AVERY DIXON

SPARKLE K. ADAMS is the founder and Executive Director of the Walking In Authority Teen Council, formerly known as Forest Park Teen Council. While serving as Mayor Pro-tem, Interim Mayor, and City Councilwoman in the City of Forest Park, she envisioned giving teenagers a vehicle to promote their interest through active involvement in the community by participation in community activities.  As the Executive Director, Ms. Adams helps the teens to develop leadership qualities as the council initiates, organizes, supervises and conducts programs and civic projects of all types that benefit youth and the surrounding communities.  Mrs. Adams believes that youth play a critical role in the social and cultural fiber of any community; through civic engagement, WIATC promotes social consciousness and awareness in youth and positions them to be agents of positive change; training youth to be leaders facilitates a sense of agency and empowerment; giving voice to youth ensures that their beliefs and opinions inform community priorities and ensures that their concerns are heard. She has devoted her life’s work to making a difference.