1989

Rich Tola founded The Boulevard Zen Foundation (BoulevardZen.com) to change the lives of women and children through yoga. The foundation provides yoga classes and lifestyle education to women and children survivors of domestic violence. The foundation teaches that yoga equals respect — empowering women and children by strengthening their self-esteem, self-respect, and physical well-being. Rich wants to expand The Boulevard Zen Foundation nationwide, expanding next to shelters on the East Coast.

After Kellogg, Rich went back to Wall Street and worked for Drexel Burnham Lambert. He also started an Internet company and was a New York City commercial real estate broker and community developer. When Rich tried yoga in 2005, he was hooked. His newfound passion for yoga changed his view of fitness and of himself, and helped him pursue his dream of being a filmmaker in Los Angeles. After making his first film, Boulevard Zen, Rich was inspired to start The Boulevard Zen Foundation.