Many might know the name Laila Ali, as the daughter of the former famous boxer Muhmammad Ali, but many might not see her as someone who made a name for herself in Women’s Boxing, is a great cook who appeared in the show “Chopped,” was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and was even a co host for American Gladiators.

The compassion Ali has to help others and what led her to work with others “started for me in my house watching my father,” Ali said. “I would know just from watching him,” she said. 

She was continuously in awe of her father’s strength and determination. “I’ve always been inspired by my father,” she said. “Watching him taught me that if you want something, you have to do the work it takes to get it.”

She is definitely her father’s daughter where she not only followed his footprints in the boxing ring but her courage and determination to be an entrepreneur, wife and mother, who wants what is best for her fans and the people she loves. 

Laila Ali was born on December 30th, 1977 to Muhmmand Ali and his third wife, Veronica Porché. She grew up in Miami Beach, Florida and later went to California to attend college, where she graduated with a Business Degree at Santa Monica College.

At the age of 16, Ali was a manicurist and opened her own nail salon before she started her boxing career. When she was 18 she started professional boxing. In her own career from 1999-2007, Ali defeated some of the most prominent women, who were known for their boxing, retiring with a 24-0 record. 

Ali has also been the past President of Women’s Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization that is supported by some of the biggest athletes in the world, including herself. With the help of WSF, Ali started promoting equality for women in professional sports to help women become confident with themselves as well as being healthy and strong. 

This led to her being a major voice for the 40th anniversary of Title IX which helps protect women’s rights to be included and treated fairly in collegiate sports. 

When Ali is home, she loves to be a home chef for her friends and family. She has previously been on the Food Network’s Show, Chopped as a celebrity contestant where she was a victorious champion. 

Over the years she has been on various cooking segments with people like Rachel Ray and Dr. Oz as well as winning an Emmy for her own cooking show called Home Made Simple, which airs on Oprah Winfrey Show.

However, this doesn’t stop Ali from challenging herself to achieve even more goals. She continues to encourage women to live an active lifestyle. On top of her cooking show and because of her passion for an active lifestyle, Ali decided to start her own lifestyle blog, “Laila Ali Lifestyle.” Her blog consists of regular post workout tips, recipes, DIY ideas and even family and marriage tips.  

Ali once said, “If you’re passionate about something, you believe in it, then you have to be consistent. And you have to put in the hard work that it takes to be successful.”

Today, Ali lives with her husband, a former NFL star Curtis Conway, in Los Angeles, CA with their two kids, son Curtis Jr. and daughter Sydeny. She continues to cook for her family, one of her favorite hobbies, as well as helping women’s equality.