An Introduction to Connie Maday
On This Episode of Spark to Empower
Connie Maday: Educator, Mother, Entrepreneur. In this special episode, she shares a bit about her journey, gives you a snapshot of who she is, what she's about, and WHY she created Spark to Empower! Listen to hear a bit of the journey that led to the creation of Spark to Empower
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Helping students discover their spark, their passion, their why, is the reason I chose education. Throughout my teaching career, I have been privileged to learn from over 1,000 students in the K-6 grade setting.
As the world shifted through Covid, I felt called to realign my priorities of how I show up for myself and others and provide support in a new way. This is how Spark to Empower was born. The vision is to build a collaborative movement that supports parents, educators, and youth who are looking to deepen their consciousness and stay grounded with purpose. The world needs change makers who are rooted in empathy and compassion.
I build relationships and inspire mindset shifts needed to empower our youth to be innovative and successfully embrace all that life brings each day.
As a mother of three young children I’ve learned that parenting is an ever-flowing journey, there is no one-size-fits-all method, in fact there is so much information out there that it can feel overwhelming when trying to decide what to do, where to turn, and how to find answers to the challenges we all face. My hope is that the resources and inspiration shared on Spark to Empower will provide you with the knowledge you need to move through the unknown with more grace and ease. It takes a village and there is a community of inspiration awaiting you.
About the Host
Connie Maday
Founder of Spark to Empower
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Welcome to Spark to Empower
I’m Connie Maday. Educator, Mother, Entrepreneur.
Here with you today for a special episode to share a bit about my journey, give you a snapshot of who I am, what I’m about, and WHY I’m here.
If you’ve listened to the previous episodes you will have heard stories about incredible ideas that are making a tremendous impact on the world. That’s right! Young people noticing something that needs to be changed, and going out and doing it! That’s inspiring!
So- how did I get to be behind a microphone? Why did I start the Spark Change Podcast?
For me it’s always been about supporting the journey for children and young adults helping them realize that we all have something to offer the world AND it’s important to share our gifts and talents.
In short: My purpose and passion is to inspire young change makers.
For about two decades that has meant working in the classroom as a teacher. I’ve worked with all elementary grades and believed that learning should look like kids up out of their seats, motivated, engaged, excited. All subjects have the power to be interesting and inspiring. Children need to be seen, heard, and able to be themselves. In my opinion, being an educator is one of the greatest professions of all time because teachers are cheerleaders, coaches, support, inspiration, grounding through the challenges and hardships that are a part of life. Being a teacher is a give back to the world.
If you’ve been through my classroom you know, I am always rooting for you.
As an educator I've embraced this idea that educators model a curiosity for life and learning. What does that look like for me? reading, traveling, exploring, Adventuring, and being open to change.
I love books.
You should see the number of books I have stacked beside my bed. And the crazy thing is that I didn’t really learn to love reading until well into (and probably beyond) high school.
In fact, in elementary school I was said to have dyslexia, a story for another day. My first language was German, I was born in America. And I experienced growing up with two cultures. I’m fascinated with how the brain works and most importantly the impact our mindset can have on our life. I’m passionate about embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for all and believe that Everyone has something to contribute to the world. We are ALL unique! And it’s important to be YOURSELF.
Recently on my morning hike, I ran into a former parent whose child I had as a student my first year of teaching many years ago. She quickly asked what I am up to, and that she’d heard it was something new.
So, What am I up to? As you can tell- teaching is a passion and I love it- I’ve been “teaching” in some fashion most of my life- so why step away?
Here is a start to that question…
I’m an educator and I’m also learning how to be an entrepreneur.
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
Simon Sinek (one of the most inspirational speakers of all time) interviews people about this topic and in one of his podcasts, “A Bit Of Optimism” he and his guest Seth Godin, they talk about how entrepreneurship is not simply a job, it’s a "Posture of possibility.” To say- I have something to contribute, I have no roadmap, but I have something to share. Entrepreneurs solve problems that are affecting change.
And MY reason for stepping away from the profession (in the traditional sense) I’ve known and loved for many years is to show up in a new way. During Covid I saw students yearn for inspiration and they desired stories that could help them have a glimpse of what’s possible. That's what I’m here to do. My goal is to help build momentum and celebrate the inspiration out there- to spread the stories that will hopefully ignite more and help inspire action. To help others realize their actions make a difference.
How do I do that and what does it look like? WELL, like everything- it’s a work in progress…like all things in real life- they evolve, it’s learning in action, and there are endless possibilities. What I do know for sure, is that I have a lot of ideas and I’ll keep you posted as they take form.
In the meantime, I am committed to showing up in this way- with some inspiration for you, distilled wisdom that I’m learning along my own journey. I plan to (hopefully) brighten your day and make you stand a bit taller- So YOU may step into the world with confidence and joy, illuminating others with the good in the world. It’s meant for listeners of all ages, elementary age and beyond. While I realize it’s a broad range, I trust that the right episodes will find those who need it.
This podcast is here to amplify change makers and share inspiration to help you get to know yourself more, learn what you are interested in and live a happy life where you WRITE the book, because YOU are in charge of your life's story.
Make sure to check out the insights and inspiration episodes coming up to get distilled wisdom from thought leadership and other resources to empower you to step into your day with more purpose and confidence.
You can find out more about me at
Sparktoempower.com that’s S P A R K T O E M P O W E R. COM
Or on Instragram @ spark to empower
AND make sure to subscribe, follow, and sign up for my newsletter.
Remember to:
Be kind
Be bold
Be you
Until next time, I’m Connie Maday.
Make it a great day, everyday.
