Born in Columbia in 1958, Sparkle grew up in the Melrose Heights neighborhood. She attended Schneider Elementary, Hand Jr. High, and graduated Dreher High School. After a few years of various jobs while attending USC, Sparkle became employed with the United States Postal Service where she remains after 28 years.
In 1989, she returned to USC and graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Business Administration. While attending USC, Sparkle served in the Student Senate; her first real
look at the political process. In the 90s, she volunteered her time with Palmetto Aids Life Support Services (PALSS), and served as co-chair of South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement (GLPM) and participated in a variety of efforts toward the attainment of Civil Rights of GLBT people.
In 1998, Sparkle attended Limestone College and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Soon after, she worked for the Tom Turnipseed for Attorney General Campaign because of his lifetime career of working for "Justice for All".
In the past decade, Sparkle was introduced to birding by her next door neighbor. She joined the Audubon Society and SC Wildlife Federation. She began photographing birds and wildlife and maintains a Certified Wildlife Habitat in her yard in the Bradley Community. On most any clear day, she can be found with her scope at Riverfront Park ,the place she says is the best birding area in the city.
The fragile nature of birds has taught Sparkle that it is up to governments, as well as citizens, to be good stewards of all our resources to insure the economic and environmental health of our community for generations to come.
Sparkle says, "In these tough economic times, all Americans are being asked to tighten up our belts, to conserve our resources. I believe that Columbia should take the lead with lean and responsible spending. By protecting our vast resources, we become accountable to our community, our investors, and our future generations. "