about us.
Established in 2020, the USPA Powerlifting Foundation believes in the transformative power of this sport beyond the platform. From offering grant programs to networking opportunities, and community connections, our foundation help make life changes possible.
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The USPAPF supports USPA powerlifters with demonstrated financial need by providing direct funding, education, and community engagement. We believe powerlifting builds discipline, confidence, and resilience beyond the platform. Through targeted support, we strengthen the sport one lifter and one meet at a time.
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A powerlifting community where financial barriers never limit an athlete’s ability to compete and grow.
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We offer two unique grant programs to support athletes - Platform Ready Grant and Uplift Grant. Both grants provide access to competition and much more. To be eligible, the applicant must meet established financial criteria and undergo an application and interview process. Once awarded, athletes must maintain volunteering and commitment requirements to remain eligible for funding.
Our Team.
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![Steve Denison]()
Steve Denison
President - California
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![Anne Escobedo]()
Anne Escobedo
Administrator - California
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![Charlie Ritchie]()
Charlie Ritchie
Board Member - Oregon
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![Lisa MacDonald]()
Lisa MacDonald
Board Member - Utah
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![Donna Weidow]()
Donna Weidow
Board Member - Montana
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![Ceasar Amado]()
Ceasar Amado
Board Member - California
Our Founder.
The USPA Powerlifting Foundation was founded by Liz Freel, whose life and leadership continue to inspire our mission. After discovering the transformative power of powerlifting during her own recovery journey, Liz became a record-setting athlete, respected coach, and passionate advocate for making the sport accessible to everyone.
She believed that powerlifting was more than competition—it was a pathway to confidence, purpose, and lasting change. Her vision of removing barriers and creating opportunities for athletes remains at the heart of everything we do today.