About Us
SparkShop’s mission is to inspire and mobilize the next generation of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs & manufacturing geniuses.
SparkShop empowers students to apply their skills to engineering challenges and see their value in the STEM fields. We focus on inspiring 4th and 5th graders with a mix of visits from our staff of engineers and interdisciplinary, connected curriculum for their teachers.
We believe the US needs a larger and more diverse pool of technical talent and we're ready to help!
STAFF
Shonali Ditz | Executive director & Co-founder
Shonali launched SparkShop in 2017 with her co-founder, Tiernan Murrell. She began her career as an engineer in the automotive industry, where she witnessed the lack of diversity in technical talent and how it stifles both innovation and opportunity. The vision of a more diverse and inclusive generation of STEM talent is what inspires her work at SparkShop. She is excited and honored to be leading this phase of SparkShop’s growth and impact!
Stephanie batres spezza | curriculum development specialist
Stephanie has 10 years of experience as a middle school science teacher in CPS. She’s currently working on her PhD in Science Education at UIC where she’s centering equity, social justice, and identity as essential considerations to teaching and learning. In conjunction with her PhD program, Stephanie is now our Curriculum Development Specialist where she’s creating content for our curriculum and managing the teacher professional development program.
Jess lemaster | operations & infrastructure specialist
Jess has extensive knowledge in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining our SparkShop team, she worked as a fundraiser for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) who develops community leaders, and creates equity in Logan Square. Before that, she was also a camp director for Girls Rock! Chicago summer camp. Jess currently leads our Operations initiatives, coordinates volunteer events, and builds a strong network of partners, suppliers, and volunteers who reflect our ethics and values.
AZARIA MCKAY | PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION specialist
Azaria began their career in higher education as an Inclusive Recruitment Coordinator at a Liberal Arts Institution. They developed recruitment initiatives for historically marginalized students and coordinated events for First Generation students. Azaria now works on program implementation by overseeing teacher communications, recruiting prospective schools, and maintaining partnerships with education focused community organizations in Chicago.
Eileen Patton | Alumni and Impact Specialist
Eileen has experience leading engagement programs for students and young professionals from across the country. She also worked at the University of Chicago as an advisor and program manager for the high school College Bridge Program and the Graduate Student-at-Large Program. Eileen is now developing an alumni program to help us keep in touch and provide support to SparkShop students as they go into middle school and high school.