Founding president of nonprofit Spark, Maya Garcia envisioned an organization that would empower young professional women in local communities to address social, political, and economic issues that women face globally by creating a local network and working with grassroots women’s groups worldwide.
Did you hear that, Divas? Not a muted minion of multi-millionaires in the twilight of their careers. But women, young women of dedication and drive with the world opening up before them. Spark believes that you can make a difference, right now! Not with all the money and time in the world, not by simply writing a check, but by networking with your fabulous peers, attending educational and social events centered on key issues and world regions. And by making this nonprofit your home.
Now, the fabulous Maya has embarked on another journey—moving to Dubai with her soon-to-be husband. Which is right next to Jordan, which is where the women of Spark chose to go last year on their annual delegation trip to visit grantees on the ground.
Today, just four years later, Spark is a growing organization with a femme-powered board of eighteen gorgeous, world-altering women, lauded by the press, flocked to by concerned citizens of the world, and responsible for several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of donations to women’s groups in Kenya, Bangladesh, Mexico, the US, Zimbabwe, Jordan, and more.
And renowned for their events. Where cocktails and this cause come together is at Spark’s annual Black and Pink Ball, for which Maya flies in every fall.
Viva World-Changing Young Professional Divas!
Diva Visionary Questions:
1. What was the best decision you made in your life?
To attend UC Berkeley. I think there is a lifelong reward to a good public school education. Since I graduated, attending Cal continues to impact my life in so many ways, and that is one important attribute of a ‘best decision.’
2. What is your most memorable travel moment?
While I can’t ignore the one night I spent horse riding around The Great Pyramids of Giza, or the awe I felt coming upon the Treasury for the first time at Petra, I would have to say my best travel experience is marching in a parade with my grandfather, Angel Garcia, in the small town of Mortain, France.
