Changemakers Academy

Group of people sitting cross-legged in a circle in a bright, spacious room with large windows, engaging in a meditation or discussion activity.
A group of people outdoors, with two men playing drums sitting on chairs and one man dancing in front of them. The background has green bushes and a stone wall.
Group of women sitting in a circle on the floor, participating in a discussion or workshop in a cozy room with warm lighting and decor.
A group of women, including a woman standing and speaking, sitting around a large table in a classroom or art studio with craft supplies, artwork on the walls, and a bulletin board labeled 'Crafternoon'.
Group of people sitting on the floor in a circle, participating in a group activity.
Black and white photo of a young woman with long hair, wearing a black tank top and jeans, smiling with her mouth open. She has words written on her arms and collarbone, including "LOVE," "TRUE beautiful," and "kind."
TESTING CAPTIONS
Group of children and adults standing in front of a Food Bank truck with a large colorful sign in Santa Barbara County.
A woman with long brown hair taking a photo of a blonde girl in a photography studio with a gray backdrop.
Group of women and children sitting on the floor in a circle during a meeting or discussion in a cozy, well-lit room with wooden floors, white walls, and decorative art.
Two children wearing helmets and harnesses enjoy an outdoor rock climbing wall and zip line adventure.
A group of people wearing helmets are gathered at a high ropes course set up among trees on a hillside, with clear blue sky overhead.
A woman in a red top leading a group discussion with children and teens sitting in a circle on the floor in a spacious room.
A group of nine children posing in front of a Food Bank truck with a colorful sign that reads 'Food Bank Santa Barbara County' and the website and phone number, outdoors on a bright, sunny day.
Group of five smiling young women and one man standing on grass at an outdoor event, with trees and chairs in the background.
A colorful flower bouquet in a glass vase, featuring pink roses, yellow lilies, purple tulips, and various green leaves.
Two young women sharing a moment outdoors in a garden setting with lush green plants and white flowers, one sitting on a striped outdoor bench and the other leaning over, both smiling at the camera.
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Group of seven young girls sitting and standing on a wooden box in a photography studio with dark backdrop, natural light coming through a window, and professional lighting equipment.
A young girl in a white tank top and denim shorts, with words written on her arms and chest, stands against a plain background. She has shoulder-length hair and is looking down at her arm with a slight smile.
Group of six women and girls smiling outdoors on a sunny day, with grass and trees in the background.
A woven basket containing several paper booklets, some with a sticker that reads 'be kind, Be Bold, Be You!', and a variety of pens and pencils.
Multiple flyers and pamphlets on a wooden table, showing a book titled 'What's Behind the Blue Door? Designing Writing Prompts to Invite the Imagination'.
A circular arrangement of white chairs with beige cushions and fur rugs on a wooden floor in a spacious room, possibly set up for a meditation or yoga session.
Women in a classroom or workshop setting, some seated at tables with art supplies, one woman standing and speaking, with a whiteboard and decorative wall items in the background.
Black and white photo of a smiling young woman with long hair in casual clothing standing against a plain background, with words written on her arms and neck.

Cultivating COMPASSION, CONNECTION, and COMMITMENT to self and service through creativity and collaboration.

This 10 session program strengthens the parent-tween relationship and inspires tweens to embrace their authentic selves.

Dates are out! Changemakers Academy enrollment is open.

Enter your email for immediate access to our information guide about the program.

Adolescence is hard.

It is often the start of a drift between parents and their tween.

It’s time to change that!

This program is designed for:

  • Female-Identifying girls who are in the 5th or 6th grade & parent or caregiver

  • Future changemakers

  • Parents & caregivers who are committed to raising changemakers who positively impact the world.

  • Parents & caregivers who wish to strengthen the connection with their tween

Choose the path that fits you.

We know financial circumstances vary, so we offer a sliding scale tuition model. You get the same program, no matter which tier you choose — it’s simply about what’s sustainable for you.

  • $1,000 – Accessible Tuition

  • $1,750 - Sustainer Tuition

  • $2,500 – Standard Tuition

  • $3,500 – Supporter Tuition (helps cover reduced rates for others)

Secure your spot with a $150 deposit today. Your first payment will process January 1, 2026.

