Ila is a living example of dreaming big and accomplishing seemingly unattainable goals. Ila was the first female to receive a sports scholarship to play men's college baseball. She played 4 years and became the first woman to win a men's college baseball game. Ila impressed the St. Paul Saints and Mike Veeck with her talent and determination, resulting in her becoming the first female to compete and win a men's professional baseball game. Ila played 4 years in professional baseball and is featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in Cooperstown, NY). 

Ila now supports and protects her community as a first responder. She is a Captain/Paramedic in Portland, OR and is a part of the Recruitment and Retention team. Additionally, Ila works as an international baseball coach and puts on firefighting camps. She has coached for USA Baseball and MLB programs like Trailblazers and Grit and will be coordinating efforts to produce "Fire Up Bootcamps" which looks to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the fire service.

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Ila has given scores of keynotes to audiences large and small all over the world, 

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