ABOUT US

BACKGROUND

Amara's Spark was inspired by our daughter, Amara, whose curiosity, creativity, kindness, and love of learning continue to shape everything we do.

An explorer at heart, Amara found joy in discovering new things, asking questions, and diving into hands-on projects. Whether she was creating, building, playing, or exploring, she believed that experiences were most meaningful when shared with family and friends. She had a natural ability to connect with others, quickly making new friends and bringing people together through conversation, play, and shared adventures.

As Amara grew, she came to appreciate how fortunate she was to have opportunities to learn, explore, and experience new things. She recognized that not every child has access to those same opportunities and believed that every young person deserves the chance to discover their interests, develop new skills, and imagine what is possible.

Inspired by Amara's spirit and her belief in the power of exploration, Amara's Spark was created to help children and families learn, play, create, and grow together. Through hands-on programs, community events, family learning experiences, and creative spaces, we strive to foster curiosity, strengthen family connections, and make enriching opportunities accessible to all.

At Amara's Spark, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to imagine, create, explore, and belong.

  • We are building a welcoming space where children, parents, grandparents, and friends can gather to play games, tackle creative challenges, explore new interests, and spend quality time together. Through hands-on activities and shared experiences, we help spark curiosity, imagination, and meaningful connection.

  • We design and host workshops, clubs, camps, and family activities that encourage creativity, exploration, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. Whether families are building, making, designing, or discovering something new, we believe everyone learns best when they can participate together.

  • We collaborate with local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and community leaders to expand access to engaging experiences and create opportunities for families to connect with their community in meaningful ways.

  • We organize kindness initiatives, volunteer projects, and community service opportunities that encourage children and families to make a positive impact. By serving alongside one another, families strengthen relationships while helping build a more caring and connected community.

  • We are committed to ensuring that every child and family has the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Through partnerships, scholarships, and community support, we work to make enriching experiences accessible to all.

Our Mission

To create opportunities for children and families to explore, create, learn, and connect together.

Our Vision

A world where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is visible, families feel connected, and neighbors become friends.

What We Do

At Amara's Spark, we believe some of life's most meaningful moments happen when people learn, create, play, and serve together. Inspired by Amara's love of exploration and connection, we create experiences that bring families and communities closer.

Our Team

Iffa (ee-fuh) Kazi Davis

Iffa Kazi Davis is the Co-Founder and Lead Instructor of Amara's Spark, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for children and families to learn, play, and grow together. With a passion for community-building, youth development, and hands-on learning, Iffa designs programs that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young people. Her professional background includes leading Design Thinking workshops for K–12 students and adults, with a focus on test-and-learn approaches, rapid prototyping, creative problem-solving, and innovation. A builder at heart, she loves exploring new crafts, making things with her hands, and helping others turn ideas into tangible creations. Inspired by her own experiences as a parent, Iffa believes some of the most powerful learning happens when families explore, create, and discover together, and she is committed to creating welcoming spaces where every child feels empowered to imagine, make, and thrive.

Co-Founder + 
Executive Director

Jason Davis, Ph.D

Jason Davis is the Co-Founder of Amara's Spark and brings a practical, solutions-oriented perspective to the organization's work. He is passionate about creating spaces and experiences that help families connect, learn, and spend quality time together. Jason plays a key role in turning ideas into reality, helping guide the planning, operations, and long-term vision of the organization. His professional background includes over a decade in higher education advancement, instruction, and student support. As a father, he understands the importance of providing children with opportunities to explore their interests, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. He is proud to support Amara's Spark's mission of strengthening families and building a more connected community through play, creativity, and discovery.

Co-Founder + 
Board Chair
Chief Curiosity Officer
Junior Maker-in-Residence

Zain Davis

Zain Davis serves as Amara's Spark's Chief Play Tester and Lead Imagination Officer. His responsibilities include evaluating games, testing new activities, building forts, asking important questions, and ensuring every idea meets the organization's high standards for fun. Zain's interests include race cars, creative building projects, imaginative adventures, and discovering new ways to play. As one of the inspirations behind Amara's Spark, he helps remind the team that curiosity, creativity, and laughter are essential ingredients for learning. His feedback is often simple, honest, and highly valued: "Can we make it more fun?"

Board of Directors

  • Eileen LaBell

    Director of Finance & Operations, COAM

  • Eric Bacyinski

    Director of External Engagement & Mentorship/Lecturer, UM

  • Hamzah Latif

    Director of Events & Convenings, Amnesty International USA

  • Najma Khatri - Secretary

    Former Director of Enterprise Partnerships, Arcadia

  • Nicole Doher

    Financial Analyst, Institute for Social Research (UM)

  • Nidaa Shaikh

    Mental Health Specialist, Michigan Medicine

  • Saadia Ahmed - Treasurer

    Advanced Accounting Specialist, Denso International America

  • Saba Khan

    Area of Expertise: Finance

  • Sana Shaikh

    Program Manager - Anesthesiology, Michigan Medicine

  • Tom Wille - Vice Chair

    Owner, Director & Producer, Constant Motion Productions