From Me to We: How a Personal Vision Became a Purpose-Driven Team
We believe in the power of conscious changemakers, and we’re here to support your growth.
By Connie Maday, Founder of Spark to Empower
Every movement begins with an idea — a quiet whisper of possibility that refuses to be ignored. For me, that whisper began in the classroom.
Throughout my teaching career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from more than 1,000 students in K–6 classrooms. Helping students discover their spark — their passion, their why — is the reason I chose education in the first place.
But during the pandemic, like many educators, I was stretched. We were teaching online, in empty rooms, outside, masked, in hybrid settings — adapting endlessly while carrying the emotional weight of our own families, communities, and health concerns. And still, we showed up. We held space. We created joy. I will forever admire the resilience of educators and front-line workers during that time.
It was in the quiet moments, in the midst of all this change, that something began to shift in me.
The Spark Behind Spark to Empower
At the time, I was working as a teacher librarian — a constant presence for students and staff. My goal was simple: to lighten the emotional load and share stories that inspired hope. In a world that felt heavy, I believed in the power of kindness, of small shifts in mindset, and of the deep connection between joy and impact.
One moment in particular stands out: I was reading What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada to a group of second graders. We talked about how the boy in the story slowly begins to believe in his idea — even when it feels strange or scary. The kids lit up with excitement, and in that moment, something clicked for me too.
I realized I had been holding onto my own idea for too long — quietly nurturing it, unsure if it was “real” or “ready.” But surrounded by those bright, curious minds, I finally gave myself permission to believe in it.
That idea became Spark to Empower.
Our mission: to support parents, educators, and youth in discovering their own spark, deepening their consciousness, and staying grounded in purpose. Because the world needs changemakers — and changemakers need community.
From Me to We
For a while, it was just me — creating, dreaming, experimenting.
But the more I leaned into the mission, the more I knew it needed to grow. Spark to Empower was never meant to be about just one person. It was meant to be a movement, a team, a shared vision.
And that’s exactly what it’s becoming.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce the incredible people who have joined this journey. These individuals bring heart, talent, and deep purpose to everything they do — and together, we are shaping something truly meaningful.
Meet the Spark to Empower Team
At Spark to Empower, we believe in the power of purpose-driven individuals coming together to uplift youth. Meet the inspiring team behind the mission:
Adlee brings a compassionate, holistic approach to youth development. With a Master’s in Group Leadership and Education from the University of San Diego and a background in Child Development and Psychology from Cal Poly SLO, she’s also a standout volleyball coach and athlete. Adlee is a deeply collaborative contributor who supports visioning with clarity and care—helping shape the heart and direction of Spark to Empower. Her leadership and kind spirit set the tone for our team.
Ava Jane is a high school student, youth advocate, and founder of Sunny Smiles Day Camp, a program that empowers young girls through joyful, hands-on experiences. Whether she’s leading Mock Trial or championing environmental causes, Ava Jane is all heart, all in.
Lyle is an adventurous athlete and avid reader with a love for languages and the outdoors. A varsity lacrosse and flag football player, she brings energy, empathy, and a strong connection to Spark's mission.
Ethan is a writer, filmmaker, and dedicated environmental advocate. Through his work with the Bluedot Institute and Spark to Empower, he turns research into real-world impact, using storytelling to highlight the urgent need for climate solutions.
Together, this team is sparking change—one empowered young person at a time.
What We Stand For
At Spark to Empower, our goal is simple: to leave you feeling lighter, inspired, and more grounded in your purpose. Whether you’re a parent, an educator, a student, or a community leader — we believe in the power of conscious changemakers, and we’re here to support your growth.
It’s the small things we do that make the biggest difference. How we show up for ourselves. How we show up for each other.
And when we do it together, everything becomes not only more powerful — but a whole lot more fun.
What’s Next
With this team, we’re dreaming bigger, reaching farther, and staying deeply grounded in the values that started this all: kindness, connection, purpose, and belief in the power of an idea.
We're building workshops, developing new programming, and collaborating with parents, educators, and youth leaders — all in service of one goal: to help others realize that they, too, carry a spark worth igniting.
Join Us
We’re just getting started — and we’d love to have you along for the journey. Follow us on social media, reach out to learn more about our offerings, or just drop a note to say hello.
Together, we are the ripple.
