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News
Our mentoring platform keeps expanding with new mentors, students, and resources. Check out the latest updates!

5/29/25
Life Studio is an innovative AI application designed to help students chart a meaningful path toward their desired future. Unlike traditional planning tools, Life Studio guides you through a structured, holistic process that begins with your core values and builds toward actionable steps.
How Life Studio Works:
> Values Exploration: Discover what truly matters to you through guided reflection exercises that uncover your core values.
> Anchor Point Selection: Choose a meaningful milestone in your future (10 years from now, after graduation, when starting a family, etc.) to serve as your planning horizon.
> Vision Creation: Develop a detailed, personalized vision of yourself and your life at this future anchor point.
> Life Area Focus: Expand your main vision into specific sub-visions across 10 key life areas, ensuring balanced development.
> Goal Setting: Transform these visions into concrete, achievable goals aligned with your values and desired future.
> Action Planning: Break down each goal into practical, manageable actions that move you consistently toward your vision.
Life Studio doesn't just help you dream—it helps you build a bridge between your present and your desired future through intentional planning and consistent action.
Ready to design your future with purpose? Try Life Studio today.
Introducing Life Studio™

5/14/25
Tayyab, a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in Finance & Business Management with concentrations in business analytics and supply chain management, has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program! With his interest in investment banking and entrepreneurial goals, the Sparks team is excited to connect Tayyab with industry professionals who can help him develop strategic decision-making, data analysis, and networking skills essential for success.
Welcome Tayyab A.!

5/13/25
We are pleased to announce that Lisa ODell has joined the SetFire Advisory Board and has also assumed the role of Director, Mentor Recruiting. Lisa brings 32 years of experience from Ingersoll Rand, where she served in diverse leadership roles from sales management to general manager of a manufacturing plant, retiring as Director of Sales for North America. Throughout her career, Lisa was passionate about mentoring professionals, particularly aspiring female talent. In 2022, she chaired and developed a Women's Emerging Leadership program focused on nurturing women to achieve the next level of leadership. Her commitment to mentorship makes her an ideal fit for both her advisory role and leadership of our mentor recruiting efforts. We look forward to working with Lisa as we enter this exciting period of growth.
Lisa O'Dell Joins Advisory Board

5/7/25
Julia has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program as a mentor! She is a seasoned corporate professional with over 20 years of experience in employment law and organizational culture. Based in the Coca-Cola Consolidated organization, Julia currently serves as Sr. Manager of Culture and Care, where she oversees faith-based programs and transformation initiatives for the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S. Her career path includes significant experience as Assistant Vice President of Employment Law at Zurich and Director of DEI Services for Zurich North America. Throughout her career, Julia has prioritized purpose-driven organizational initiatives, which led her to make a career change from legal departments to culture-focused leadership - making her a valuable addition to the mentorship program.
Welcome Julie Oltmanns!

5/21/25
Jakory, a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Finance, has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program! With his advanced academic background and professional aspirations in the financial sector, we are excited to match Jakory with a mentor who can help him refine his financial expertise and expand his professional network. Through this mentorship opportunity, Jakory will gain valuable insights and guidance to enhance his career readiness as he prepares for graduation and his transition into the financial industry.
Welcome Jakory J.!

5/13/25
Derrick, a sophomore at Howard University majoring in Finance and Economics, has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program! With his interest in pursuing a career in investment banking, the Sparks team is excited to connect Derrick with industry professionals and provide guidance as he builds the quantitative, analytical, and networking skills essential for success in the competitive world of investment banking.
Welcome Derrick B.!

5/9/25
Roosevelt, a senior at the University of South Florida majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems, has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program! We're excited to welcome him as he refines his expertise in transforming business data into actionable insights. The Sparks team looks forward to supporting Roosevelt during his final undergraduate year and helping him develop the skills needed for success in the data-driven business landscape.
Welcome Roosevelt C.!

5/7/25
We're thrilled to announce that Coca-Cola Consolidated (CCCI) in Charlotte, NC has become the first Workplace Partner of the Sparks Mentorship Program. This collaboration brings together CCCI's exceptional team of professionals with our growing community of students seeking guidance and support.
Our First Workplace Partner!

5/19/25
Michelsie, a junior at Boston College majoring in Business, has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program! With her academic background and professional aspirations, the Sparks team is excited to connect Michelsie with industry professionals who can help her develop key business competencies and expand her professional network. Through this mentorship opportunity, Michelsie will gain valuable insights and guidance to enhance her career readiness as she prepares for her senior year and beyond.
Welcome Michelsie C.!

5/13/25
We are pleased to announce that Chris Koch has joined the Advisory Board! Chris is a veteran marketing executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in strategic marketing, business development, and customer engagement. As the Owner and President of C3 Media, Inc., he has led the company’s growth by crafting innovative campaigns, streamlining operations, and building long-term client partnerships. His earlier career includes key marketing and sales roles with industry leaders such as Clear Channel Radio and Ticketmaster Florida, where he consistently delivered results and drove revenue.
Chris holds a BBA in Marketing from Iowa State University and is known for his results-oriented mindset and unwavering commitment to excellence. He, and his wife Kathy, recently relocated to Charlotte after more than three decades in Tampa. Chris enjoys spending his free time working out, hiking, golfing, playing pickleball, and attending concerts and sporting events.
Chris Koch Joins Advisory Board

5/9/25
Christine has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program as a mentor! She is a seasoned supply chain and finance professional with over 11 years of leadership experience in the corporate world. After developing her foundation at NC State University, where she was a founding member of the supply chain club and held leadership roles in her sorority and finance club, Christine has built a career marked by her passion for connecting with others. Her professional journey combines expertise in supply chain management with financial acumen, enabling her to bring a comprehensive business perspective to complex operational challenges. Throughout her career, Christine has consistently demonstrated her commitment to developing others, focusing on fostering servant leadership principles that balance strategic business needs with people-centered approaches.
Welcome Christine Romaine!

5/6/25
David has joined the Sparks Mentorship Program as a mentor! He is a seasoned manufacturing and operations executive with over 45 years of experience leading IT transformation, quality systems, and safety initiatives. Based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, David began his career in 1977 as a Manufacturing Engineer before advancing to IT leadership roles. His accomplishments include converting IBM Mainframe environments to modern systems, leading Quality and IT organizations at a mining and construction company, and implementing a Human Factors Safety program that reduced injuries by 70% - an initiative later adopted worldwide. Throughout his career, David has prioritized employee development, making him a valuable addition to the mentorship program.
Welcome David Bianoco!
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