SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW collaborates with individuals, communities and organizations to grow and sustain a powerful reproductive justice movement in Georgia. We do this by: Developing and sharing a radical analysis in order to change culture; Mobilize in response to immediate threats and; Organize for long-term systemic change.

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SPARK STAFF

Paris Hatcher:Interim Director

Paris Hatcher is a passionate, radical feminist activist dedicated to working for justice and liberation. As a life long Southerner, Paris has been organizing for over 10 years, on the community, campus, and international level. Her activism is rooted in an intersectional approach which validates the lived experience of individuals and communities and works to challenge all systemic oppression. Paris’ activist interest focuses on gender liberation, in particular movements, such as reproductive justice, gender and racial justice and equity, ending sexual violence, LGBTQ communities of color, the South, and research that explores historical legacy as a motivator for current social movements. She has her Master’s in Africana Women’s Studies and is currently the Interim Director of SPARK.

paris@sparkrj.org

Orlando Montford, Program and Admin Associate

Orlando R Montford is a young native Atlanta native who is so happy to be joining the team at SPARK.  As a member of centers like YouthPride he hopes to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQQ youth not only in Atlanta but the entire nation.

orlando@sparkrj.org

Taliba Shields, Program and Member Coordinator

Taliba is an amalgamation of true grit southern girl and international spirit. She received her degree from Georgia State University in Women’s Studies and African American Studies with a secondary degree in English, creative writing. As an advocate and organizer of lgbtiq& q rights, loves, lives and beings she understands the truth and sincerity behind the individual experience and collective story. Campaigning around issues of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse comes from a personal and honest place. Through organizing and event planning Taliba has shown an innate talent and drive at getting the work done. Taliba is committed to the work and spirit of women’s bodies being their own and the true nature of choice-in all bodies. In her spare time, which is always in flux, Taliba is happiest cooking, finding fabulous fans, dancing, music, classic movies, hosting lovely events, scents, long walks, all day reading, love, solitude and all things celebratory. One evening with Taliba and you’ll know why love is all there is…

taliba@sparkrj.org

Tonya Williams: Speak Justice Take Action Program Director

Tonya M. Williams is a scholar-activist committed to realizing domestic and transnational racial and gender justice through research, advocacy and organizing. Currently, Dr. Williams is the Program Director for the Speak Justice Take Action Program (SJTA) at SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW!The function and purpose of the SJTA Program is to build knowledge, inform our base, communities and policymakers, shift power and policy priorities and transform conditions through action-oriented organizing, advocacy and political engagement and education. She is currently leading a statewide campaign to end the shackling of incarcerated, pregnant women during labor and delivery. Tonya is the doting mother of a young son, Xavier.

tonya@sparkrj.org

Board Members

Adrienne Rowe, Board President

Adrienne Rowe first recognized her commitment and passion for justice when she began teaching high school in Connecticut. Having always been active in her community, Adrienne grew up in Connecticut. Before moving to Georgia, Adrienne attended the University of Connecticut completing her undergraduate work in psychology and criminal justice. A year later she returned to complete her graduate work in education. Now living in Atlanta, she is currently in her eighth year teaching high school History and Social Studies in DeKalb County. When Adrienne first began teaching, she continued what was always second nature – understanding the humanity and needs of those in the world and throughout history. She feels truly blessed to teach the tenants of social justice, peace, human rights and civil rights in her classroom each day. Although she was always active in her community, it was through her work with youth that she came to understand that this was her life’s devotion. Adrienne has been an active member of SPARK since moving to Atlanta and is thankful for the opportunity to be a member of the Board of Directors.

adrienne@sparkrj.org

Jeremy Greenup, Vice President

Jeremy Greenup is a native of Tennessee who came to Atlanta to attend Oglethorpe University. After graduation and a brief stint in Montreal, he joined the JET Programme and taught high school in Fukuoka, Japan for three years. Jeremy returned to Atlanta to obtain his Master’s in Cultural Anthropology, writing on the socio-political discourses surrounding legalized same-sex marriage in Georgia during the 2004 presidential election.Intrigued with public policy as it pertains to the rights of the marginalized, he began the joint doctoral program in Public Policy at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Public Policy in Fall 2007. Jeremy joined the board of Spark in December 2008 and is excited to be a part of this amazing movement.

jeremy@sparkrj.org

Ellissa McHenry, Secretary ellissa@sparkrj.org

Heidi Williamson, Treasurer heidi@sparkrj.org

Ela Orenstein, Special Events Chair

Ela Orenstein has a deeply rooted commitment to social and environmental justice and has been involved with several organizations working toward these goals.  By day, she is a lawyer representing injured workers.  She attended law school at the University of Oregon School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University where she majored in psychology, graduating magna cum laude.  Ela has a curious and creative spirit and is fueled by learning new things and finding new adventures.  In her free time she enjoys crafting, travel, spending time in nature, and relishing in the love and support from her wonderful family and community of friends.

ela@sparkrj.org

Juliana Illari, Board Member

Juliana volunteers on behalf of numerous Progressive causes and political campaigns. She is currently serving on the boards of Georgia for Democracy, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, SPARK-Reproductive Justice NOW and is the lead Trainer for East Cobb Democratic Alliance. She is an active volunteer with the the Cobb County Democratic party, the Feminist Outlawz and the School of the American’s Watch.

Her “real job” is long term planning and purchasing of painted aluminum and steel products. Raised and educated in the New York metropolitan area, she and her husband Brian moved to Georgia in 1990. Juliana is constantly inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr and his efforts to build a Beloved Community.

juliana@sparkrj.org

Tamika Middleton, Board Member

Ingemar Smith, Board Member