Meet the El Paso Women Making Headlines in Boxing, TV & Music

We’re just one week into the new year, and El Paso is already in the national spotlight and it’s all thanks to three incredible women showing exactly how tough, talented, and unstoppable girls can be. 

First, there’s Stephanie Han, El Paso’s undefeated boxing star who is showing the world that determination and skill pay off in the biggest arenas. Then there’s Cindy Balandran, who is taking her talents to the global stage as a competitor on a hit Amazon Prime reality series, ready to go head-to-head with some of the strongest and smartest contestants around. And finally, Krystall Poppin is turning heads with her music, film, and community leadership and soon she will be earning official recognition from the city while inspiring audiences everywhere.

From the boxing ring to reality TV to the music stage, these El Pasoans are proving that our city produces world-class women ready to take on anything. These three women are having major “Mija, Yes You Can” moments and I am loving all of it!

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Meet Stephanie Han: World Boxing Champion

Earlier this year El Paso’s own Stephanie Han took the co-main event spotlight in San Juan, Puerto Rico, facing off against the legendary Holly Holm on the Amanda Serrano-Reina Tellez card.

Han, currently the WBA Lightweight World Champion, defended her title in what is considered her biggest fight to date, her second under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Holm, who returned to boxing in 2025 after a storied UFC career, brought the challenge, but in a display of skill, precision, and heart, Han won by unanimous decision, keeping her undefeated streak alive and proving she’s one of the best in the world.

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More than just a fighter, Stephanie is a role model

Outside the ring, Han serves the community as an El Paso police officer, dedicating her career to protecting and serving the city she proudly represents. She also balances her demanding career with being a mom and a wife, roles she often says are her greatest motivations. Her ability to juggle family life, public service, and a professional boxing career has made her an inspiration to many in the Borderland.

Han is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to encourage others to prioritize their well-being and speak openly about their struggles. Whether she’s defending her world title, patrolling the streets, or sharing her message of resilience, Stephanie Han continues to serve as a powerful role model and she is proof that strength comes in many forms and that El Paso women are truly built tough.

Stephanie Han recently announced that she would be defending her WBA lightweight world championship title against Holly Holm, but this time in her hometown of El Paso. According to Viva915.media, Han will put her title on the line May 30.

The bout is scheduled to be held at the El Paso County Coliseum and will be broadcast on ESPN.

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Meet Krystall Poppin: Making a difference through her music 

Fans watching Stephanie Han’s fight may have noticed a familiar face walking her to the ring: Krystall Poppin. Not only did she personally write a song for Han, but she also performed it live during Han’s entrance, making the moment even more unforgettable.

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The City of El Paso recognized her accomplishments in music, film, and community leadership with an official proclamation declaring “Krystall Poppin Day.” and to celebrate the proclamation, Krystall held the first-ever “Krystall Poppin For A Purpose Fest" to help raise fund for Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Krystall has always been proud of where she came from and whenever she gets the chance to give back to her community, she does. She was able to raise enough funds to help Our Lady of Assumption with repairs to their gym.

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Meet Cindy Balandran: Reality Competition Star

El Pasoan Cindy Balandran represented the city on the second season of Amazon Prime’s hit reality competition series, “Beast Games,” hosted by YouTuber Mr. Beast. Cindy was selected as one of fifty women on the ‘Strong’ team.

She competed against 200 contestants in mentally demanding, skill-based challenges for a chance to win $5 million, with an additional $10 million in prizes up for grabs.

Although Cindy didn’t make it as far as she had hoped, her participation is a testament to her strength, intelligence, and drive, putting El Paso on the map in the world of competitive reality TV.

If this is what week one looks like, I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for El Paso!