At Gail FORCE, we believe every person possesses unique potential, and we are committed to providing the essential tools and opportunities that help individuals unleash their inner strength, guiding them to shape their own destinies and positively impact their families, communities, and society.

Gail’s journey began at Sweetwater High School in Los Angeles, California. Her outstanding achievements earned her the honor of having the school’s stadium named after her. After high school, Gail joined UCLA, where she honed her athletic skills under the guidance of famed Track & Field Coach Bobby Kersee and achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 1988.

In 1988, Gail competed in the Seoul Olympics but faced significant health challenges during training. For two years, she suffered debilitating symptoms, was misdiagnosed, and ultimately was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Despite being told at one point she might lose her feet, Gail’s determination saw her not only regain her health but go on to win three Olympic Gold medals, becoming the last American woman to win the Women’s 100m at both the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Her achievements led to her 2011 induction into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Gail has devoted her life to health advocacy, motivational speaking, and philanthropy. She uses her experience with Graves’ disease to educate others on the importance of patient advocacy, early diagnosis, and health awareness. A motivational and keynote speaker, Gail addresses topics like Women’s Empowerment and Overcoming Adversity, partnering with various organizations to further her message.

In 2015, she co-authored Gail Devers: My Life in Story: Stronger, offering an intimate look into her life and the obstacles she overcame during her career. Her story was also depicted in the Lifetime movie Run for the Dream: The Gail Devers Story.

Today, Gail is a dedicated advocate, brand ambassador, and founder of the Gail Devers FORCE Foundation alongside her husband, Mike. Through FORCE, Gail and her team focus on community development and youth empowerment initiatives, including programs like Read Across America, Student Athlete Clinics, and Holiday Give-Back events. She continues to mentor aspiring athletes, volunteer, and contribute actively to causes close to her heart.

Gail resides in Atlanta with her husband and their two daughters. Her life, from personal achievements to professional dedication, reflects her commitment to giving back and mobilizing her family and network to make a lasting difference.

Through our foundation, we aim to equip individuals with the tools, resources, and opportunities to tap into their inner power and create a positive impact in their lives and communities.

Our work focuses on a variety of programs that promote financial, academic, and athletic growth, alongside community development. From the Read to Achieve literacy initiative and Student Athlete Clinics to the Holiday of Cheer program, we strive to make a lasting impact through both direct support and mentorship. Each program is designed to uplift individuals from all walks of life, providing them with the resources they need to overcome challenges, build healthy lifestyles, and contribute meaningfully to society. With Gail’s leadership, we have ambitious plans to expand our FORCE Enhancement Satellite Programs nationwide, creating more opportunities to change lives.

To bring these programs to life, we need the support of partners, donors, and sponsors who share our vision for a healthier, more empowered world. Your contributions help us expand our reach, develop new initiatives, and provide critical support to those we serve. Whether you’re a corporation interested in a sponsorship, a foundation aligned with our mission, or an individual donor, your involvement is essential to the work we do. By supporting FORCE, you play a key role in helping individuals build brighter futures and inspire positive change across generations.

We invite you to join us as a partner in this transformative work. Together, with your support, we can continue to break barriers and make an enduring impact on the lives of thousands. With Gail’s powerful story as our inspiration and the collective strength of our community, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to reach their potential and contribute to a thriving society. Join us at FORCE, and let’s make a difference, one life at a time