrossFit Level 1 certified, and founder of Organizacion de Amigos, fosters community and fitness equity through nonprofit events like this one (and more to come)!
Fitness for Every Phase
Whether you’re entering your first trimester, just entering high school, managing menopause, or finding your identity after years as a competitive athlete — we have someone here for you.
And we don’t just talk the talk.
Emily said it best:
“As a healthcare provider, it’s important to me to practice what I preach. But more than that, I want people to have fun with fitness. When it’s no longer enjoyable, it stops being meaningful.”
This event was about so much more than numbers on a barbell. It was about joy, confidence, and the freedom to push yourself in whatever way feels most like you.
Whether you’re lifting for the first time or chasing your next PR, you’ll find a community at APEX PWR that shows up, cheers loud, and lifts each other higher — literally.
Support Organización de Amigos
If you’re inspired by this event and the mission behind it, there’s more to come. Organizacion de Amigos continues to host events and raise funds to support youth and families through access to wellness, mentorship, and fitness programs.
To learn more about future events or to get involved: 🔗 Visit their website
🙏 Consider making a donation or attending a fundraiser 📊 Follow along and spread the word about their work
Together, we can lift our communities higher.
Want to learn more about how we support women through every chapter of life?
Explore some of the programs we offer:
📈 Youth Speed & Strength Training
🏋️ Pregnancy & Postpartum Fitness
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