On February 23, SafeD Athens and Empower Academy hosted a FREE Personal Safety Workshop for UGA students in memory of Laken Riley. This powerful session, led by Empower Academy founder Matthew Docchio, a UGA parent and former Green Beret, provided students with elite-level situational awareness, risk prevention techniques, and proactive safety strategies drawn from Special Forces training. The session provided students with a solid understanding of situational awareness, its application in daily life, and the importance of an analytical mindset in using it effectively.
Students learned how to think like a protector and recognize threats early, assert confidence in any situation, and avoid being a target while staying one step ahead. The workshop featured interactive and engaging activities, including escaping wrist restraints to learn how to break free from grabs and holds, using pepper spray and gel effectively to understand when and how to use them for self-defense, and hands-on safety exercises designed to boost confidence and preparedness.
This workshop is invaluable because it provides life-saving skills not covered in traditional self-defense classes, focuses on mental preparedness over physical techniques, making it accessible to all, and teaches practical, everyday strategies that can be used in real-world scenarios.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Matt Docchio and his team—Art and Gabe—Green Berets, parents, and dedicated protectors. Their unparalleled expertise and passion for safety empowered our students with critical skills that will last a lifetime. As fathers, they connected with students on a personal level, reinforcing the importance of proactive safety and a protector mindset.
We also thank the UGA Panhellenic Council for their support and Empower Academy for generously awarding 25 scholarships to the Panhellenic Council for future training opportunities. The knowledge and skills shared during this workshop will continue to impact the UGA community for years to come.
This event was held on the one-year anniversary of Laken Riley’s passing, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying committed to safety and awareness. Laken's legacy of resilience, strength, and intelligence is at the heart of this workshop, which honored these qualities. A heartfelt thank you to the Laken Hope Foundation for their invaluable insight and support. Donations to continue Laken’s mission can be made through their foundation.
De Oppresso Liber. To Matt, Art, Gabe, and all the veterans with Empower Academy—thank you for your unwavering commitment to defending freedom and protecting the innocent. Your dedication has made a lasting impact, and your efforts to improve campus safety must continue to spread to other universities.
To our incredible UGA students who participated—thank you for being engaged, eager to learn, and committed to your own safety and the safety of others. Together, we are building a safer future.
We extend our sincere gratitude to event sponsors—Safely, Women's Self-Defense Products, Heyward Allen Motor Company, RDY Basics, , and the Clarke House of Athens—for their generous support in making this event possible and their commitment to student safety.
If you’d like to order products from Safely, use code SDA for 20% off all items, including the patent pending Safely Sidekick. This lightweight device combines five essentials—pepper spray, a flashlight, an alarm, a secure grip, and a keychain/glass breaker—designed for convenience and confidence, especially great for runners and walkers.As an added bonus, RDY Basics is offering free haircare products using code SAFEDATHENS—just cover shipping and handling. If the code no longer works, it means the available orders have been claimed.
🎯 This is Not Your Typical Self-Defense Class!
No punching, kicking, or breaking boards—just real, proactive strategies to help you spot danger before it happens! Led by Empower Academy this workshop features Matt Docchio, a former Green Beret, and parent of a Dawg, along with a team of Special Forces veterans. Drawing from real world experience , they’ll teach you practical live-saving strategies, including elite-level situational awareness and risk prevention tactics — the same methods used by Special Forces operations to stay ahead of danger, stay safe, and in control.
What You’ll Learn
✅ How to think like a protector and spot threats early
✅ How to assert yourself with confidence in any situation
✅ How to avoid being a target and stay one step ahead
Interactive & Fun Activities
You'll also get to practice essential self-protection skills, including:
✅ Escaping wrist restraints—learn how to break free from grabs and holds
✅ Using pepper spray/gel effectively—know when and how to use it for defense
💪 Gain hands-on experience to boost your confidence and personal safety.
Why You Should Attend
🔹 Learn life-saving skills you won’t get in a traditional self-defense class
🔹 No physical techniques—just practical, everyday strategies that work
🔹 Open to ALL UGA students—because safety is for everyone!
🎉 Raffle Prizes—because why not?!
💥 Limited Spots Available! This workshop is 100% FREE, but space is filling up fast.
Reserve your spot now!
Stay aware. Stay prepared.
Stay safe. See you there!
We would like to thank our friends at Safely, RDY Basics, and the Clarke House Athens for their generous support and commitment to student safety!
