There is something powerful that happens when women come together with purpose. They create spaces where people feel seen and supported. They build communities that lift others up and spark real change. That kind of power was on full display when Youth for Freedom and The Backstage Foundation joined forces for a collaboration that blended leadership and dance in a way that deeply impacted young lives.
This partnership was guided by two women with a shared vision. Aubree Taylor and Kari Hovde brought their strengths together to create something meaningful. Their leadership shaped every part of the experience. They did not just build a program. They created an environment rooted in trust, respect, and a deep belief in young people.
For more than twenty years, Youth for Freedom has helped teens build confidence and leadership through real experiences. The Backstage Foundation uses dance to help young people express themselves, connect with others, and find a sense of belonging. Together, these women led organizations already change lives. Through this collaboration, their impact reached even further.
The partnership came to life at the Youth for Freedom summer camp, where around seventy teens from different backgrounds gathered for several days of leadership training. When the Backstage Foundation team arrived, they brought more than choreography. They brought energy, creativity, and a new way for students to understand themselves and each other.
Students learned the dance step by step, moving together as one group. Along the way, they learned far more than a routine. They learned how to trust each other, when to follow, when to step forward as leaders, and how to support those around them. What could have felt overwhelming became a shared experience built on encouragement and connection.
The impact continued even after the music stopped. Students took time to reflect on what they had experienced. They spoke about teamwork, leadership, and the courage it takes to be yourself. They began to understand that leadership is not about being perfect. It is about showing up, trying again, and growing through every challenge.
At the heart of it all was the connection between two women who believed in the same mission. Aubree Taylor and Kari Hovde showed what is possible when women lead together. They listened to each other, supported each other, and trusted each other’s vision. Together with their organizations, they share the belief that young people thrive when they feel seen, supported, and challenged. They understand that leadership is not a single moment but a journey. By working together, they created a space where students felt safe to grow and strong enough to lead. Students experienced what it feels like to be part of something bigger than themselves, and that kind of impact only happens when leaders come together with true intention and heart.
This is only the beginning. Youth for Freedom and the Backstage Foundation plan to continue their partnership at future camps and events, including an upcoming experience in Seattle this August. With Aubree Taylor and Kari Hovde leading the way, the possibilities continue to grow.
When women come together with purpose, they do more than lead. They inspire. They build. They change lives. Through this collaboration, they have already done exactly that.