The SPARK

The theme of The SPARK November 2024 is “All About Support”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Graham Thomas, Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer of tnAchieves, a nonprofit enhancing post-secondary opportunities and outcomes by providing holistic student supports; Jeffrey Monroe, Principal of Promise Academy Hollywood, a school that stands as one of Memphis’ oldest charter schools that’s nurturing the overall development of students; and Ernest Strickland, President and CEO of The Black Chamber of Memphis, an organization developing successful entrepreneurs and minority and women-owned business enterprises through education, advocacy and business development. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Noah Gordon.

The theme of The SPARK October 2024 is “A Home for Inclusion”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Karyn Whittington, the 2024 President of Les Passees, Inc., a women’s volunteer organization providing advocacy and support to enhance of life for children and their families in our community; Earle Schwarz, Executive Director of Intunity – The Housing Foundation of West Tennessee, a nonprofit creating homes that strengthen independence; and Eddy Hatcher, Executive Director of The Miracle League of Memphis, an organization creating a recreational destination for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner SchoolSeed Foundation.

The theme of The SPARK September 2024 is “Art as a Catalyst”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Brandon Wells, Executive Director of Joffa, an organization connecting socially conscious shoppers to communities in need through a curated selection of ethically made goods; Erskin Mitchell, Executive Director of Successful Inc., a nonprofit providing musical instruments to deserving band students while promoting education and the arts; and Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO of ARTSmemphis, a granting organization growing the foundation of art in the city of Memphis. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Awards winner Terrell “Tjay” Fuller.

The theme of The SPARK August 2024 is “Collaboration for Education, Exploration and Inspiration”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dottie Jones, Executive Director and Chairman of Board of Directors for CoactionNet, an organization equipping nonprofits with a platform to share data and foster collaboration to improve outcomes for our community; Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel – Memphis, a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration serving as a force for good and a center for learning and collaboration; and Bubba Hogan, owner of Midsouth Ponds, a company creating water features in backyards across the Mid-South while giving back to support education and exploration. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Awards winner Aurora Collegiate Academy.

The theme of The SPARK July 2024 is “Centered in Germantown but Impacting the Mid-South". Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Marques Brown, Executive Director of the Germantown Community Theatre, a nonprofit providing theatrical entertainment and educational opportunities for Mid-South families; Elaine Hare, Executive Director of the Germantown Education Foundation, an organization mobilizing community resources to support educational programs with the Germantown Municipal School District; and Yelena Ovando, Co-Owner and Executive Director of Music Box, Inc., a music school that’s giving back and using music to transform lives and our community. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Awards winner Dr. Peter Gathje.

The theme of The SPARK June 2024 is “Caring for the Wellbeing and Welfare of Others”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dave Lieske, Business Development Director for Military Warriors Support Foundation, a nonprofit serving our nation’s combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star spouses and their families; Reverand Lisa Anderson, Executive Director of Room in the Inn – Memphis; an organization sheltering those experiencing homelessness in a safe environment of hospitality; and Lia Lansky, System Director of Wellbeing for Baptist Memorial Health Care; about BestHealth by Baptist, a technology-enabled wellbeing program to improve the health of employees and reward them for their efforts. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Bioventus.

The theme of The SPARK May 2024 is “Expanding for Healing and Learning”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jill Crocker, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, a nonprofit expanding outside of Memphis to keep children near the care they need with the family they love; Travis Claybrooks, Founder and CEO of Raphah Institute, and organization that has expanded to Memphis to help address issues surrounding youth and young adult incarceration and victim trauma by using restorative practices; and Christine Weinreich, Executive Director of Memphis Library Foundation, a nonprofit supporting the Memphis Public Libraries to expand opportunities for knowledge and experiences. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Brandon Washington.

The theme of The SPARK March 2024 is “Uniting to Serve and Invest in Others”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Stephanie Simpson, Founder and President of 901 Petals of Purpose (901 POP), a nonprofit spreading joy and kindness through the repurposing of flowers and the sharing of personal experiences; Reverend Jeff Patrick, Transient Program Pastor of Memphis Union Mission, an organization ministering to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of men, women and families who are homeless, addicted and in crisis; and Danielle McGee Gibson, Founder and CEO of Black Business Boom, an organization on a mission to empower and champion the economic growth of black business owners. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis.

The theme of The SPARK February 2024 is “Research, Conservation and Restoration”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jared Barnett, CEO of Slingshot Memphis, about MemWorks, a collaboration with MDRC identifying the root causes of employment roadblocks in Memphis so solutions can be implemented; Emily Parish, Vice President of The Land Trust of Tennessee, a conservation organization working to protect land important to the people of Tennessee; and Joanna Murray, Co-Founder and Community Director of MidSouth Hope Garage, a nonprofit repairing donated vehicles and providing them to families in need. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Campfire Collective.