2023 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Theresa is a true Washington, DC native. As the district is her birthplace and where she has spent the majority of her life, Theresa has a tremendous amount of love in her heart for Chocolate City. In her early life, Theresa attended D.C. public schools, and it was during her high school education that she discovered her ambition for a career in service. At 14, Theresa received her first employment opportunity through the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. Where she worked at local senior citizens' homes caring for the elderly through activity and engagement. Theresa also attended Chamberlin Career Center, where she received her first career opportunity as a public service agent in the federal government. It was then that she discovered her natural knack and passion for giving and helping people, which entirely inspired her path to serve.


In 1983, Theresa began her career in public service with the Social Security Administration. She has enjoyed the fulfillment that serving the American people brings and has taken on several leadership roles within her career. Theresa has led a career life in public service for over 30 years and continues to serve in her community.


Over time, her passion for public service continued to grow and blossom. From 1996 to 2007, Theresa mentored underprivileged children in the Washington D.C. social services system. During this time, she learned the struggles and hardships of families and individuals in her community and provided upbeat guidance and solutions wherever possible. Theresa believes in meeting individuals where they are, showing them that they are valuable in building themselves into well-rounded citizens.


In 2017, Theresa launched the non-profit organization Sparrows Landing Global, Inc., with a mission to provide individuals and families with the support, knowledge, resources, and guidance to enrich their lifestyles.


So far, she has initiated many programs within her nonprofit servicing, both in the Washington D.C. community as well as in underprivileged countries around the world.


One of her largest is in Newala-Mtwara, Tanzania, East Africa, where she has led a coat, backpack, school supplies, and food drive for special needs students at local schools—supporting local small businesses. Theresa also orchestrates quarterly food drives tailored to the elderly and homeless population of the Newala-Mtwara Tanzania community.


In the neighboring country of Kenya, Theresa sponsors quarterly food and toiletries drives for The Githogoro, Ruaka, and Kibera Slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The Mtwapa Mikanjuni and kitudani Villages of Mombasa, Kenya.


In addition, to serving the homeless and support orphanages yearly throughout Cairo, Egypt.


Through her organization, Theresa has also initiated an outreach campaign supporting the Washington D.C. homeless community called the Homeless Impact DC. She serves the district homeless with healthy meals, clothing, and monthly toiletries.


Theresa continues life in public service, creating new programs and finding innovative ways to reach her community and the world through her organization, Sparrows Landing Global Inc. Her ultimate goal is to seek and save those who are lost and to restore hope in the lives of those she encounters.