Drawing from the rich tapestry of Brenda Martinez Castillo’s life, her journey from Ecatepec, Mexico, to the halls of UC Berkeley and the frontlines of immigrant advocacy paints a vivid picture of resilience, determination, and the power of hope. Brenda’s story is not just her own but a reflection of countless others navigating the complexitiesContinue reading “Our Newest SparQ, Breaking Barriers”
Category Archives: News
Empowering Young Changemakers
We are excited to announce this year’s Ember Project recipients from Westside Neighborhood School (WNS), where four incredible student teams have demonstrated exemplary social entrepreneurship and community service. Celebrating with a Cause: Birthday Parties for Homeless Children Our first inspiring group collaborated with Worthy of Love to organize a memorable birthday party for children facingContinue reading “Empowering Young Changemakers”
Ember Project Recipients Starting A Fundraiser
This year, we will spotlight and support four teams of student changemakers. While their full stories are yet to be released, we want to focus on one team that has begun a creative fundraiser. These 8th-grade students from Westside Neighborhood School are helping to address the issue of homelessness, particularly for children, in a uniqueContinue reading “Ember Project Recipients Starting A Fundraiser”
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
You already know about the amazing Steps of Hope Campaign. Now, meet the hero behind the scenes. The story of Thea Chimilio, one of our newest SparQs, is live! Dive into her remarkable journey from Belize to Los Angeles, her dedication to public health, and her impactful work with Safe Place for Youth and TheContinue reading “🌟 Exciting News! 🌟”
Celebrating the Remarkable Journey of James Kanoff and The Farmlink Project
A Legacy of Impact and Recognition It is with immense pride and admiration that we revisit the journey of our first SparQ, James Kanoff. Since our initial feature, James and his organization, The Farmlink Project, have achieved extraordinary milestones in their mission to combat food waste and hunger. Surpassing 100 Million Pounds The Farmlink ProjectContinue reading “Celebrating the Remarkable Journey of James Kanoff and The Farmlink Project”
Steps of Hope: A Heartfelt Thank You
As the Steps of Hope Campaign draws to a close, we at LumenSparQ are filled with immense gratitude and awe. Thanks to the overwhelming support and contributions from our incredible community, we have successfully provided 110 pairs of shoes to those in need, with some still on their way. A Collective Effort This campaign sawContinue reading “Steps of Hope: A Heartfelt Thank You”
A Life of Service
We are so very pleased to introduce Brooke Abbott, our latest SparQ hero! Brooke embodies resilience and advocacy, transforming her battle with ulcerative colitis into a beacon of hope for others, particularly women of color. From Capitol Hill to the creation of IBDMoms.org, she’s a force for health equity and empowerment. Join us in celebratingContinue reading “A Life of Service”
Ripple Effect: A Game-Changing Approach to Youth Education and Civic Engagement
In a world that’s more interconnected than ever, it’s crucial for our youth to be aware of the challenges around them and feel empowered to make a difference. That’s why I created “Ripple Effect.” Designed as an educational card game, it is a tool for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship geared toward middle-Continue reading “Ripple Effect: A Game-Changing Approach to Youth Education and Civic Engagement”
A Summer Celebration: Beer Pong, a Birthday, and Benefaction
Kapil (top left), Sandesha (bottom second from right), and a snapshot of all the people that came to celebrate!
Rising High
Her full story is out! Read about our most recent Lumenary, Naomi Lara, principal at RISE High School. Two families’ journeys, one from Mexico and another from farm life in Colorado, unite in Compton California. Their migrant experiences help to forge the foundations of this amazing educator. Read Naomi’s full story here.