About us

Wellness is not a luxury. It's a right.

The Fitness Initiative works at the intersection of movement, nourishment, and community belonging — for the people most often left out of conventional wellness spaces.

Our mission

Initiating positive, meaningful change

To empower economically disadvantaged individuals of all abilities with the foundational knowledge of the benefits and importance of healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle.

Physical fitness and healthy nutrition have been proven effective in the prevention and intervention of chronic health conditions. Yet so many in our community lack the resources to take advantage of that fact. We exist to change that — one person, one family, one partnership at a time.

The Fitness Initiative participants together after a class

Our story

Two people, one shared belief

The Fitness Initiative is the dream of exercise specialist Mido Zelenjakovic and board-certified pediatrician Cathy Hahn, MD. A former professional European volleyball player and coach, Mido earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. Dr. Hahn is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; she received her medical degree from Albany Medical College, a master's degree from SUNY Buffalo, and is a Cornell University graduate.

The two first joined forces in 2006 to open Rochester School of Fitness, a facility providing programming for people of all ages and abilities. The Fitness Initiative grew from what they saw every day: that the benefits of fitness and nutrition were out of reach for the neighbors who needed them most. TFI is their answer — a nonprofit built to carry that work into the wider community.

Leadership

Meet the founders

Mido Zelenjakovic

Founder & President

Exercise specialist and former professional athlete. Certified through the MedFit Network as a Medical Fitness, Adaptive Fitness, Geriatric & Lifestyle, and Parkinson's Fitness Specialist, and as a Certified Nutrition Coach.

Cathy Hahn, MD

Co-Founder

Board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Albany Medical College graduate whose clinical perspective grounds our programs in sound, science-based practice.

What guides us

Our values

Dignity first

Programming built with participants, not just for them — welcoming, judgment-free, and designed around real lives.

Rooted in science

Every class draws on evidence-based exercise and nutrition principles, led by certified professionals.

Stronger together

We collaborate with trusted local nonprofits rather than duplicate effort — extending reach and impact.

Interested in what we're building?

Whether you're a community organization, a healthcare partner, or a supporter, there's a place for you here.

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