Meet the 2023 Spark Change Facilitators, Support this Project!
What Is the Spark Change Project?
The Spark Change Project (SCP), a Central Texas collaboration between The Excellence and Advancement Foundation and Girls Empowerment Network, aims to empower, inspire, and train the next generation of female activists of color here in Central Texas. SCP centers a group of girls of color as leaders, who gain a part-time job, find their own activist voices and galvanize a wider network of peers to develop a policy agenda. Read about how we got started.
House Resolution 461 - Commemorating Spark Change Day 2023
This year’s cohort of Spark Change Facilitators helped facilitate our Spark Change Day event which was held in-person at the Texas State Capitol on March 25th. You can see the photos and highlights on our Spark Change Day page. Our incredible facilitators and Spark Change Day were honored on the floor of the House by Representative Claudia Ordaz, who helped motion the Spark Change Day Resolution which recognizes the work of Spark Change Project in building Texas girls' advocacy work. Watch the video here.
Who Are This Year’s Spark Change Facilitators?
We call our teenage leaders Spark Change Facilitators because they will be sharing what they learn about advocacy and activism with other girls their own age. This year’s cohort includes four high school-age Spark Change Facilitators, Brianna, Genesis, Shub, & Kyra.
We asked our four facilitators a few questions to get to know them better, here is what they said:
Meet Brianna
Tell us your name, nickname, and favorite ice cream flavor!
Brianna, favorite ice cream flavor is Cookies and Cream.
Tell us about your policy priority. Why is it important to you to see change in your community regarding this policy priority?
“Toxic, abusive and unhealthy dating relationships, impact 1 in 3 girls in the US. I think it’s important that young girls have information to avoid these experiences.”
What has been your favorite part so far of being a Spark Change Facilitator?
“Meeting new people, opportunities , programs!”
Meet Genesis
Tell us your name, nickname, and favorite ice cream flavor!
“Genesis, Peanut or Gen, Chocolate Chip, cookie dough “
Tell us about your policy priority. Why is it important to you to see change in your community regarding this policy priority?
“The policy that I am focusing on right now is working to expand mental health resources in schools. I would really like to try and change the expectations for schools and increase the amount of mental health resources that schools provide.”
What has been your favorite part so far of being a Spark Change Facilitator?
“My favorite part being a Spark Change Facilitator so far would have to be being able to interact and come together with the other facilitators to create change. It’s been such an amazing experience to step along side.”
“I’m very excited to continue the next couple of months working with this group to keep pushing for change and to support each other in everything we do. ”
Meet Shub
Tell us your name, nickname, and favorite ice cream flavor!
“Hi! My name is Shub. My favorite, ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip.”
Tell us about your policy priority. Why is it important to you to see change in your community regarding this policy priority?
“My policy priority is safety and schools because schools where we spent majority of our time and I think it’s really important that we protect the kids going there.”
What has been your favorite part so far of being a Spark Change Facilitator?
“I’ve been loving meeting new people.”
Meet Kyra
Kyra is in 9th grade and her policy focus is safe and supportive schools. She believes the top 3 policy issues facing girls and youth today are Mental Health, Safe and Supportive School Evironments. and Social Standards.
“ I believe you can make a difference no matter how old you are. Though I am fifteen I have committed to devote myself to what I’m passionate about now and forever.”
Support The Spark Change Project
Our spring peer-to-peer fundraiser is underway and supporting The Spark Change Project! Make a donation to our campaign and together we can continue to ignite the power in these powerful young advocates.
Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities
If your teen girl is interested in advocacy and igniting change in their community, she might be interested in these two opportunities to further her learning about advocacy and activism.
Spark Change Camp
Spark Change Camp will be held for teens in grades 6th - 12th on June 7 - 9th from 9 AM – 4:00 PM, in Austin, Texas. Register to attend or learn more about Spark Change Camp.
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