STAFF
Paris Hatcher: Executive Director
Paris Hatcher is a passionate, radical Black queer 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. Paris is a Board member of SONG(Southerners On New Ground), the Advisory Board for the Groundswell Fund, and a member of the Spoke N Heart Bike Collective.
Cortez Wright: Communications & Development Coordinator
Cortez is a Southern gent, organizer, and dedicated foodie currently living and sometimes working in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s a poor, queer, poc whom may never graduate with a BA in Comparative Literature and/or Women’s Studies. He’s not that great at talking about himself in the third person, so his bio’s are usually pretty odd.
He doesn’t believe that a world “free of oppression” will ever exist, but he does work for one in which he can safely and comfortably love his family/friends in the ways they want. He believes in intentional and thoughtful language and communication that acknowledges varied lived experiences, that access should be a key factor to any and all organizing, and that intersectionality exists and is not a tool for gaining “diversity” points. He’s a firm believer in grass roots organizing, community based leadership, memory foam, things cooked in butter or olive oil, and Saturday morning cartoons from the 90s.
Angie Cain: Program Associate
(photo and bio coming soon)
Bianca Campbell: Program Associate
(photo and bio coming soon)
SPARK 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.
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.
Heidi Williamson, Treasurer heidi@sparkrj.org
Tamika Middleton, Board Member
Ingemar Smith, Board Member
