Leap to Success inspires women who are overcoming adversity to ignite their confidence and reclaim their voice, to transform their lives and communities.
Media Contacts:
Media Mentions
Healing is a start. This group empowers women to rebuild and lead.
August 4, 2025 – When women are given tools to reclaim their voice and power, everything changes. (Featured article in Strong & Safe Communities, Stand Together Foundation)
“Move on.” “Get over it.” For many women healing from traumatic experiences, these words of advice are all too common. The challenge is often that no one shows them how to move forward.
While housing and counseling stabilize lives, they seldom offer the tools women need to truly rebuild and lead.
“Where attention goes, and rightly so, is on that front-line support,” said Dana Bristol-Smith, founder and CEO of Leap to Success — an organization that transforms women’s lives by building confidence. “But the unanswered question is: What’s next?”
That question kept Bristol-Smith up at night. After a conversation with a friend, she launched the first iteration of her idea — Transformation Leadership, a yearlong leadership and public speaking program tailored for survivors of domestic violence. continued
San Diego County District Attorney Announces “Leap to Confidence” in Spanish at One Safe Place
April 28, 2025 – San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center celebrated the graduation of 12 women from “Un Salto a la Confianza” (“Leap to Confidence”) which was the first time this program was offered in Spanish to provide more access to more individuals impacted by abuse and violence. The program was created by Leap to Success, which is a partner at One Safe Place.
RSF Women’s Fund awards grant to ‘Leap to Success’ for programs to help women in need
September 4, 2023 – The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund awarded a $50,000 grant to Leap to Success as part of the $442,000 they invested in the local community for 2023, according to a news release. This grant offers Leap to Success programs helping low-income women gain the self-confidence and self-esteem they need to return to school, get a job and get past the trauma of domestic violence, homelessness, and other significant challenges they face. The funds will provide 50 women with a six-week program to help domestic violence survivors gain confidence, communication skills, and optimism.
Leap to Success Wins Leadership Award – YouTube
March 3, 2023 – Leap to Success, a North San Diego County organization helping women find their voice. By: Melissa Mecija CARLSBAD, Calif. (KGTV) — It is an organization in North County providing a critical resource for women in need, including domestic violence survivors. Leap to Success is our March Leadership Award Winner.
Leap to Success Supports Women Facing Challenges – YouTube
Jan. 26, 2023 – Dana Bristol-Smith of Leap to Success shared news about support from Stand Together Foundation to help reach women around the country with the Leap to Confidence program. One of 25 innovative non-profits from around the country, Leap to Success was selected to receive a 3-year grant for $300,000.
Leap to Success Supports Women Overcoming Trauma – YouTube
Mar 5, 2023 – Leap to Success provides transformational programs to women overcoming trauma. This Women’s History month we are highlighting women who are making new history, like the more than 2,500 women who have attended Leap to Success programs!
