Our Story
SparkBridge stems from Founder Sharai Johnson's background in Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Recognizing the lack of early exposure to diverse career paths, Sharai's vision is to empower young minds, open doors of possibilities, and create a more equitable and inclusive future. Inspired by her own journey, Sharai understands the challenges faced by youth in Atlanta, where only a 4% chance exists for those born into poverty to escape it in their lifetime. Atlanta is more than just a place; it's home, a place where Sharai and her family want to create a better future for the next generation.
The idea for SparkBridge was sparked by Sharai's intentional efforts to expose her own daughter to career pathways during her time working for a tech gaming company. Her daughter's love for creativity and drawing led her to discover the world of animation, an opportunity Sharai never knew existed for young creatives. This personal experience ignited her passion to extend the same opportunities to other children who may not have access to individuals like her. With SparkBridge, Sharai aims to bridge the gap between dreams and reality, ensuring that every child in Atlanta has the chance to thrive and succeed in their chosen career path.
Furthermore, it was during an encounter at a work event that Sharai met the founder of a local charter school. Driven by her conviction that children deserved exposure to a wide array of career possibilities, Sharai approached the school's executives with a resounding commitment: 'I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but I want to help. The kids deserve to see the variety of careers that are out here. They need to see it.' It was their unwavering support and endorsement, granting her creative freedom, that propelled SparkBridge into the transformative youth workforce development organization it is today.
For a better future for Serenity, Julian, and their peers.
The Mission
Our mission is to empower middle and high school youth in the Atlanta area by providing comprehensive workforce development initiatives. We offer career exploration resources, skill development programs, and mentorship opportunities to unlock the potential of youth, guiding them toward fulfilling and meaningful careers. Through our commitment, we bridge the gap between aspiration and accomplishment, shaping a brighter and more promising future for the next generation. We host fun, culturally relevant programs with a diverse group of mentors. Students see themselves as future architects, not just workers, building fulfilling careers.
The Vision
In our vision for the future, every youth student in Atlanta has the knowledge, support, and confidence to pursue their dreams. We aspire to be a beacon of empowerment, fostering a community of inspired youth who, through ignited passions and acquired skills, lead us toward a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow. In this envisioned future, opportunity and achievement are not limited by circumstance, and youth workforce development plays a pivotal role in shaping fulfilling and sustainable careers. We envision a generation of young individuals equipped with the tools and resilience needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the workforce.
