To hold space for women of all backgrounds through our five pillars of self discovery: Support, Possibilities, Authenticity, Confidence, and Empowerment.
our mission
Our Vision
To be a catalyst for a world where every woman is empowered to prioritize her needs and desires unapologetically.
our purpose
To enrich the lives of women from diverse backgrounds by fostering personal growth, facilitating professional development, and nurturing authentic connections.
When women take up space, the world is better for it.
Board of Directors
Devan Robinson
Founder & President
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Devan Robinson is a passionate advocate for empowering women to reclaim their voices and take up space in every aspect of their lives. As the founder and president of the Take Up Space Foundation, Devan brings her unwavering commitment to creating a world where women from all backgrounds feel supported, confident, and unapologetically themselves.
With years of experience as a business owner and mentor, Devan has built a career centered on helping women break free from self-limiting beliefs, embrace their authenticity, and prioritize their needs. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of connection and the transformative impact of shared stories.
When she’s not leading the charge for women’s empowerment, Devan is a 32-year-old millennial mom of three boys, balancing the chaos of motherhood with the drive to create lasting change. Her raw and relatable approach inspires others to embrace their imperfections and boldly step into their power.
Through the Take Up Space Foundation, Devan is dedicated to fostering personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections that ripple outward, creating a brighter future for generations to come.
Barb Perez
Vice President
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Barb Perez is a social worker and nonprofit leader with more than twenty years of experience in community support, advocacy, and leadership.
An Air Force daughter, Army wife, Army and Marine mom, she brings lived resilience and grounded compassion to her work. Barb is passionate about creating space for women to be seen, valued, and empowered.
Her involvement with Take Up Space Foundation reflects her commitment to helping women strengthen their voice, build confidence, and live with authenticity.
LaDiedre Vernice Benjamin
Treasurer
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LaDiedre serves as the treasurer for the Take Up Space Foundation. With a background in the military, LaDiedre has over 19 years of experience in government service and the US Army. LaDiedre brings loyalty, compassion, understanding, open-mindedness, and eagerness to help others.
A firm believer in the foundation’s mission to empower women to prioritize themselves unapologetically, LaDiedre is passionate about showing individuals they deserve to be loved and not forgotten, especially the elderly.
In her professional life, LaDiedre has completed several online professional developmental courses that have led to work promotions and growth within the organization. Outside work, I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and family, traveling, and binge-watching series on various streaming platforms. LaDiedre is also an avid learner, seeking to begin her third master’s degree in healthcare administration after completing a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. LaDiedre has also been studying to become a birth and postpartum doula.
LaDiedre is honored to contribute to the Take Up Space Foundation’s vision of creating a world where every woman is empowered to live authentically and thrive in her personal and professional life.
Diane Loftus
Director of
Operations & Board Affairs
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Diane Loftus, serving as the Director of Operations and Board Affairs, is dedicated to empowering women by helping them recognize their worth, build confidence, and pursue growth without hesitation. Her work aligns seamlessly with the foundation’s vision of creating a world where every woman is empowered to prioritize her needs and desires unapologetically. This vision is further supported by the foundation’s mission to enrich women’s lives through personal growth, professional development, and authentic connections.
As a Director of Pharmacy leading a team of just under 50 professionals, Diane brings extensive experience in organization and team management. Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of accountability and encouragement, fostering environments where high standards and personal and professional development coexist. Diane firmly believes that when women are supported within strong systems and meaningful communities, they gain a sense of belonging and the confidence to expand their perceived limitations.
Within the foundation, Diane plays a crucial role in strengthening operational strategy and board governance. Her commitment is to ensure that the mission is not only aspirational but also executable. Grounded in the foundation’s pillars of Support, Possibilities, Authenticity, Confidence, and Empowerment, Diane is dedicated to building a space where women can thrive, feel valued, and uplift one another.
