Cultivating Confident Women. Strengthening Communities.

Take Up Space Foundation creates transformative, community-rooted experiences for women across Jefferson County and the surrounding regions.

Transformative Experiences for Growth and Leadership

Our programs are designed to strengthen confidence, cultivate authentic leadership, and build meaningful community connection.

Transformational Events and Workshops

What It Is: Our events and workshops create intentional spaces where women gather to grow in confidence, leadership, and self-awareness. From intimate workshops to large-scale summits, each experience is thoughtfully designed to provide practical tools and meaningful connection.

What It Builds:
• Confidence to lead with clarity
• Healthy boundaries in personal and professional life
• Practical leadership skills
• Authentic connection with other women
• Clear direction for growth

Why It Matters: When women strengthen their voice and leadership capacity, families, workplaces, and communities benefit. These experiences create ripple effects that extend far beyond the room.

Resources for Empowerment

What It Is: Through curated digital tools, guides, and educational content, we provide accessible resources that support women in building confidence, setting boundaries, and navigating growth seasons with clarity.

What It Builds:
• Self-awareness and clarity
• Practical boundary-setting skills
• Confidence in decision-making
• Leadership mindset
• Personal accountability

Why It Matters: Accessible resources ensure that growth is not limited to those who can attend events. By removing barriers to development tools, we expand opportunity and strengthen women across our region.

Sponsorship and Accessibility Opportunities

What It Is: We partner with businesses, donors, and community leaders to provide sponsorships and financial accessibility opportunities that open doors for women to participate in transformative experiences.

What It Builds:
• Equitable access to growth
• Stronger community partnerships
• Shared investment in women’s leadership
• Sustainable program expansion

Why It Matters: When financial barriers are removed, more women can access the tools and community they need to thrive. Sponsorship is not charity. It is a direct investment in strengthening families, workplaces, and our broader region.

Community Connection and Advocacy

What It Is: We cultivate meaningful community through networking events, collaborative partnerships, and advocacy initiatives that bring women together in shared purpose and leadership.

What It Builds:
• Supportive peer networks
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Regional leadership visibility
• Long-term community cohesion
• Shared momentum for growth

Why It Matters: Strong communities are built through connection. By bringing women together across industries and life stages, we strengthen the leadership ecosystem of Jefferson County and the surrounding regions.

Change the World
Through Local Impact

Every dollar you give supports a woman who is doing everything she can to survive—but deserves the chance to thrive.

She might be working two jobs to keep the lights on and food on the table, pouring everything into her family while putting herself last.
She might be navigating a career change after burnout or layoffs, desperately wanting to grow but unable to afford the support she needs.
She might be a single mom rebuilding her life after leaving an abuser, focused on safety, not self-development.

Or she might be one of the many women who’ve been told for too long that investing in themselves is a luxury—not a right.

At Take Up Space Foundation, we believe that every woman deserves access to tools, support, and community that can help her heal, grow, and rise—not just the ones who can afford it. Your donation removes the financial barrier and opens the door to transformation.

This isn’t about charity. It’s about equity.
It’s about giving women the chance to reclaim their voice, their worth, and their future.

Thank you for helping us hold that space.

Creating SPACE Together

We are proud to recognize the partners helping us build confidence, leadership, and community for women across all walks of life.

Creating SPACE Together

We are proud to recognize the partners helping us build confidence, leadership, and community for women across all walks of life.

S

SUPPORT

A starting point for giving back and increasing access.

P

pOSSIBILITY

Creating opportunities for women to grow and step forward.

A

AUTHENTICITY

Supporting women in showing up fully and confidently

C

cONFIDENCE

Encouraging leadership, visibility, and bold action.

E

EMPOWERMENT

Driving lasting impact at the highest level of partnership.

Interested in joining our partners?

Why Partner With Us?
Together, We’re Changing Lives.

Your Impact Is Real and Measurable.

Every dollar, every action, and every partnership drives tangible change. From women setting boundaries for the first time to reclaiming their voice, your involvement has ripple effects that transform lives and communities.

We Don’t Just Empower Women—We Create Movements.

When you work with us, you’re not just supporting programs—you’re fueling a movement that helps women rewrite their stories, take up space unapologetically, and inspire others to do the same.

We Meet Women Where They Are.

Our programs are built with real women in mind—meeting them in their moments of doubt and helping them find their power through accessible tools, workshops, and community support.

Together, We Build a Brighter Future.

By working with us, you’re not just making an immediate impact—you’re investing in generational change. Women empowered today create stronger families and communities tomorrow.

Testimonials

Meet Our Award Winners

Celebrating the extraordinary women at our 1st annual event for their outstanding impact, leadership, and heart.

1ST RUNNER UP

Stephanie Macke

WINNER

Kimberly LaForte

2ND RUNNER UP

Stephanie Snyder

Kristin LaBar

Melissa Tousley

Rachel Huntsman

Alexa Bennett

Meet Our Award Winners

Celebrating the extraordinary women at our 1st annual event for their outstanding impact, leadership, and heart.

