Hailee Bland-Walsh, the owner of City Gym, has been named a Professional Ambassador by Athlete Ally, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending homophobia and transphobia in athletics.

Bland-Walsh, a former pro soccer player, has won national attention for a fitness program that she created for transgender men. It was highlighted earlier this year in a Google television ad.

“Athletics has long played a role in social change,” said Bland-Walsh. “As a proud Athlete Ally, I am honored to have the opportunity demonstrate the power and importance of inclusion and equality. Real change happens when people stand together for the greater good.”

Bland-Walsh joins more than 130 professional ambassadors, a group that includes athletes in pretty much every major sport. Andy Roddick, Yogi Berra, Abby Wambach and Martina Navratilova are just a few of the people who have worked with Athlete Ally.

“Each Ambassador has an amazing story, educates others and speaks to the positive impact that inclusive fitness and sports environments can have on individuals and communities,” said Hudson Taylor, the founder and executive director of Athlete Ally.

City Gym is a past winner of Thinking Bigger Business Media’s 25 Under 25® Award.