Clarissa Phalen was born to defy convention. Major in the National Guard, Detective with San Antonio Police Department, Top 5 Winner of The NPC Battle of Texas, Leadership Consultant, and single mom of 2, Clarissa leverages over a decade of training and experience to lead teams in demanding environments.

Clarissa first enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 24, after losing her dad, and biggest cheerleader, to prostate cancer. Being separated from her young children made her more determined to complete the mental and physical demands of basic training. Her only thought being “I have to get through this and get back to my kids. I’m going to die before I give up” as the ruck march and physical training wreaked havoc on her body causing stress fractures in both hips.

After returning home, and being forced on physical rehabilitation for the next year, Clarissa applied to the San Antonio Police Department.  Despite not being fully healed, she pushed herself to take advantage of the training where she deepened her leadership skills, graduating to the rank of Patrol Officer, laterally promoted as an Instructor at the Police Academy, and presently promoted to the rank of Detective. In 2014, Clarissa joined the National Guard and was promoted to the rank of Major in 2023.

Now Clarissa distills over 10  years of resilience and field-tested skills into leadership consulting and speaking nationwide. She's on a mission to empower others to defy limiting beliefs and lead with authentic confidence.