SPARK² Ignites a New Era of Leadership and Innovation in Prince George’s County
A collaborative force for what's next.
The SPARK² Technology and Innovation Initiative was officially announced in Largo ushering in a bold new chapter for Prince George’s County. Led by the Norman F. Holmes Foundation in partnership with Nudawn Marketing Group and a dynamic Advisory Team that includes Cisco Systems, Prince George’s Community College, and other regional innovation leaders, SPARK² represents a powerful movement. This initiative redefines what’s possible when leadership, technology, and community unite.
The Power of Partnership
From the moment guests arrived, the energy of shared purpose was undeniable. The event opened with a powerful welcome messaging from Dawn P. Jackson and Greg Holmes, setting the tone for what SPARK² represents: a homegrown surge of innovation powered by local leadership, fueled by collective vision.
Lightning Talks lit up the morning with insight, including Amanda Stein (Quantum Catalyzer) emphasizing how SPARK² will convert breakthrough research into investable, job-creating ventures; and Rachel Waters (Cisco Systems) who revealed how dormant IP can be activated into new economic engines.
The Faces of the Future
The momentum leveled up with the Business Cohort participants, a powerhouse of regional entrepreneurs including:
• gSpin Technologies (Grum Teklemariam & Nataly Gabra-Mariam)
• Steel Point Solutions (Michael & Lekiha Hawkins)
• Management Solutions (Walter Burks)
• Revelo Software / Optimal Solutions (Mark & Tracye Turner) – not in attendance
Each shared details of their unique innovative inventions, and the vision for how SPARK² can accelerate progress—not just for their companies, but for the County.
A live tech demonstration led by Walter Burks, Darryl Brooks, and volunteer Nakaii Jackson showcased exactly how innovation becomes real, tactile, and transformational when collaboration is at the center.
What’s Next Starts Now
Closing remarks by Dawn P. Jackson (Nudawn Marketing Group) and Greg Holmes reinforced the message: SPARK² is not the end goal it’s the spark igniting the possibilities ahead. The morning wrapped with media interviews, networking, and new connections forming in real time.
Behind SPARK² is a powerful Advisory Team representing tech leaders, educators, investors, and visionaries. Cisco Systems plays a pivotal role, building the infrastructure for digital readiness, cybersecurity, and next-gen connectivity, ensuring Prince George’s County is ready to compete on a global stage.
A Movement in Motion
SPARK² is positioning Prince George’s County as a vibrant hub for:
• Entrepreneurship & Equity
• Education & Workforce Development
• Technology & Transformation
From capital access to innovation labs, SPARK² is building bridges between people and possibility. If you're an investor, innovator, policymaker, or community ally - this is your moment to help lead and shape the future.
From left to right: Lekia and Michael Hawkins (Steel Point Solutions), Nataly Gabra-Mariam & Grum Teklemariam (gSpin Technologies), Greg Holmes (Norman F. Holmes Foundation), Dawn P. Jackson (Nudawn Marketing), Walter Burks (Management Solutions), Rachel Waters (Cisco Systems), and Amanda Stein (Quantum Catalyzer)
Learn more and get involved: www.nfhf8.org/spark2initiative
