Backing Our Own: Why I’m Proud to Support Mikiah Kreps

There is something special about watching someone from your own community chase a dream at the highest level. That’s why I chose to support Niagara Falls’ own Mikiah Kreps as she prepares for one of the biggest moments of her boxing career. Mikiah first stepped into the ring at just 8 years old. Years of training, sacrifice, discipline, setbacks, victories, and refusing to quit have brought her to where she is today-preparing for a championship fight. I believe that kind of talent and tenacity represents the spirit of Niagara Falls.

Investing in the People Who Represent Us

Supporting people from our community who are working hard to accomplish something extraordinary is part of what community leadership should look like.

We talk a lot about investing in our neighborhoods- and we absolutely should. But we also have to invest in our people. Our athletes. Our entrepreneurs. Our young people. Our s

mall businesses. Our families. The people who wake up every day determined to build something better for themselves and for this community. Because when one of us succeeds, they carry a piece of Niagara Falls with them. I wasn't looking for anything in return when I decided to support Mikiah. That's why it meant so much when her family presented me with signed boxing gloves and a signed poster as a token of appreciation.

It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture, and something I’ll proudly hold onto. But the bigger story isn't about what I received. It's about what Mikiah represents.

The Fighting Spirit of Niagara Falls

Here is someone going after a championship who has been in the ring since she was seven years old- and she never stopped fighting. Think about the discipline that takes. The early mornings. The long training sessions. The sacrifices when nobody is watching. Getting knocked down and deciding to get back up. That drive and determination should inspire all of us. Because Niagara Falls has been knocked down a few times, too.

We've faced challenges. We've seen opportunities pass us by. And there are plenty of people who will tell you what Niagara Falls can't become. I refuse to accept that. Regardless of the odds, regardless of the challenges, and regardless of the situation, we have to keep fighting for a better Niagara Falls.

Fight for our neighborhoods.

Fight for opportunity.

Fight for our young people.

Fight for the small businesses and families who have invested everything they have into this community.

And most importantly, fight for the place we call home. That's the kind of culture I want us to build here-one where we recognize ambition, invest in potential, and celebrate our people when they succeed. We have incredible talent right here at home. Sometimes people simply need someone willing to believe in them and stand behind them.

So as Mikiah continues training for her championship fight, I want to give her a special shoutout: Keep putting in the work, Mikiah. Keep fighting. Niagara Falls is in your corner. Because when our people win, Niagara Falls wins.

MAPP the Way Forward.