Alexa Yanes
Co-Founder, Groundwork Foundation
Alexa Yanes is the Co-Founder of the Groundwork Foundation and a driving force behind its mission to create meaningful, community-driven impact through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, education, and global outreach.
With over a decade of training, Alexa has competed professionally at the highest levels of the sport around the world. Her accomplishments at black belt include winning the 2024 IBJJF Pan American Championship, reaching the finals of the Abu Dhabi World Pro, and earning multiple Abu Dhabi Grand Slam titles, among many other podium finishes. She has competed, refereed, and worked events at the sport’s most elite levels, giving her a deep, well-rounded understanding of Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mat.
Beyond competition, Alexa has taught seminars internationally, sharing her technical knowledge and competitive experience with athletes across different countries and cultures. She has also worked extensively in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA media, event operations, and brand partnerships, contributing to promotion, storytelling, and community engagement within the combat sports world.
During periods away from full-time competition, extensive travel exposed Alexa to communities around the world that lacked access to resources, training opportunities, and support. Those experiences became the foundation for her philanthropic vision—using Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle for service, connection, and long-term impact. Today, she actively leverages her platform, network, and experience to help Groundwork support athletes and communities in need.
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Alexa trains alongside championship-level professionals and remains embedded in one of the world’s most competitive combat sports hubs. As Co-Founder, she works closely with Founder and Executive Director Mike Calimbas to guide Groundwork’s strategic direction while staying hands-on with its programs, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.
