We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alicia Mathieu. Check out our conversation below.
Alicia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity is the most important. Intelligence is valuable, but I believe anyone can study, learn, and develop knowledge—most people are “smart” in their own way. Energy is also important, but if you take care of your body and mind, that naturally follows. Integrity, though, is different. It’s something that can’t be faked or easily taught, and it’s often overlooked. We live in a world where trust is fragile, and people are too often judged or misunderstood. That’s why integrity matters most to me—it builds trust, creates strong relationships, and allows everything else—intelligence and energy—to truly have impact
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure, I’m Alicia Mathieu, founder and president of Down to Defend. I founded D2D when my son was born with Down syndrome, I realized how deeply vulnerable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are—and I also saw how little support existed around safety, advocacy, and empowerment.
At Down to Defend, we educate and equip people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through safety classes, self-defense, CPR training, ISR (Infant Swim Resource), and healthy relationship education to help them live safer, fuller, more independent lives.
What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusion, customized trainings, and a heart-led approach: we believe everyone deserves the same toolkit of skills—regardless of ability—so they can protect themselves, make confident choices, and be seen with dignity.
Right now, we’re working on expanding our reach, deepening community partnerships, and innovating new classes that meet real needs in our network. I’m honored to tell the stories, break down barriers, and keep pushing so people with disabilities get the tools and the respect they deserve.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I want to be really vulnerable with this answer. The truth is, the world didn’t tell me who to be—I was just living in it, and honestly, living “of the world”. I was making poor choices and headed down a path that wasn’t very good for me. It wasn’t until I learned about my son Levi’s diagnosis that everything shifted. That’s when God’s calling on my life became undeniable.
From that moment, my purpose has been to empower others—truly anyone—to live out their dreams. I know it might sound cliché, but I believe with all my heart that you can do anything you set your mind to. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, keep God at the center, and you’ll soar higher than you ever thought possible.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was absolutely a time when that was my M.O.—I was always getting called out for not finishing what I started. (Even if it was a half-empty Coke can I used to leave lying around— Just ask my stepdad!)
But on a serious note, I still feel like giving up sometimes. It’s not easy starting something from the ground up, and there are days it feels like an uphill climb. But if I gave up, I’d never see the change I so deeply believe in. That’s what keeps me going.
Every day, I look at a sticky note on my computer with a quote from my mom that says, “If solutions were easy, there wouldn’t be problems.” That fuels my fire. It’s my daily reminder to push through, and it’s why I refuse to stop now.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I actually reached out to my closest friends for this question because I wanted the raw and real answer from them—and here’s what they said. One told me that what really matters to me is safety for vulnerable populations—not just people with IDDs, but kids, the elderly, and even those struggling with addictions. Another friend said they see me as someone driven by purpose, not just going through life on autopilot, but really wanting to do work that means something and creates a positive impact.
What meant the most to me was hearing that they notice it in the little things too—like how I’m quick to step up, show up, or offer help without anyone asking. That reminded me that purpose isn’t just about the big mission or the work I do, it’s also about how I love and serve the people right in front of me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my faith, my integrity, and my heart for people. Titles and things can come and go, but what lasts is the impact you make on others and the love you pour into them. For me, that looks like showing up authentically, being someone others can trust, and living out God’s calling on my life.
At the end of the day, I want to be remembered not for what I had or the role I held, but for how I made people feel—empowered, included, and worthy. That’s what will always remain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downtodefend.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/down2defend/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/down-to-defend/?viewAsMember=true
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Down2Defend
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/KrWpR5wX1jw?si=ji_GWsp2ADn9lohz
Image Credits
camilynne_photography
