Fatimah Amer, a 16-year-old junior at BASIS Scottsdale, 10400 N. 128th St., recognized the need to address health disparities in the community with a youth perspective, and that turned into an entire organization. 

SPARKHope, created by Amer to help Gen Z fight social determinant factors of health, is a nonprofit initiative with programs providing resources and tools to people in need and advocating for change through long term political commitment. SPARKHope, now three years old, is expanding across the Valley, working with several partnerships with local businesses as well as the local mayors and the county board of supervisors. 

"It is absolutely vital for societal progress and success that we come together and address the needs of our community," Amer said.

Most recently, Amer was invited to present a poster presentation about her work with SPARKHope at the annual Arizona Health Equity Conference, where she was honored with the Stella Kiarie Innovation in Health Equity Award. Amer was the youngest attendee present and the youngest ever recipient to be honored with this award. The award recognizes public health innovators who have demonstrated dedication to the public health industry while creating positive change for the greater community with their leadership. 

"I am so incredibly grateful for all the support donors, partners and volunteers have shown," Amer shared at the conference. "Knowing I can play a small role in the mission to remedy health disparities in our state is gratifying." 

Amer has enlisted friends to volunteer and ensure that each program stays alive and well. She feels honored knowing she can bring a little light into others' lives: “I want to reach as much of the youth as I can," she said.

Visit sites.google.com/view/sparktheyouth/home.