We are thrilled to share the remarkable journey of Kali Reis, a true warrior both inside and outside the boxing ring. Kali graciously sat down with us for an inspiring interview on the Not Invisible podcast, where she candidly opened up about her path from adversity to becoming a champion boxer and actress.

"Every punch is a prayer. Boxing became my medicine and a way to pray for my people, representing and being a voice for the voiceless."

- Kali Reis

Kali Reis, an enrolled member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and a descendant of the Nipmuc and Cherokee Nations and Cape Verde Islands, hails from Rhode Island. Her childhood was marked by struggles, beginning at a young age when she faced exploitation in her neighborhood. To cope with these hardships, she turned to drugs and alcohol at just 11 years old.

Around the age of 12, Kali's life took a turn as she developed a deep fascination with boxing. She persistently asked a family friend to teach her, and thus began her journey. Training rigorously during her teenage years, she turned professional in 2008. Despite facing both victories and setbacks in her boxing career, Kali remained steadfast and recently clinched several world titles at junior welterweight.

For Kali, boxing is more than a sport—it's medicine and ceremony. Every punch she throws is a prayer, a dedication to representing and fighting for Native peoples. Being a role model and representing her community gives her purpose that transcends mere glory and financial gains. Kali has received heartwarming letters from Native youth who find pride in their identity watching her fights on TV.

Her boxing journey has been riddled with adversity, including a severe motorcycle accident in 2012 that kept her sidelined for over a year. Emerging from this dark period around 2014-2015, she realized that boxing offered her a platform to represent Indigenous peoples globally. She began infusing Native dances, drums, and regalia into her ring walks, inspiring a sense of pride and motivation in Native youth, especially those of mixed heritage.

Beyond the boxing ring, Kali made her acting debut in 2021 with a starring role in the award-winning film "Catch the Fair One." This movie, addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, struck a personal chord with Kali, who had recently lost her brother. Despite the challenges, she embraced the opportunity to raise awareness about this vital issue. Acting has now become a passion that runs parallel to her boxing career.

Earlier this year it was announced that Reis will play one of the lead roles in the latest season of HBO's "True Detective." Titled "True Detective: Night Country," Reis, playing detective Evangeline Navarro, and will star opposite Oscar-winner Jodie Foster.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the season premise is as follows: "When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the six men that operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace. To solve the case, Detectives Liz Danvers (Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Reis) will have to confront the darkness they carry in themselves, and dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice."

"True Detective: Night Country" is set to premier on Max in January 2024.

At 35, Kali Reis is showing no signs of slowing down. Currently holding world titles in two weight classes, she is on the path to becoming the undisputed super lightweight champion. Kali's advice to never set a ceiling on your dreams and find happiness in your purpose rings true for us all. She embodies talent, resilience, and authenticity, serving as an empowering example for Indigenous youth.

Kali emphasizes the importance of embracing all aspects of your identity. Her journey illustrates that there's a space for everyone—you just have to fight for it.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kali opened up about her personal journey of coming out to her religious mother as Two Spirit in her 20s. Despite the initial challenges, her mother grew to accept and understand. Kali underscores the significance of self-acceptance, introspection, and embracing both masculine and feminine energies.

Kali's advice to Indigenous youth who may feel out of place or discouraged is to focus on passion, learn from mistakes, surround yourself with supportive individuals, and never limit your potential.

Kali Reis aspires to blaze trails far beyond boxing, serving as an infectious spirit and a beacon of perseverance in the face of adversity, truly inspiring us all.