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Leadership Academy

Empowering and Amplifying Visionary Voices

A 4 session program meant to amplify and empower young changemakers who wish to positively impact the world.

Download the information guide below to learn more!

 

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● Sign up for our newsletter to learn about upcoming Sessions

Designed for 6th, 7th & 8th grade individuals who identify as female or non-binary, seeking to strengthen their leadership skills.

$500

Topics include:

•Inclusion
•Conflict Resolution
•Kindness
•Public Speaking
•Passion to Impact
•Goal Setting

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

 FAQs

  • This program was designed for the 6th, 7th, & 8th grade female-identifying girls.

  • Click to download the program PDF for more information.

  • 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. Each session will have a minimum of two adult leaders and additional youth mentors. (Not including presenters and other Spark to Empower staff).

  • Fabulous! Click on the connect button and fill out your information and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

  • 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. To receive a certificate of completion, full attendance and participation is required. *If there is an unforeseen emergency or illness, we will discuss options

  • The price includes the carefully curated experiences & expert presenters, the mentor coaching, all gifts, the workbook, the Spark to Empower Changemaker gear, session refreshments. This does not include extra add-on sessions and opportunities within the Spark to Empower community.

  • Yes! Please reach out to discuss options. Email directly to cm@sparktoempower.com

  • For this in-person Academy, yes. If you are interested in the Changemakers Academy for 5th - 6th graders + a parent, please check out that 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.

    If you have an older youth interested in becoming a mentor, reach out and we can talk about our leaders-in-action training program.

  • This Leadership Bootcamp is 4 sessions. Please see information PDF for exact dates.

Meet Our Team

Connie Maday, founder of Spark to Empower.

  • An innovative and revolutionary leader in education who values collaboration, creativity, and connection. She worked in elementary education for two decades and founded Spark to Empower in 2023, with the mission to empower our youth to become the changemakers of the world. Connie Maday blends her experience and expertise with heart and purpose. She holds her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from UCSB, her Reading and Literacy Added Authorization from UCSD, has a Masters in Education from UCSB and emphasis in Teaching for Understanding and Visible Thinking through the Wide World Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has participated in Project Zero at Harvard, the Coaching Program at Columbia University and completed the Ally to Accomplice Training of Santa Barbara. She was an integral member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Montecito Union School District, where she worked as classroom teacher and teacher librarian. Additionally Connie is a certified Pilates Instructor through BASI and has been trained in various coaching modalities, including Neurolinguistic Programming. As a collaborative coach and educational consultant she supports individuals in self-actualization and transformation.

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  • Adlee is passionate about supporting young people in their life journey through a holistic lens. She holds her Masters in Group Leadership and Education at the University of San Diego and is a graduate of Cal Poly SLO in Child Development and Psychology. Adlee is a well-known and highly acclaimed volleyball player and was recently the assistant coach for the UCSB women’s volleyball team and prior to that the Graduate Assistant Coach for the University of San Diego’s women’s volleyball team.

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  • bio coming soon

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  • Ava Jane’s true passion is kids. She loves working with children of all ages! She is the founder and entrepreneur of Sunny Smiles Day Camp, a fun filled camp for young girls. Ava Jane loves to give back to her community and inspire others in any way she can. In addition, she is a CIT for the Hendry’s Jr. Lifeguards program, where she gets to work with kids all summer long. A student of Mrs. Maday’s back in 2017, she is a current student at the AAPLE Academy at San Marcos High School. She loves to lead, learn and help others. She is also a volleyball player and n the mock trial team.

  • Lyle attends San Marcos High School. She plays varsity lacrosse and flag football, and in her free time, she is studying Arabic. She loves the outdoors and everything that comes with it. Traveling with her family has given her the chance to explore a lot of the world, and she also loves diving into new worlds when she is reading a great book. Her youngest sister Sasha, who is also her best friend, also attends San Marcos. Connie Maday (or as she still refers to her, “Mrs. Maday”) was Lyle’s third grade teacher at Montecito Union School, and brought her into this wonderful experience. She is so proud to help young girls become their most authentic and true self.

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“ There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.”

-Michelle Obama

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