Our Team

PRESIDENT, Spark SF Public Schools

Ginny Fang has worked at the intersection of the public and private sectors for over 25 years. She has been a founding CEO in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, mobilizing human networks and significant financial resources towards addressing some of California’s most complex public policy and social justice challenges – equitable access to quality education, youth development and well-being, housing, environmental justice, and community revitalization. In total, she has raised close to $600M for such efforts and believes that when the public and private sectors are aligned in mission, action and resources, there is nothing that is impossible to achieve.

Ginny holds a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy and completed her undergraduate studies at Dartmouth University. She has lived in various neighborhoods in San Francisco over the past 25+ years, and currently resides in Russian Hill with her husband and 3 sons.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, San Francisco Unified School District

Colm Hegarty has over 25 years of experience working in development and advancement at higher education and community based organizations. Colm started his development career at Cornell University's Corporate Relations department. After moving from New York to San Francisco he worked for the UCSF Foundation's Major Gifts and Communications & Stewardship departments during the University's first campaign, Strength to Strength. From there, Colm moved to the UCSF AIDS Health Project where he built the agency's development program including its signature event, ART4AIDS. With an interest in helping address homelessness in San Francisco for people living with and at-risk for HIV/AIDS, Colm moved to the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center where he lead its development department during its merger with Continuum HIV Day Services to become Tenderloin Health. Most recently Colm worked at Compass Family Services where he oversaw the agency's growth in general operating private support by over 33% as well as its centennial campaign in 2014 and most recent $30MM comprehensive campaign. Colm has a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Irish from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and has a certificate in Conflict Resolution from UC Berkeley.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, San Francisco Unified School District

Ryan Smith brings over 15 years of experience in K-12 education and non-profit development. His career began with 826 Boston, a youth writing and tutoring center in Roxbury's Egleston Square, and was further shaped by his years as a classroom teacher. Starting with Teach for America, Ryan has taught English and Language Arts, Social Studies, Social-Emotional Learning, English as a second language, and Restorative Practices in both schools and community-based organizations. He has also taught creative writing and developed curricula to help young people read and write poetry.

Ryan holds an M.A. in Education Policy and Social Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a focus on Data Analysis and Research Methods. His development work has consistently secured funding and public support for education programs through grant writing and event planning. Deeply committed to enhancing educational equity and excellence, Ryan advocates for evidence-based practices and policies that foster a lifelong love of learning and empower students to shape the future they envision for themselves. Residing in the East Bay with his family, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors.

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT, San Francisco Unified School District

Kianna brings several years of experience in administrative support and has returned to San Francisco, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from San Francisco State University. During her studies, she developed a strong passion for health equity, leading her to volunteer as a Health Educator with Peer Health Exchange. In this role, she conducted health workshops in San Francisco public schools to address gaps left by underfunded and understaffed district health programs. Currently, Kianna assists and supports management in the administrative processes necessary to ensure that every child in the SFUSD receives a quality education.

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, Spark SF Public Schools

Originally from France, Marie has extensive experience in programming, project management, and audience engagement across various cultural and educational organizations in both France and the U.S. In 2007, she was appointed the inaugural Manager of the newly established, 450-seat Cultural Center of the Lycée Français de New York, where she curated and managed a diverse program of live performances, lectures, and film screenings. After relocating to the Bay Area, she became the resident writer at ODC Theater, where she also served as programming associate. She has taught at a number of schools and universities, including The New School, the Brearley School, Dartmouth College and the Academy of Art University. Educated in the French public school system, she holds degrees from the Université de Toulouse (MA) and Dartmouth College (MA) as well as certifications from the Martha Graham School of Dance, the Integral Yoga Institute and the California School of Herbal Studies.