The S.O.N.S OF Phoenix Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
🌟 Kelly Sparks, CEO, Founder & Egalitarian - Community Champion & Youth Advocate 🌟
Kelly Sparks serves as CEO and Founder of S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix (Saving Others Never Stops) 🔥, a Baltimore-based organization dedicated to youth empowerment and community transformation. Guided by the principle that "failure is not an option" 💪, Sparks leads comprehensive initiatives addressing violence prevention, workforce development, and community healing.
Working directly with Baltimore City's Mayor's Office 🏛️, Sparks contributes to the city's violence prevention strategy, including the innovative squeegee initiative that creates pathways from street work to meaningful employment 💼. His expertise spans mental health and trauma support 🧠💚, workforce development, and returning citizen reintegration programs.
With a business management background from Coppin State University 🎓, Sparks has developed impactful programming including the Leadership After School Program 📚, Phoenix Rising Athletes Program 🏀⚽, and major community events like the Annual Westside Clean Sweep and youth empowerment summits featuring speakers such as Barack Obama and Michelle Obama 🎤✨.
As an egalitarian advocate ⚖️, Sparks builds strategic partnerships across city departments—from MONSE and YouthWorks to Police and Health Departments—creating collaborative solutions that serve over 200 youth and families annually 👨👩👧👦. His holistic approach addresses education, athletics, mental health, and violence prevention through interconnected programs designed to break cycles of violence and poverty 🔄💔➡️❤️.
Through S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix 🌅, Sparks continues expanding his vision of community transformation, positioning himself as one of Baltimore's most influential advocates for sustainable change and youth development 🌱🚀.
"Failure is not an option" 🚫❌ - Kelly Sparks
Roger Clark - President, S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix
Transforming Healthcare Through Strategic Leadership and Community Partnership
Roger Clark brings over 25 years of distinguished healthcare sales leadership to S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix, where his expertise in building institutional partnerships and community engagement drives meaningful change in Baltimore's healthcare landscape.
Professional Excellence As a retired healthcare sales executive, Roger has masterfully orchestrated strategic alliances across institutional, physician, and community levels, consistently breaking down barriers to enhance healthcare access and foster deeper stakeholder understanding. His proven track record in managing high-performing sales teams has translated seamlessly into his passion for community-driven healthcare solutions.
Research & Academic Leadership Roger's commitment to evidence-based community health extends beyond the boardroom. As a co-author of multiple manuscripts on community-engaged research, he champions the critical mission of translating complex healthcare findings into actionable community knowledge. His dual role as Community Co-PI on the CEAL DMV Research Project and executive committee member of CEAL DMV NIH positions him at the forefront of community health research innovation.
Strategic Board Leadership Currently serving as Co-chair of the Community Research Advisory Council to Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Roger bridges the gap between academic research and real-world community impact. His leadership as Board Chair of The Medi, Inc 501c3 non-profit and his advisory role on the Prince Georges County Cancer Advisory Group demonstrate his unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare equity and access.
Personal Foundation A devoted family man, Roger draws strength from his four accomplished adult daughters and his partnership with his wife Regina in their Glenn Dale, Maryland home. This personal foundation fuels his professional dedication to creating healthier, stronger communities for all families.
"Failure is not an option when it comes to community health and empowerment."
Donald Young, Executive Director Certified Community Health Worker & Community Engagement Specialist
Donald Young is a dynamic community health leader with extensive experience bridging gaps between academic research and underserved communities. As a Certified Community Health Worker and Community Engagement Specialist, he has primarily worked with Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), where he serves as a capacity developer for Community Based Organizations and faith communities nationwide.
Key Leadership Roles:
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Community Health Worker Manager at Druid Hill Y of Central Maryland
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Project Manager for Baltimore City Health Department's BEMA Needs Assessment Survey
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Active Board Member, Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition
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Co-chair, Institute for Medicaid Innovation Lived & Living Experience Committee
Notable Achievements:
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CHW of the Year 2023 (Medicine for the Greater Good)
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Led initiatives resulting in 82% increase in community awareness and clinical trial participation
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Successfully recruited 300+ participants for HIV needs assessment
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Creator of "Your Favorite Community Health Worker" platform
Core Expertise: Program planning and evaluation, community outreach, cultural humility in healthcare, clinical trial education for minorities, care coordination, and capacity building for grassroots organizations.
Donald applies evidence-based frameworks like the PATIENTS Program's 10-Step Framework to create sustainable, community-driven health initiatives that serve diverse populations from young adults to seniors.
Contact: Yourfavoritechw@gmail.com
Ranette Coates - Outreach Director & Personal Assistant
Ranette Coates serves as the Outreach Director and Personal Assistant to the CEO at S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission of community empowerment and youth development. With her dual responsibilities, Ranette expertly bridges executive support and community engagement, ensuring seamless operations while driving meaningful outreach initiatives.
