Women Supporting Women. How the Spark to Empower Changemakers are supporting the work of Dr. Anne Alaniz and Pothawira.

The other day I found myself needing the reminder to laugh.  My youngest reminded me about our “hot chocolate moment”.  And that did it- I immediately started laughing, so I felt it was time to share with you.  Here it is…a year ago - the moment that has been forever etched in our minds.  Hot chocolate.  I hope it helps you remember to pause and appreciate the small things, because- that’s what life is about. 

We all have those moments where we need a little reminder, a little extra to get back on track to feeling good.

During this time, I was the teacher librarian for a district teaching K-6th graders. I was committed to being a constant for my students and staff, for providing inspiration in a way, to lighten the load of ‘heavy’ that was all around the globe as the continued challenges of the pandemic surfaced. For me, that meant sharing books and stories to help empower others to see the small shifts they can make to contribute, and shift our own mindset to being impactful. It starts with simple acts of kindness- what can you do to make someone else’s day great? That simple reminder that together we can be the ripples of kindness to shift the energy in the world. There have been so many examples throughout my career where we’ve distilled it down to basic acts of kindness - it all starts there

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be something simple, like approaching someone new to say hello and introducing yourself, or perhaps volunteering for something that you might not usually do, or even taking the time to listen when you normally are the one doing the talking.

Every child has those memories about their teachers that stand out. If you were a student in my class you were bound to hear me sing a silly birthday jingle with silly glasses, sometimes a wig, and usually a microphone. It was fun to bring out the silly glasses during the interview and give them a new life. What are those joyful memories from school that stand out for you? Perhaps it is time to reach out and share them, and say thanks. The greatest gift in teaching is seeing your students light up with a smile, confidently doing what they perhaps didn’t believe was possible, and reaching out to someone who needs a little extra smile. Acts of kindness, bold steps to becoming yourselves, and showing your true essence—that’s what it’s all about.

Be Kind. Be Bold. Be You.

What does being inclusive mean? It’s a human right to be given equal access and opportunities. Embracing all people regardless of race, gender, disability, or other need and including everyone in all aspects of life.

As an educator it is always amazing to see where your students go with their passions. Olivia’s interest in writing was evident in third grade, when I had her as a student. Now she’s found a way to use her passion to make a difference in the world and empowers others to do the same. She says, “I think we all have a responsibility to put more good into the world.” And I agree. Go out and be a change maker. The world needs you.

Incredibly excited to share the first Spark Change Podcast with Connie Maday with the world. So grateful that Olivia Seltzer from The Cramm allowed me to dive into her story and celebrate the impact she’s making in the world.

The Spark to Empower podcast with Connie Maday is about reminding us of the power we each possess and celebrating the inspiring stories of change makers, tapping into ourselves to our own inner compass and getting you out there changing the world. Be kind. Be bold. Be you.

Spark to Empower interviews Olivia Seltzer, a young change maker. Through writing Olivia helps educate her generation with what’s important in the world. She is the founder and editor in chief of a daily newsletter, THE CRAMM (@thecramm), that summarizes the top stories into one quick read that is easy to understand, making it tangible for everyone. Her book, Cramm This Book is written to help her generation (Gen Z) understand the important parts of history that shape today’s world to help inspire them to be changemakers.

I’m Connie Maday and my purpose and passion is to empower our youth in the world. I support parents on the journey, bring inspiration to educators, and coach youth in fulfilling their passions.

For two decades I’ve been telling my students to be bold, think outside the box, follow their dreams, and that anything is possible. “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Innovation is needed in the world and I’m here to support the process. When we believe in the power of our dreams, anything is possible. Step into your power. - Connie Maday

Hi! I’m Connie Maday. I’m an educator, mom, and entrepreneur. I’ve filled many roles during my career including classroom teacher, teacher librarian, literacy leader, and special education support, while supporting character development and social-emotional needs. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best teachers while implementing dynamic shifts in education. Real understanding comes from struggle, persistence, and motivation.

Throughout the journey, I’ve been continually reminded of my WHY, the reason I got into education in the first place. For me, it’s always been about helping our youth realize that the only people they need to be is themselves, and that we all have something to contribute. Being the change starts with realizing who we are and pushing ourselves to step out of our comfort zone to think big and follow our dreams.

I’m stepping out of my comfort zone in joining the social media world, to joyfully celebrate the positive change makers in the world.

We are all unique and together we create one world. I’m hoping you will join me on the journey. Thanks for being here.