The Californer - Armed With Purpose and Trained To Lead

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Nicky Dare Makes History as the First Indonesian-American Woman of Dutch Descent to Earn National Firearms and Active Shooter Preparedness Certifications in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Nicky Dare challenges traditional norms in a male-dominated field. Her leadership doesn't come from noise—it comes from action. Since 1997, Dare has trained and instructed civilians, law enforcement, first responders, and entire families in tactical safety, firearms proficiency, and crisis preparedness.

The Indonesian-American woman of Dutch descent earned national certifications in Rifle, Shotgun, and Handgun instruction, as well as Range Safety Officer and Active Shooter Preparedness. She's believed to be the first woman of her background in the U.S. to hold this combination of credentials.

She's not an influencer. She's a practitioner—leading real people through real-life crisis training, not chasing algorithms. Her expertise leads genuine individuals through authentic crisis scenarios because she doesn't focus on digital metrics.

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Her mission was born from trauma: a violent home invasion after weeks of stalking during her college years. That moment redirected her life, turning fear into discipline. She later wrote about it in her 2014 memoir *The Audacity of Veracity*, Chapter 5: "The Little Cat and the Big Bear."

Her tactical education started in 1997 at a four-day rifle course in California. Surrounded by five male active-duty Marines, SWAT, and law enforcement officers, she was the only woman in the class—and the one who stood out for her consistent, superior performance.

Dare went on to complete federal preparedness certifications, including FEMA's Active Shooter Response. She received her DOJ FSC Instructor status in 2012. Her training spans extreme terrains from Alaska to Nevada. Her courses have been taught across universities, churches, corporations, and global communities.

Through her nonprofit iDARE®, Dare has received media coverage from Western Outdoor News, Antelope Valley Press, and regional broadcasts. Her leadership extends beyond instruction—it's about building culture, confidence, and resilience.

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A demographic review highlights her unique position:
- Estimated 563 Asian-American female firearms instructors in the U.S.
- Fewer than 3 are Indonesian-American
- Only 1 has Dutch heritage, a certification history back to 1997, and completed tactical drills in extreme terrains

That one is Nicky Dare.

"She didn't inherit it. She earned it."

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This release recognizes Nicky Dare as a pioneering woman in tactical instruction and crisis preparedness. Her journey—rooted in survival, proven by action, and supported by federal and state-level credentials—has earned her a place in public safety history. She now leads a movement grounded in preparation, resilience, and truth.

Media Contact:
hello@nickydare.com
www.nickydare.club
LinkedIn: @nickydare
YouTube: @nickydare
X: @nicky_dare