On May 31, 2026, our community gathered at Garland City Beer Works in Watertown for the first annual Take Up Space Awards.
The event was created to recognize women whose leadership, resilience, authenticity, and service are making an impact throughout Northern New York.
We received nominations for 29 incredible women, each with a story worth celebrating.
These women are building businesses, supporting families, mentoring others, advocating for their communities, overcoming barriers, and creating opportunities for the people around them. The Take Up Space Awards gave us an opportunity to pause, say their names, share their stories, and make sure their contributions were seen.
Although only a few women would take home an award, every nominee deserved to be recognized. Their stories reminded us how much meaningful work women are doing every day, often without receiving recognition for the lives they touch and the communities they strengthen.
Celebrating Our 2026 Award Recipients
Break the Barrier Award: Kristin LaBar
Kristin LaBar was recognized for the strength and resilience she demonstrated after surviving a life-threatening accident and recovering from a traumatic brain injury. While navigating personal loss and supporting her family, Kristin returned to teaching, built a successful career in real estate, and continued serving her community.
Community Catalyst Award: Melissa Tousley
Through Sarissa Melissa Photography and NNY Women Who Lead, Melissa Tousley creates opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, and be seen. Her photography, events, workshops, and community involvement continue to strengthen relationships throughout Northern New York.
EmpowerHER Award: Rachel Huntsman
As a coach and therapist, Rachel Huntsman helps women recognize their physical and emotional strength, move beyond perceived limitations, and step confidently into their power. She leads with discipline, warmth, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow.
Voice & Valor Award: Alexa Bennett
Alexa Bennett was honored for her continued advocacy, volunteerism, and community leadership. Through her involvement with organizations such as the Watertown Urban Mission, Alexa uses her voice and experience to support local families and create meaningful change.
The Take Up Space Award: Kimberly LaForte
The highest honor of the afternoon was presented to Kimberly LaForte, a voice guide, visibility coach, motivational speaker, and founder of Vocal Honey. Kimberly helps women embrace their voices, express themselves authentically, and stand confidently in the power of their message.
Stephanie Macke was named first runner-up for the Take Up Space Award. Stephanie is a survivor, mentor, and advocate who creates supportive spaces rooted in trust, healing, and self-acceptance.
Stephanie Snyder, founder of the Kindness in Bloom Project, was named second runner-up. Through Bloom Stations and intentional acts of kindness, Stephanie reminds people that they matter and helps create meaningful moments of human connection throughout the community.
An Afternoon Worth Remembering
The awards were only one part of the afternoon. The room was filled with connection, celebration, meaningful conversations, and women cheering for one another.
We are incredibly grateful to Arianna Simmons Photography for capturing the joy, emotion, and energy of the event. These photographs allow us to celebrate the afternoon all over again and preserve the stories of the women who made it so meaningful.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the businesses and organizations that believed in the mission and helped us bring the first Take Up Space Awards to life.
A special thank-you to our 2026 event sponsors:
- QuikMed Urgent Care
- WBLH Tunes 92.5/104.5 FM
- Reader HR Consulting
- Snapshots
Your support helped us create a space where women could be recognized, celebrated, and reminded that their contributions matter.
Because of the generosity of our sponsors, donors, attendees, and community partners, the event raised $1,854.20 to support the work of the Take Up Space Foundation.
Thank You to Our Board
The first Take Up Space Awards also happened because of the time, energy, ideas, and care contributed by our Board of Directors.
Thank you to:
- Devan Robinson, Founder and President
- Barb Perez, Vice President
- LaDiedre Benjamin, Treasurer
- Diane Loftus, Operations and Board Affairs
- Lorie Converse, Events and Fundraising
- Becky Koontz, Marketing
- April Bennett, Programming and Partnerships
- Meg Lyle, Communications and Outreach
- Stephanie Cahill, Strategic Support
Thank you for believing in this mission and helping turn an idea into an afternoon that recognized 29 deserving women.
This Was Only the Beginning
The Take Up Space Foundation exists to hold space for women of all backgrounds through our five pillars of self-discovery: Support, Possibilities, Authenticity, Confidence, and Empowerment.
The money raised through the Take Up Space Awards will help us continue removing financial barriers to personal and professional development through scholarships, mentorship, workshops, conferences, resources, and community-centered programs.
To everyone who attended, submitted a nomination, donated, sponsored the event, purchased raffle tickets, volunteered, or helped spread the word, thank you. You made our first Take Up Space Awards an incredible celebration of the women shaping our community.
This was only the beginning.
To learn more about the Take Up Space Foundation, support our mission, or get involved in an upcoming event, visit takeupspacefoundation.org.
