What is SPARKS-USA?
SPARKS-USA is a 5-month, remote leadership development program created by the Turkish Women’s Initiative (TWI) to empower international and immigrant women in the U.S. Through a unique “learning-by-doing” model, the program provides participants with an opportunity to build leadership, communication, and career development skills in a safe, supportive, and diverse environment.
This program is sponsored by TWI, and offered at no expense to the participants.
Since its launch, SPARKS-USA has served women from over 9 countries and continues to grow each year. The program is designed with the belief that immigrant women don’t just need support to adapt—they need the tools, skills, and confidence to lead. The program includes:
- Weekly Zoom sessions led by facilitators, scholars, and leadership professionals
- A powerful 3-day in-person leadership workshop focused on public speaking, charisma, and presence
- Peer support and mentorship from a vibrant community of like-minded women
- Real-life experience through a team-based Social Responsibility Project
All participants who complete the program receive a certificate from the Turkish Women’s Initiative, acknowledging their commitment and growth as future leaders.
What is SPARKS-USA?
SPARKS-USA is a 5-month, remote leadership development program created by the Turkish Women’s Initiative (TWI) to empower international and immigrant women in the U.S. Through a unique “learning-by-doing” model, the program provides participants with an opportunity to build leadership, communication, and career development skills in a safe, supportive, and diverse environment.
This program is sponsored by TWI, and offered at no expense to the participants.
Since its launch, SPARKS-USA has served women from over 9 countries and continues to grow each year. The program is designed with the belief that immigrant women don’t just need support to adapt—they need the tools, skills, and confidence to lead. The program includes:
- Weekly Zoom sessions led by facilitators, scholars, and leadership professionals
- A powerful 3-day in-person leadership workshop focused on public speaking, charisma, and presence
- Peer support and mentorship from a vibrant community of like-minded women
- Real-life experience through a team-based Social Responsibility Project
All participants who complete the program receive a certificate from the Turkish Women’s Initiative, acknowledging their commitment and growth as future leaders.
This program is sponsored by TWI, and offered at no expense to the participants.
Since its launch, SPARKS-USA has served women from over 9 countries and continues to grow each year. The program is designed with the belief that immigrant women don’t just need support to adapt—they need the tools, skills, and confidence to lead. The program includes:
What is Sparks-USA?
What is Sparks-USA?
Purpose & Vision
The mission of SPARKS-USA is to help immigrant and international women in the U.S. reach their full potential—academically, professionally, and personally—by providing them with the leadership training and community support necessary to thrive in multicultural, often male-dominated environments.
Why We Do This?
- Immigrant women face unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural adjustment, social isolation, and career uncertainty.
- International female students often lack access to mentorship and leadership opportunities while navigating life in a new country.
- Many struggle with self-confidence, visibility, and integrating their cultural identity into their professional identity.
SPARKS-USA envisions a world where these challenges are not limitations but opportunities for transformation.
Our Goals
- Cultivate inclusive, culturally competent leaders
- Build confidence, self-awareness, and critical leadership skills
- Support immigrant women in navigating school-work-life balance
- Empower participants to become advocates for equity, inclusion, and community engagement
- Foster lifelong networks of peer support, collaboration, and mentorship
Participants not only gain knowledge, they develop a vision for their future, build the resilience to overcome adversity, and acquire the tools to become changemakers in their communities.
Purpose & Vision
The mission of SPARKS-USA is to help immigrant and international women in the U.S. reach their full potential—academically, professionally, and personally—by providing them with the leadership training and community support necessary to thrive in multicultural, often male-dominated environments.
Why We Do This?
- Immigrant women face unique challenges, including language barriers, cultural adjustment, social isolation, and career uncertainty.
- International female students often lack access to mentorship and leadership opportunities while navigating life in a new country.
- Many struggle with self-confidence, visibility, and integrating their cultural identity into their professional identity.
SPARKS-USA envisions a world where these challenges are not limitations but opportunities for transformation.
Our Goals
- Cultivate inclusive, culturally competent leaders
- Build confidence, self-awareness, and critical leadership skills
- Support immigrant women in navigating school-work-life balance
- Empower participants to become advocates for equity, inclusion, and community engagement
- Foster lifelong networks of peer support, collaboration, and mentorship
Participants not only gain knowledge, they develop a vision for their future, build the resilience to overcome adversity, and acquire the tools to become changemakers in their communities.
How it works?
SPARKS-USA is a fully remote, no-cost program that takes place from January to May each year. It is designed with a flexible, engaging format that combines leadership theory, real-world practice, and community support.
Program Format:
- Weekly 3-hour sessions on Zoom
- 1–2 in-person events (optional) in Southern California
- Facilitated by leadership professionals, university faculty, and expert coaches
- Collaborative and experiential: includes breakout rooms, group discussions, and personal feedback
How it works?
SPARKS-USA is a fully remote, no-cost program that takes place from January to May each year. It is designed with a flexible, engaging format that combines leadership theory, real-world practice, and community support.
Program Format:
- Weekly 3-hour sessions on Zoom
- 1–2 in-person events (optional) in Southern California
- Facilitated by leadership professionals, university faculty, and expert coaches
- Collaborative and experiential: includes breakout rooms, group discussions, and personal feedback
Curriculum Highlights:
Curriculum Highlights:
- Key Leadership Skills
- Understanding Y.S Culture
- Women's Issues
- Emotional Intelligence and Culture Resilience
- Conflict Management & Effective Teamwork
- Projectc Management & Social Responsibility
- Personal Branding
- Public Speaking, Communication & Charisma
- Career Planning: Resume, Networking & Job Search Strategies
- Decision Making Negotiation
- Key Leadership Skills
- Understanding Y.S Culture
- Women's Issues
- Emotional Intelligence and Culture Resilience
- Conflict Management & Effective Teamwork
- Projectc Management & Social Responsibility
- Personal Branding
- Public Speaking, Communication & Charisma
- Career Planning: Resume, Networking & Job Search Strategies
- Decision Making Negotiation
Participants also complete a Social Responsibility Project as a team, applying their leadership and teamwork skills in a real-world setting. Past projects include public education campaigns on breast cancer, domestic violence, and women’s economic empowerment.
Participants also complete a Social Responsibility Project as a team, applying their leadership and teamwork skills in a real-world setting. Past projects include public education campaigns on breast cancer, domestic violence, and women’s economic empowerment.
Program Evaluation Data
Our Program
- Increased social skills, teamwork, and leadership self-efficacy
- Strengthened self-confidence, public speaking, and cultural adaptability
- Enhanced ability to collaborate, lead change, and navigate career pathways
Program Evaluation Data
Our Program
- Increased social skills, teamwork, and leadership self-efficacy
- Strengthened self-confidence, public speaking, and cultural adaptability
- Enhanced ability to collaborate, lead change, and navigate career pathways