Lorie Converse
Director of
Events & Fundraising
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LaDiedre Vernice Benjamin proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Take Up Space Foundation. Drawing on over 19 years of experience in government service and the US Army, LaDiedre brings a strong foundation of loyalty, compassion, and a drive to help others.
With a deep belief in the foundation’s mission, LaDiedre is particularly passionate about advocating for love and respect for underserved communities, especially the elderly. She is committed to demonstrating that everyone deserves to be valued and supported.
Throughout her career, LaDiedre has embraced personal and professional growth, completing numerous professional development courses that have propelled her forward in her organization. She is also pursuing a doctorate in general management, adding to her bachelor’s and two master’s degrees.
In her personal life, LaDiedre enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and binge-watching her favorite series. She is honored to contribute to the Take Up Space Foundation’s mission of creating a world where women are empowered to thrive and lead unapologetically.
Becky Koontz
Director of
marketing
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Rebecca is a proud mother of three—Gunner (21), Traci (19), and Liam (14)—and a devoted dog mom to her sweet princess, Tansy, her Australian Labradoodle. Her oldest son, Gunner, is her nephew whom she lovingly adopted. She successfully homeschooled all her children through high school, a commitment that reflects her dedication to family and education. Her oldest is beginning an exciting new chapter as he relocates to Arizona to start a security position alongside his future wife. Her daughter, Traci, will be attending the University at Buffalo this fall to pursue a degree in Exercise Science, while she continues homeschooling her youngest, who is currently in 9th grade.
Professionally, she is a dynamic leader who wears many hats. She is the business owner of Bush Crane, Inc., a full-time employee with Sky2Ground, and serves as Vice President for WBOC. In addition, she is actively working toward her yoga teacher training certification, demonstrating her commitment to wellness and lifelong learning.
She is also a proud veteran, having served 10 years on active duty in the United States Army and an additional 5 years in the United States Army Reserve. Her military service instilled in her the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that guide her both personally and professionally.
At her core, she is driven by faith, family, service, and a passion for continuous growth.
April Bennett
Director of
Programming & Partnerships
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April Bennett brings more than 16 years of experience in community engagement, food systems, and wellness programming, with a career rooted in equity, education, and holistic health. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of Northern New York, where she works to strengthen access to resources and support across the region. Previously, April held leadership roles with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, and FirstLine Schools, designing and implementing programs that advance nutrition education, community wellness, and systems change. A trained chef and lifelong creative, April holds a B.F.A. in Acting from SUNY Fredonia and completed professional culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. She is currently pursuing dual certification as a Health and Life Coach through the Health Coach Institute and working to launch Thyme to Thrive Coaching and Cooking, a business focused on seasonal cooking classes and wellness coaching. April is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, empowered, and supported in their growth. In her free time, she enjoys acting, reading, gardening, yoga, writing, and gathering loved ones around good food and meaningful conversation.
MEG LYLE
Director of
COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH
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Meghan Lyle is a creative spirit who, at 46, has finally found the courage to dream boldly and craft a life filled with meaning and magic. Her “four-legged” business plan is rooted in her love for pets and their people, and includes a podcast currently in development.
Meghan believes that when we have the courage to shine our own light, we spark a ripple effect of love, authenticity, and connection. She’s a lover of quotes, dogs, pandas, and really good pizza—and she’s convinced she’s a better human when she meditates.
She currently lives in Central New York with her beloved husband, cherished (step)son, and their adored pups.
STEPHANIE CAHILL
Director of
STRATEGIC SUPPORT
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Stephanie Cahill is a dental hygienist in Watertown, New York who enjoys helping her patients feel comfortable and confident in their smiles. She loves creating a positive, easygoing experience for everyone she works with. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with friends, kayaking, and hanging out with her dog, Murphy, a Brittany Spaniel.
TBD
Director At Large
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TBD
Director At Large
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TBD
Director at Large
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Committee Members
- Programming & Events Committee, TBD
- Marketing Committee, TBD
- Outreach & Partnership Committee,TBD