WINNER

Kimberly LaForte

1ST RUNNER UP

Stephanie Macke

2ND RUNNER UP

Stephanie Snyder

Kristin LaBar

Melissa Tousley

Rachel Huntsman

Alexa Bennett

Why We Exist: The Numbers Don’t Lie

1 in 4 women

1 in 4 Women struggles with setting boundaries, leading to burnout and resentment in their personal and professional lives.

Over 50% of Women

Over 50% of Women admit to holding back their true thoughts at work due to fear of judgment or rejection.

63% of Women

63% of Women say they struggle with self-doubt that prevents them from pursuing their goals.

60% More Time

Women Spend 60% More Time than men prioritizing others’ needs over their own, contributing to feelings of invisibility and isolation.

Financial Barriers

Financial Barriers prevent millions of women from accessing personal development tools and events that could empower them to take the next step.

Unapologetic Voices: Empowerment in Action

Explore bold stories, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights designed to inspire women to reclaim their voice and take up space unapologetically. From boundary-setting tips to real-life transformations, this is where empowerment begins.

Ready to Stop Shrinking Yourself? Let’s Change That.

The Take Up SPACE Toolkit is here to help you do exactly that—take up space. It’s packed with simple, no-BS tools to help you set boundaries, kick self-doubt to the curb, and finally start showing up as the unapologetic version of yourself. Think of it as your go-to resource for reclaiming your voice and stepping into your power—without any fluff or guilt.

Stephanie Macke

Stephanie Macke is a powerful advocate for authenticity, empowerment, and connection. Through her resilience, compassion, and honesty, she creates spaces where others feel seen, valued, and safe to embrace every part of themselves. As a survivor and someone navigating the realities of limb loss, Stephanie leads with strength and vulnerability, inspiring others to live boldly and authentically. From hosting wellness circles for women navigating trauma to mentoring youth through 

after-school programs, she shows up with empathy, intention, and genuine care. Stephanie’s impact comes not from seeking recognition but from her unwavering commitment to supporting others and creating spaces rooted in trust, healing, and self-acceptance.

Kimberly LaForte

Kimberly LaForte is a voice guide, visibility coach, motivational speaker, and founder of Vocal Honey™, helping women step into sacred self-expression and unshakable presence. With over 20 years of experience in psychology, neuroscience, and Eastern philosophy, she blends somatics, vocal energetics, and strategic coaching to help speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs hold the power of their message. Her signature approach—fusing science and spirit—transforms how women show up on stage, in business, and in life.

Stephanie Snyder

Stephanie Snyder is the founder of the Kindness in Bloom Project, a grassroots community initiative that encourages human connection and intentional acts of kindness. What began as a small stand outside her home has now grown into a larger movement with Bloom Stations cropping up to encourage written words of kindness to uplift spirits, inspire growth, and remind people of their own strength. Inspired by her own healing journey, Stephanie began quietly creating reminders for others that they

matter-often recognizing silent struggles, responding to people in difficult moments, and showing up for others in meaningful ways. Guided by the belief that nobody is undeserving of kindness, her work focuses not only on public outreach, but also on the quiet, deeply personal moments of human connection that often happen behind the scenes.

Kristin LaBar

Kristin LaBar is a dedicated teacher, successful realtor, and community supporter, known for her strength and resilience. After surviving a life-threatening golf cart accident in 2021 and recovering from a traumatic brain injury, she returned to teaching and thrived in real estate. In 2024, while supporting her mother through cancer and enduring loss in 2025, Kristin remained committed to her family, friends, and community. She balances two demanding careers and actively participates in local events 

and charitable causes, including serving on the auxiliary board for Encompass. Kristin exemplifies compassion, generosity, and grace, making a lasting positive impact on those around her.

Melissa Tousley

Melissa Tousley is a portrait photographer and community leader, known for founding Sarissa Melissa Photography and NNY Women Who Lead. She has empowered individuals in Northern New York through photography, exhibitions, and workshops. Originally from New York City, Melissa has a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandise Management and has previously worked in radio marketing. She serves on the board of Watertown First and has volunteered with the

American Heart Association. Since establishing her photography business in 2010, she has gained recognition for creating authentic portrait experiences and fostering community connections. NNY Women Who Lead supports women by facilitating networking and collaboration, and Melissa aims to expand this initiative through various empowering events.

Rachel Huntsman

Rachel Huntsman is a coach and therapist who inspires women to surpass limits and embrace physical and mental strength. She empowers them to overcome challenges and confidently step into their power. Through her coaching, she fosters courage and personal growth, while her therapy work helps individuals manage overwhelm and reconnect with themselves. Rachel brings both discipline and warmth to every role she holds as a wife, mother, friend, and martial arts student. She beautifully embodies what it means to be both feminine and fearless.

Alexa Bennett

Alexa Bennett is a devoted community advocate, volunteer, wife, and mother, known for her impactful contributions. After stepping back from a high-profile executive role to focus on family, she has continued her leadership through service and advocacy. Lex has volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Watertown Urban Mission, supporting initiatives like Cinderella’s Closet, and helping to organize special events like the Dueling Pianos fundraiser. She is recognized for her reliability, compassion, and resilience, inspiring others to lead with purpose, kindness, and integrity.

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