JOIN CHANGEMAKERS NOW

 FAQs

  • This program was designed for parents who are committed to raising changemakers. It is designed for female-identifying girls and is intended bring out the best version of ourselves.

    At Spark to Empower we believe in the importance of inclusivity and equity. By providing our children with opportunities to become confident, compassionate and more community oriented, we are hoping to create positive momentum for a greater world.

  • Click to download the program PDF for more about the changemaker course outline of topics and experiences. Upon completion all participants will receive a certificate showing they successfully participated in each module.

  • Each session is unique and the locations are specific to the activity. All sessions will be held within Santa Barbara County.

  • Building lasting connections with self and others requires a safe space. These groups are carefully curated and a deep commitment is essential for it to be impactful. For this reason we will keep the group size small.

  • Fabulous! Click above to sign up. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to cm@sparktoempower.com

    You can also make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

  • Each duo, parent/ child team is asked to commit to a full year with their mentors. (The commitment is 10 months long. ) After the 10 months you may be invited to enroll in the Leadership Academy and participate in the other Spark to Empower community events.

  • If you have committed to the program, we hope you are able to make the dates, however we understand that things change. If you are unable to attend, you will be missed. Since the experiences are unique and not able to be replicated, we will not be able to make up any missed sessions.

  • The price includes the carefully curated experiences & expert presenters, the mentor coaching, the Ropes Course experience, all gifts, the workbook, the Spark to Empower Changemaker gear, session refreshments. This does not include extra add-on sessions that are TBD or overnight stays and car travel outside of SB County.

  • Payment can be monthly or pay in full. Once accepted, your spot will be held when deposit is received.

  • Yes! Please reach out to discuss options for financial assistance. If this program is a fit, please connect with us so we can make it happen for you and your child. Email directly to cm@sparktoempower.com

  • If the enrollment is open you will be able to complete signup directly.

  • For this in-person Academy, yes the journey begins during the 5th grade year.

    If you are interested in the Leadership Academy for 6th and 7th grade female-identifying girls please check out our page.

    For other programs and special events please view this link.

    Additional opportunities for digital courses and virtual connection is also in process. Please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed with the latest updates.

Reflections from Changemaker graduates and parents...

  • "Changemakers has been such an empowering experience for me. It changed who I am and I gained skills they don’t teach in school. This program has made an impact on my life and has changed the way I think about things."

    Graduate, age 10 | Changemakers Academy

  • "My daughter gained confidence in the best way- it came from within. Spark truly lights up each girl’s individuality and therefore independence.”

    Parent | Changemakers Academy

  • "Spark really lights up each participant in a way that is authentic. Girls let themselves be vulnerable and share things in a safe space that allows for growth. As parents we get to do this alongside them and sometimes it’s bonding and sometimes it’s observing. I feel lighter and tighter in my bond with my daughter and have loved watching her shine brighter."

    Parent | Changemakers Academy

  • "Two life lessons I learned from this program are to: 1. Lead with positivity and 2. Be a good friend."

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

  • "Changemakers has had an impact on my life by making me aware of how to help other people and help my community to make it a better place."

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

  • “I have learned that having more confidence is so important going forward in life. I’ve learned that friendships are something you should hold onto for as long as you can. I’ve learned setting goals and going forward with positivity is yet again another important lesson. And I’m so grateful for everything else Spark To Empower has let me experience throughout this whole year.”

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

  • "If you are thinking about joining Spark To Empower I would 100% recommend it for you. Over the past year I have learned to be grateful for everything given to me and to lead with confidence. I have found my voice and I have learned that listening to other people’s points are just as important as mine. Obviously I could keep writing on this page forever, but one of the most important lessons I have learned was how to open up in a safe space with a supportive group of inspirational people. That is what Spark has taught me."

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

  • "Changemakers has been such an empowering experience for me. It changed who I am and I gained skills they don’t teach in school. This program has made such and impact on my life and has changed the way I think about things. Thank you Spark to Empower!!!"

