The SPARK

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.

The theme of The SPARK January 2024 is “Transformation Through Service and Song”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Chris Coleman, Executive Director of Teach for America Memphis, an organization finding, developing and supporting equity-oriented leaders to transform education, starting in the classroom; Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, a nonprofit volunteer center engaging companies to lift our community; and Mario Monterosso, producer of the Simple Song of Freedom Project, a project uniting Memphis musicians in song and a worldwide humanitarian effort. Plus, a profile of the 2023 SPARK Award winner Janet Boscarino.

The theme of The SPARK December 2023 is “Refresh and Re-Engage for a Bright Future”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dr. Kevin Dean, President and CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, a statewide association connecting nonprofits in Tennessee to resources, decision-making forums and each other; Arnold Thompson, Director of Outreach and Community Development for Tennis Memphis, a nonprofit building community and enhancing lives through tennis and education; and Dr. Carey Campbell, a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon for the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis, a group of surgeons helping individuals regain their confidence after overcoming cancer and other adversities. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award Winner Holly McGinnis.

The theme of The SPARK November 2023 is “Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Samantha Dowdy of Memphis Goodwill, Director of Career and Workforce Development at the Excel Center, an organization changing the lives of people with disabilities and other barriers to employment through the power of work, education and empowerment; Rachel Lauletta, Executive Director of Harwood Center, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the potential in every child; and Dr. Kent Stoneking, PharmD, CDCES, Director of Diabetes Education and Self-Management Services for AM Diabetes Centers of America, an organization helping to transform the lives of those living with diabetes with the latest advancements in diabetes management. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award Winner Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center.

The theme of The SPARK October 2023 is “Rides, Research and Robotics”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Courtney McNeal, Chief of Staff for Innovate Memphis, a new program aimed at solving transportation barriers in the city of Memphis, offering free rides to a variety of healthcare services; Leighanne Soden, Executive Director of West Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer through patient resources, education and community-based research; and Evan Drumwright, CEO and Co-Founder of Dextrous Robotics, a local company creating state of the art robotics to improve logistics industry operations. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award winner Megan Yost.

The theme of The SPARK September 2023 is “Creating Movement”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jo Gilbert, Executive Director of Madonna Learning Center, a private, independent and faith-based school for children and adults with disabilities with a “sweet” empowerment program; Coach Bill Courtney, Author of “Against the Grain”, Founder & CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, and host of An Army of Normal Folks podcast, a new podcast inspiring listeners to help create a movement locally and nationally; and Stacey Saed, Founder and Relocation Specialist for Annestasis, Inc., a company offering practical solutions for those navigating a residential transition. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award winner Dr. Nia Zalamea.

The theme of The SPARK August 2023 is “Working to Create Economic Prosperity”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Ephie Johnson, President and CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc., a nonprofit guiding those in need toward stability and sustainability through compassionate, Christ-centered ministries and empowerment programs; Autumn Chastain, CEO of Thistle & Bee, a nonprofit social enterprise helping women survivors thrive; and Michael Scarbrough, Business Unit CEO of Optum at Home and Chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, a group of visionary, civic-minded executives committed to moving Memphis forward. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award winner Monogram Foods.

The theme of The SPARK July 2023 is “Expanding Services to Increase Impact”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Reverend Kenneth S. Robinson, President and CEO of the United Way of the Mid-South, a nonprofit celebrating 100 years of service to the Mid-South with a focus on Driving the Dream and addressing our region’s most critical issues; Virginia Roberts, Shelby County Expansion Coordinator for Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit expanding to Shelby County to change the way foster care begins; and Dr. Justin K. Dodson, Therapist and Owner of Navigating Courage Counseling and Consultation, an organization providing education on suicide prevention, employee wellness and brain health. Plus, a profile of the 2022 SPARK Award winner Mentor Memphis Grizzlies of the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation.