The Spark
ScholarSpark was born of an ad hoc group of volunteers focused on college access at a Washington, D.C. public high school. High school graduates with college acceptances and sufficient financial resources were not enrolling. Those who started struggled with the academic and administrative transition to college and were in danger of dropping out. And students on the path to graduation lacked a bridge to the workforce.
Our high expectations of our students flow from understanding their individual strengths and abilities. We support scholars so they can create financial security for themselves and their families and grow into strong and inspiring workforce leaders.
ScholarSpark scholars have attended the University of the District of Columbia, Marymount University, American University, Catholic University, Trinity Washington University, George Washington University, George Mason University, Washington College, and UMASS Lowell.
Our Team
ScholarSpark has a robust roster of talented volunteers, with broad and deep educational and professional backgrounds. They are the strength and structure of the program. All Board members actively work with students while providing stewardship and vision for the organization.
Board of Directors
Nancy Bard
Nancy is a retired attorney with experience serving on many non-profit boards. ScholarSpark directly benefits from her 10 years of experience founding and running a volunteer tutoring program for wounded U.S. veterans. She is instrumental in matching students with tutors and is an active writing tutor.
Paru Rellan
Paru brings to ScholarSpark her background in business, risk management and organizational operations. Her personal commitment to equity in education has ranged from Early Childhood support through college level tutoring. She energetically supports ScholarSpark as a tutor and with Job/Internship guidance.
Sasha Rene
Sasha spent years practicing immigration law in the government and private sectors. As a community advocate, she conducted public education campaigns in immigrant communities on immigration law requirements and procedures and served as a longtime CASA volunteer. Sasha supports ScholarSpark Coaching and Volunteer Coordination.
Sally Shea
Sally is trained as a social worker and urban planner and brings to ScholarSpark a background in nonprofit organizations and operations. She has experience working with many communities including mental health treatment, aging, environmental advocacy and K-12 educational support. Sally supports ScholarSpark Coaching and focuses on Job/Internship support.
Sheila Teimourian
Sheila spent 25 years in the Legal Department at Fannie Mae, focusing on the intersection of consumer finance, technology and data and managing teams of people, large and small. Sheila brings organizational and problem-solving skills to the ScholarSpark Board, is spearheading ScholarSpark’s scholarship growth, and works as a ScholarSpark Coach.