Our Story
DEVELOPING WOMEN LEADERS
We are a non-denominational, registered charitable organization in Canada. Our purpose is to empower young women, primarily from the Global South, to become the next generation of leaders in their communities. We achieve our purpose by providing scholarships and ongoing personal support to ensure that every student succeeds at university and is equipped to become an outstanding leader.
The biggest gender inequality issues that we face today, such as legal discrimination, unfair social norms and attitudes, decision-making on sexual and reproductive issues and low levels of political participation, are better resolved in societies where women and men are equally educated.
We strongly believe that better education not only gets women out of the cycle of poverty and develops the next generation of women leaders, but also makes them more resilient in vulnerable situations such as economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
By working closely with our on-ground partner in the student’s country of origin and our university partners, we help these young women secure all the funding they require to pursue university programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional and PhD levels.
Our Purpose
The Vision
Over the next 10 years, our goal is to support an additional 500 young women leaders to achieve university education, at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professional and PhD levels. We’d love your support in making their dreams come true!
The First Initiative
The foundation’s journey began with a bold step—bridging the discrimination against Women. The foundation's sole aim is to ensure that women are supported and empowered to reach great heights and achieve their dreams and ambition.
Expanding the Mission
We aim to lift young women, their families and their communities out of the cycle of poverty by igniting a spark of hope. We believe that empowering young women, especially those from countries in turmoil, strengthens local communities and is key to creating long-term transformational change.
Our Journey
From a single initiative to a growing movement empowering women and single mothers worldwide
2014
The Foundation Forms
Recognizing the systemic barriers facing women and single mothers, our founder Narmin Ismail established The Spark of Hope Foundation and later Hopespark Foundation with a mission to empower women through education, career development, entrepreneurship support, and financial freedom initiatives.
2015
First Education Initiative
Launched our flagship scholarship program for single mothers pursuing higher education, coupled with childcare support services. This holistic approach enabled hundreds of women to complete their degrees while balancing family responsibilities.
2018
Economic Empowerment Expansion
Introduced micro-loan programs and business incubators specifically for women entrepreneurs. Our "Women Build Businesses" initiative provided seed funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help women launch and grow their startups.
2020
Pandemic Response & Debt Relief
During COVID-19, we established emergency support funds for single mothers facing job loss and launched a debt clearance program to help women escape predatory loans and financial traps exacerbated by the pandemic.
2022
Global Sisterhood Network
Expanded our reach internationally, creating a global network that connects women across borders for mentorship, skill-sharing, and collective economic opportunities. Launched vocational training programs in developing nations.
Today
Transformative Impact
Hopespark Foundation has empowered over 2000+ women and single mothers through education programs, helped clear $2.5M in burdensome debt, incubated 500+ women-led startups, and created a thriving global community of empowered women supporting each other's growth and success.
Our Empowerment Philosophy
The guiding principles that fuel our mission to uplift women worldwide
The Power of Collective Upliftment
At Hopespark Foundation, we believe empowered women empower women. Our philosophy centers on creating ripple effects of change through education, economic opportunities, and community support that enables women and single mothers to break cycles of poverty and achieve financial independence.
Our Core Beliefs
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Education as Liberation
We see education as the foundation for women's liberation - providing scholarships, mentorship, and support systems that enable academic success while balancing family responsibilities.
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Economic Empowerment
Financial independence is key - through microloans, business incubators, and debt relief programs specifically designed for women entrepreneurs and single mothers.
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Community of Strength
We build networks where women lift each other up - creating safe spaces for mentorship, resource sharing, and collective problem-solving across generations and borders.