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

  • "Change makers has had an impact on my life by making me aware of how to help other people and help my community to make it a better place. "

    Graduate, age 11 | Changemakers Academy

Become a Changemaker

“We must coach our daughters that if they can dream it, they can create it for themselves and their community.” - Jacqueline Woodson

•$1,000 – Accessible Tuition

  • $1,750 - Sustainer Tuition
    •$2,500 – Standard Tuition
    •$3,500 – Supporter Tuition
    (helps cover reduced rates for others)

Secure your spot with a $150 deposit today.
Your first payment will process January 1, 2026.

JOIN NOW

FROM THE FOUNDER:

Where did the spark come from?

There are many things that come between an idea and the reality.

Spark to Empower began as an idea.  

It was during the Covid Pandemic as I was winding down from the day, the rest of my family fast asleep, that the words hatched.  I sat on the floor of our library doing my before-bedtime-things:  foam rolling, drinking my tea, and journaling whatever thoughts that needed to get out- onto paper.  As I was in that mode…my passions birthed something new.

I knew the idea was a collision of supporting our youth and teaching, but in a new way. So late that night I sat there playing with words….

I knew it was going to be something to empower. I was imagining fireworks lighting up the sky… but wasn’t finding the right word. Then all of a sudden in the dark, the lights flickered.  

And I knew instantly - SPARK.  Yes! It was Spark to Empower.  

And just as my favorite book suggests, the idea hatched.  It slowly grew and needed nurturing and other life shifts began to take place.  As ideas collided even more, the changemakers program began to take shape.  

Connie Maday, founder of Spark to Empower.

It began when I was looking for something special for myself and my daughter.  The book, PARENT LIKE IT MATTERS: How to Raise Joyful,
Change-Making Girls by Dr. Janice Johnson served as both inspiration and motivation for me to start. When I couldn’t quite find a local program that fit what I was looking for, I asked myself,  Could it be created?  So we did. We built the team and put the pieces in place. Taking a chance to grow the idea, with the vision to: Cultivate compassion, connection and commitment to self and service.  
Creating a wonderful community to share time and experiences in a meaningful way with a goal of empowering others to make a difference, to be the pattern shift we need in the world, especially as women leaders. 

So…Thank you for those of you who have been a part of the journey - all the IN BETWEEN - the steps between the idea and reality, I THANK YOU! WE THANK YOU!

And while the vision continues to grow, it is with sincere gratitude that I appreciate you for your time and dedication in being a part of the Spark to Empower Community. 

xo, Connie

Group of women sitting on a carpeted floor, engaged in conversation and smiling during a casual gathering or workshop in a cozy indoor setting. Spark to Empower workshop in Santa Barbara, CA.

Contributors

The list of incredible contributors is constantly growing. Listed here are some of our featured presenters. We also work with many of the nonprofits in Santa Barbara County including Direct Relief, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara and others. We continue to build new partnerships to expand our reach.

Please reach out if you are interested in learning about how we can collaborate.

  • Mary Firestone is a well known author, trauma & joy expert and inspirational speaker. She leads inspirational retreats all throughout the world and her essential oil perfumes and other products are popular among Hollywood celebs.

    Mary Firestone is a graduate of Princeton University and has an MA in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. Her first book, Trusting the Dawn: How to Choose Freedom +Joy after Trauma (Sounds True, 2022), according to Dr Joe Dispenza, “is medicine for anyone who wants to free their mind, body, and soul from the past.” Providing others with healing and growth opportunities has been her lifelong passion.

  • Lucia Kiel is an internationally acclaimed and award winning photographer who works to empower women to instill a deep sense of self beauty and worth in all she photographs. Her photography experiences are transformational. She offers a phenomenal Confidence and Connection Program for teens as one of her transformational experiences.

    She is an accredited Portrait Master at the Master level. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she loves creating art in her mission canyon home studio as well as all around beautiful Santa Barbara. Lucia is married to her soul mate of 17 years and they have two boys together, ages 9 and 6. Lucia and her husband, Dillon, have lived all over the world but decided to settle down in Santa Barbara.