As Outreach Director, Ranette spearheads community partnerships and vendor relations, managing connections with over 75 community organizations, government departments, and private businesses. Her strategic approach to relationship building has been instrumental in supporting major initiatives including the Annual Westside Clean Sweep, Health Research Day, and the Phyllis Poor Recovery Resource Fair.
In her role as Personal Assistant to CEO Kelly Sparks, Ranette provides comprehensive administrative support while maintaining organizational efficiency. She coordinates complex event logistics, manages communications, and ensures all initiatives align with S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix's four core pillars: Power of Purpose, Character Development, Tapping into Potential, and Vision & Mission.
Ranette's commitment to community service extends beyond administrative duties—she actively contributes to program development, including the YouthWorks 2025 Food Donation Coordinator program, where she helps create pathways for youth workforce development and community engagement.
Her dedication to the organization's motto "Failure is not an option" is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to supporting Baltimore's youth and families through transformative programming and community partnerships.
Contact Information:
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Office: 443-630-9938
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Cell: 443-522-5688
Keontrai Williams Tech and Outreach Specialist
Keontrai Williams brings a unique blend of community engagement expertise and technical innovation to his role as Tech and Outreach Specialist at S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix. With a deep commitment to youth development and community transformation, Keontrai has dedicated his career to empowering Baltimore's next generation through mentorship and technology.
Community Leadership Background: Before joining S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix, Keontrai served as a dedicated mentor for both the Mayor's Office and Baltimore City School System for five years. During this time, he developed invaluable experience working directly with youth, understanding their challenges, and creating pathways for their success. His decision to transition from these established institutions to S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix reflects his commitment to grassroots community work and his belief in the organization's mission of "Saving Others Never Stops."
Current Role & Expertise: As Tech and Outreach Specialist, Keontrai seamlessly bridges the gap between community engagement and digital innovation. He oversees website development and maintenance while simultaneously managing outreach initiatives that connect S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix with the communities they serve. His dual expertise ensures that the organization's digital presence effectively supports their community impact goals.
Core Strengths:
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Youth mentorship and development
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Community outreach and engagement
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Website development and digital strategy
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Cross-sector collaboration with government and educational institutions
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Grassroots program implementation
Keontrai's transition from traditional institutional roles to community-based work demonstrates his passion for direct impact and his commitment to the transformative mission of S.O.N.S. Of Phoenix.
Contact: 443-839-1621
Michael J. Jackson 💼 Treasurer | Financial Strategist | Nonprofit Board Leader
Michael J. Jackson (Mike) is a dynamic financial powerhouse 🚀 and the President & CEO of A Little Faith Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, a thriving Baltimore-based firm that has become the trusted financial backbone for small businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs across the region. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Mike transforms complex financial challenges into strategic opportunities through his comprehensive suite of bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and financial advisory services. 📊
Financial Leadership Excellence: 🏆 With over a decade of strategic and hands-on experience, Mike has mastered the art of nonprofit financial operations, turning budgetary constraints into growth catalysts. His expertise spans budget optimization, advanced reporting systems implementation, and guiding organizations from financial uncertainty to sustainable prosperity. His track record includes helping nonprofits increase their operational efficiency by streamlining financial processes and maximizing every dollar's impact. 💰
Board Leadership Impact: 🎯 As a seasoned Treasurer across multiple nonprofit boards, Mike has revolutionized financial reporting practices, ensuring bulletproof compliance with federal and state regulations while developing innovative fundraising and grant management strategies that have secured millions in funding for community organizations. His strategic oversight has helped nonprofits achieve their most ambitious goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 📈
Leadership Philosophy: 🌟 Mike's collaborative, data-driven, and mission-focused leadership style creates an environment where financial clarity meets organizational vision. He doesn't just manage numbers—he translates financial data into actionable insights that empower nonprofit leaders to make confident, impactful decisions. His approach combines analytical precision with genuine passion for community transformation. 🤝
Community Impact Commitment: ❤️ Driven by an unshakeable belief in the power of community organizations, Mike dedicates his expertise to strengthening nonprofits through responsible stewardship, visionary long-term planning, and leadership empowerment initiatives. His work extends beyond traditional accounting—he's a strategic partner in mission fulfillment. 🌍
Professional Excellence: ✨ As Treasurer, Mike brings an uncompromising commitment to integrity, razor-sharp financial insight, and a proven legacy of financial excellence to every boardroom. His reputation for turning financial complexity into organizational strength makes him an invaluable asset to any nonprofit seeking sustainable growth and lasting impact. 💎
"Building financial foundations that empower missions to soar." 🚁
