About Our Founder

As president and founder of Down to Defend, Alicia Mathieu has put her heart and soul into ensuring that those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with the proper resources to live a safer and more fulfilling life.
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Alicia is the mother to three children, one living with Down syndrome. When she received her son Levi’s diagnosis, she was empowered to change the gut-wrenching statistics that she unveiled during her research. She found that people living with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times more than those without disabilities.

​As her motherly instincts kicked in, Alicia knew something needed to be done. Her ambition and drive are a force to be reckoned with, she will not stop until the statistics are changed. ​

Awards

​National Down Syndrome Society "2024 Organization of the Year"

Pay It Forward

Alicia Mathieu received "Pay it Forward Person of the Month" by FOX 17 News

​The three arrows represent the three sets of chromosome that people with Down Syndrome have. The arrow pointing up also symbolizes raising up and moving forward.

Testimonials

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"The drive that Alicia presents is contagious. Being her son's #1 advocate, she breaks down boundaries and walls to provide education and other resources for both those with intellectual disabilities and their friends and family. As she continues to push, I see big things happening for her and the community."

Janine Rosloniec

Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Enriched Living of Michigan

"I have been instructing martial arts classes for over 25 years, working with both children and adults. The "Down to Defend" group is by far one of my favorites. The joy I receive from merely seeing the smiles when the walk in the door is immeasurable. It is priceless to see the confidence they display when they accomplish a task, and they are unbelievable in the way they encourage one another. It is a pleasure to work with this group"

​Sensei Lisae

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