In 2008 Dana Bristol-Smith started Leap to Success to help domestic violence victims rediscover their voice, their value, and their confidence. Because of the success of the program and the thrill of seeing women transform their lives, Dana has made it her mission to build Leap to Success to empower women who have overcome adversity to reach their potential. What started as a volunteer project with six women has now served more than 400 San Diego women who have overcome domestic violence, homelessness, and other major life challenges.

As an executive speech coach, Dana founded Speak for Success in 2001 and has worked with some of Southern California’s top companies. It was from her work with executives that she saw how important public speaking skills were to build confidence for women who had risen to leadership positions.

Delivering programs for students and teachers, Dana got her public speaking start in 1992 and has spoken to more than 100,000 people. Teaching public speaking, she has been on the faculties of UCSD Extension, Cal State San Marcos, and San Diego State University. In 2003 she wrote Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking, a powerful guide to successfully speaking to groups.

Dana has received many awards including the Women in Leadership Award from the East County Chamber of Commerce, the TWIN award from the YWCA of San Diego County, and the Woman of Distinction Award from Soroptimists International Oceanside Carlsbad. In 2012 she was the 1st prize $25,000 winner of the Advance San Diego Quick Pitch Competition out of 85 non-profit organizations. Dana has been interviewed and quoted in O the Oprah Magazine, The San Diego Business Journal, The Union Tribune, and on several local TV news programs. Leap to Success has been recognized twice with a Proclamation from San Diego City Council.

Dana is most proud of the courageous women that Leap to Success serves.