Welcome to the Impact Insider, a quarterly look at the people, progress, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the work of the SPEAR Foundation.
As we continue to strengthen SPEAR’s organizational foundation and deepen our impact, we remain focused on advancing our mission through our Five Priorities: Community Service, Public Education, Advocacy, Social Science and Applied Research
Welcome Back, Legacy Emeritus Director Tamanu Lowkie!
Founding board member, past President & CEO, and long time foundation leader is returning to the Foundation to support with historical knowledge, strategic context and technology expertise from her work with the Department of the Navy.
Thank you Regional Representatives!
The SPEAR Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Regional Representatives who served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors and supported SPEAR’s work during an important period of growth and transition.
We formally recognize:
Cherita Brown, Central Region — served through transition period
Faith Foreman Hayes, DrPH, MPH Southwestern Region — served through transition period
Zandra Scott, Esq., Southeastern Region; Legal Advisor — 2024–2026
Dr. Dawn Sherman, Northeastern Region; Research and Impact Committee Chair — 2024–2026
C. Lynn Willis, Western Region; Technology Committee Chair — 2022–2026
We thank each of these leaders for their time, service, and support of SPEAR’s mission!
SPEAR earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
The SPEAR Foundation is proud to have earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, reflecting our continued commitment to organizational transparency, responsible stewardship, and clear communication about our work and impact.
We invite supporters, partners, and community members to learn more about SPEAR through our Candid profile.
Click on the image to see the Foundation’s Candid page.
Celebrating Children’s Literature and Scholarship
We are excited to congratulate Oriaku Kas-Osoka, MD, M.Ed., SPEAR Foundation Board Treasurer, on the publication of her children’s book, Ada and the Pen that Listened.
The book follows Ada, a young girl who struggles to put her big feelings into words. Through journaling, drawing, and playing with words, Ada discovers ways to express what is in her heart. It is a thoughtful story about creativity, emotions, and finding your voice.
We encourage our supporters to purchase a copy for themselves or for a child who could use a reminder that every feeling deserves a safe space to be expressed.
Click on the image for more information.
We are also proud to celebrate the scholarship of Charmaine Davis-Grant, Ed.D., SPEAR Foundation President & CEO, whose chapter, It Takes a Village: Addressing Systemic Barriers and Empowering Black High School Students through Culturally Sustaining Practices in OST Programs, appears in Resilient Futures: Addressing Collective Trauma and Marginalization in Out-of-School Time Spaces.
Click on the image for more information.
Both publications connects directly to SPEAR’s commitment to education, advocacy, research, and improved quality of life for underserved youth and communities. Congratulations again to members of our leadership team!
SPEAR in Washington, D.C.
In September, President Davis-Grant represented the SPEAR Foundation at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative (CBC ALC) Conference in Washington, D.C.
The conference created opportunities to engage with national conversations related to education, youth opportunity, community investment, Black leadership, philanthropy, and public policy. It also provided space to build relationships with potential funders, partners, and organizations whose work aligns with SPEAR’s mission.
We will continue carrying SPEAR’s voice into spaces that support stronger communities, equitable opportunity, and meaningful investment in the people we serve.
In Case You Missed It: Highlights from SPEAR’s Impact in Tampa, Florida
Click the picture for a recap of SPEAR’s summer engagement in Tampa and highlight the community impact connected to that work!
Support the Community Impact Campaign
As SPEAR continues building a stronger and more independent funding base, we invite you to support the SPEAR Community Impact Campaign.
Our current goal is to raise at least $10,000 by June 30, 2027, to continue investing in programs, partnerships, research, and community-centered initiatives.
Every contribution helps SPEAR expand opportunity and strengthen communities.
To stay connected to SPEAR’s work, follow us on social media (through the links below under Contact) and share our updates with your networks!
Coming Soon
Stay tuned to our social media and listserv for details on our upcoming SPEAR Forward Engagement Webinar and Call for Leadership volunteer opportunities!
