Free to Move was founded in honor of Dr. Alyssa Lokits, a beloved advocate whose unwavering love for others, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to progress left a lasting impact. Alyssa was a strong, independent, and compassionate person who deeply cared about empowering others, especially women. Her commitment to safety, support, and community continues to inspire us every day.

Alyssa loved running and holistic health, and she always believed in the importance of physical activity for both mind and body. Tragically, her life was taken in a senseless act of violence while she was simply out for a run, a place where she felt safe and free. 

Lokits was murdered while jogging on the Mill Creek Greenway in Antioch on October 14, 2024. Her family launched “Free to Move,” a nonprofit that’s goal is to “empower women to be active without fear,” in the wake of this tragedy.

Alyssa’s legacy lives on through our mission to foster a safer, stronger world for women, focusing on their safety, empowerment, and education. We are committed to carrying her vision forward by creating a community where women can be free to exercise, move, and live without fear.

The first event hosted by the nonprofit was “ Alyssa’s Free to Move 5/10K, which took place on March 8, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.