  • Sese grew up in Togo among a community of drum and dance in the city of Lome, Togo (West-Africa). His mother was a national choir celebrity and inspired Sese to use music as a tool of resilience in life. His curiosity towards the polyrhythmic aspects of ethnic music (Ewe culture drumming) led him to learn key music instruments at an early age. It was clear to him that music has many leadership components where collaboration, community building, and the respect for other cultures and traditions exist within most rhythms. He founded and currently leads a West African Drumming group called Ewe Drummers in Santa Barbara.

    “The rhythms and songs of the Ewe people of Togo and Ghana reflect their deep relationship with the land, with the divine, with the ancestors and with each other. As a living tradition, Ewe cultural and spiritual wisdom is not written down and codified in fixed dogma because it reflects the present moment where time and eternity coexist. Ewe songs, rhythms and spirituality can only be understood through participation. By letting go of habitual ways of knowing and seeing, it is possible to discover oneself and the world in new and expanded ways.”

  • Lucy Firestone is a producer, transformation coach, and the co-founder of Firestone Sisters Inc. She has spent over 20 years producing content, experiences, and products to inspire healing, growth and forward movement. Prior to producing on her own (originally in her own deal under Davis Entertainment), Lucy held posts at VH1, New Regency, Sony, and served as the Vice President of Penn Station Entertainment for Fox. Currently, she is producing several projects in various stages of production, curating and leading transformative retreats as the co-President of Firestone Sisters Inc., and overseeing their line of natural perfumes. In her private practice, she consults with both individuals and organizations to advance actualization and hone purpose. A graduate of Princeton University, Lucy has served on the boards of InsideOut Writers and ManifestWorks, taught classes to advance change for incarcerated youth, and continues to create mindfulness workshops for Freedom 4 Youth. As her work in film and personal transformation intersect, Lucy’s mission is always to activate awareness and catalyze positive change. She lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and two young daughters.

  • Renee Stahl is a singer-songwriter whose haunting voice transcends the many genres of music she has covered. She is well regarded in the mainstream music world for her rich melodies, and harmonies, on solo records such as hopeful. romantic. She has collaborated with Europe's top electronic DJs on several trance tracks. However, it’s with the young ones and their families that her indie folk duo Renee & Jeremy has become a household name. Their original lullabies and covers transform classic songs into quiet mantras. In 2016, she released Renee & Friends, a collection of collaborations with notables such as Maya Rudolph, Ziggy Marley, Lisa Loeb, and more.

  • Mally Chakola. Transformative Consulting & Programming for growth mindset individuals and organizations who want to turn their goals into their reality…fast.

  • The Wilderness Outdoor Leadership Foundation 501 (c)(3), founded in 1994, provides outdoor education and leadership programs for over 100 area public and private schools with the curriculum including outdoor science, team building, primitive skills, first aid/CPR, teacher training, corporate retreats, high ropes adventure courses, and summer programs. WOLF employs approximately 40 teachers, facilitators, presenters, and specialists who are committed to providing safe and memorable student experiences.

  • Belle Hahn is a PALMA Colectiva co-founder, ambassador, activist, philanthropist, investor, and wellness enthusiast .

  • Brianna Turpin. Yoga extraordinaire, master yoga teacher trainer, healer, leads healing retreats all around the world, Digital online courses, spend days working one -on -one with individuals who are working on a myriad of healing, presenter at various conferences

  • Palma Colectiva Founder: Meredith Markworth-Pollack has been a Costume Designer For Film + TV for the past eighteen years, designing such shows as Impeachment and Dynasty. However a calling to honor her true nature has led her away from the industry, and toward a holistic and curated approach to wellness. She is currently Reiki III certified and hosting ceremonies, events and retreats. PALMA Colectiva is named after her two daughters Paz and Alma. She currently reside in Santa Barbara, California.

“... if we want things to change for the future we have to start with right now, and we must start not only with but with ourselves.”

- Jaqueline Woodson, Forward to Parent Like it Matters by Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, PhD.

Group of diverse young girls and women standing together inside a building, posing for a photo in front of a wall with a large organizational chart and information about Direct Relief.