“My key takeaway was self reflection and communication with fellow leaders and mentors. I would absolutely attend again!””
What folks are saying…
What did you think Spark was before you attended?
"I thought that Spark was going to be a place for women to gather to discuss leadership challenges and strategies on how to effectively and professionally handle different situations that we commonly find ourselves in. However the event dove into very leadership challenges such as specifically dealing with others who have experienced trauma in their lives and how the trauma in our own lives impacts how we interact and lead others. This is something I have honestly never thought about and Spark forced me to internally reflect on my life and how my experiences have influenced the kind of leader that I am and why I react and communicate in certain ways.”
— Jackie BARNUM, CAPTAIN, USMC SPARK: SD
What did you think Spark was before you attended?
"To be honest I wasn’t sure, but what was apparent was that the people present would be worth networking with regardless of the content. What I found was that this was an opportunity to broaden my perspective and learn more about setting a guided course for achieving success in my life spiritually, emotionally, and professionally."
— JONATHAN peterson, PROJECT MANAGER @ META, SPARK: SD
What is your passion and a key takeaway from the event?
"My passion is gathering people for powerful and impactful causes. Veteran support. Financial literacy for women and girls of color...My key takeaway was self reflection and communication with fellow leaders and mentors. I would absolutely attend again!"
— ASHLEE DOOLEY, EVENT PROFESSIONAL, SPARK: SD
Nizhonlii led an insightful discussion with a group of leaders with varying ranges of experience. She incorporated two unique tools: a form of centering oneself in order to refocus, and the other to help gauge the "Flow" of where and how the leader can refocus their team. Spark the Popup is a great resource for those looking to enhance, or discover, their own leadership ability, and its conveniently given in a "small classroom" setting.
— james bilyard, Marine veteran Spark:757
Nizhonlii has a way of teaching that inspires you to step up. The symbolism of the term 'spark' is not lost in the way she carries herself; she is a spark. She has the ability to inspire and ignite leaders to step up and step in to their giftings. More than anything, I learned how to better communicate with my team. She was able to get my team to open up and communicate and share more in one afternoon than I had been able to do in over a year. It was beautiful to watch and something I still carry with me to help my team grow into the best versions of themselves. I learned how to listen.
— MEG decker, Head coach w. lacrosse, xavier university, spark: hartford
What was a key takeaway you have from attending?
My key takeaway from attending Spark was, "I am NOT alone". I had not been surrounded by mostly black, like minded, educated, beautiful individuals that were open and encouraging difficult conversations. I felt seen, I heard, and more importantly I felt valued. It was a gathering of real life in one space. It was truth and honesty being poured out for all to acknowledge, even if it wasn't understood at the time.