Founded by David Jessup in 2014, Digi-Bridge is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a generation of learners passionate about science, technology, engineering, and the arts (STEAM). After a successful run at SEED20 OnStage in 2016, David continued leading the organization until 2019 when Alyssa Sharpe assumed the CEO role while David pursued a career in environmental law.
In the past year, Digi-Bridge underwent rapid growth, experiencing a 300% increase in staff and receiving program requests from over 22 schools. This surge in demand prompted a need for a refined organizational model that could adapt to current requirements, maintain service consistency, and support their accelerated expansion. Alyssa Sharpe sought external perspectives and engaged an SVP Spark Team led by Scott Brennan, supported by Maria Lander, and Ben Wilhelm.
Scott Brennan, a retired strategy consultant, brought his expertise in building teams for scalable growth to the table. Maria Lander, a former Dean of a local community college, and Alyssa Sharpe, also an SVP Board member, contributed their unique perspectives. The team’s diversity, both in professional backgrounds and viewpoints, proved to be a key strength. According to Maria, “We worked well together because even though each of us came from a different professional perspective, we were able to reach consensus and come to better solutions than if any of us were doing this work by ourselves.”
Over 12 weeks, the Spark Team collaborated with Alyssa to identify the specific needs of Digi-Bridge, researching models employed by leading nonprofit organizations. Drawing inspiration from Heart Math Tutoring (HMT), a successful math enrichment organization launched with SVP Partners’ assistance in 2010, the Spark Team crafted an organizational chart that:
- Streamlined skills with staffing needs while clarifying roles and responsibilities.
- Created project-focused departments to enhance collaboration opportunities, balance workloads, and ensure program consistency.
- Established a Staff Development Committee and a Community Engagement Department.
- Allowed for testing and gradual roll-out phases.
- Cultivated a new working relationship with Heart Math Tutoring.
Beyond achieving their organizational goals, the Spark Team members developed a deeper connection with each other. Alyssa shared, “Scott and I both serve on the SVP Board, so I know him in one perspective, but being on the same Spark Team provided us with the opportunity to develop a different working relationship.” Scott and Maria appreciated Alyssa’s leadership and prompt implementation of suggestions. All three were excited to collaborate with Ben, a new Partner.
Scott Brennan emphasized, “Almost anyone can make a difference by working on a Spark Team. No matter your background, if you have any business experience, it’s likely that you can help beyond your expectations; you just have to have the passion and time for solving the most pressing problems for our nonprofits.”
If you are interested in learning more about Spark Teams, please contact SVP’s Program Manager, Laurie Grauer at lgrauer@svpcharlotte.org.
