Unbreakable Sparks

Drena Sparks had always been a force to be reckoned with. Growing up in Maryland with her younger brothers and two loving parents, she learned the importance of hard work, community support and learning early on she had to be twice as good in the world. After establishing her company, SparkDigital, she quickly rose to prominence in the cyber security industry, driven by a passion for technology and a desire to protect others from digital threats. Balancing the demands of a thriving business and being a single mother to her three-year-old daughter, Kimani, Drena relied heavily on her family for support. They were her foundation, allowing her to focus on her growing enterprise while ensuring Kimani was well cared for.

One evening, while juggling her busy schedule, Drena received a startling email from a struggling cyber security firm, who proposed a merger. The company was in dire straits, facing potential layoffs due to dwindling investors. Though intrigued, Drena was cautious, knowing the risks associated with merging businesses, especially given her reputation for integrity and excellence.

After a long day at the office, she picked up Kimani from her parents’ home and tucked her into bed. As she poured herself a glass of wine, she checked her personal emails and noticed a familiar name: Sameka Turner. Drena’s heart sank, recalling their tumultuous past. They had once been competitors, both aspiring to carve out their niches in the cyber security field. However, a betrayal had severed their ties. Drena hesitated to open the email, deciding instead to archive it for later.

The following days were a whirlwind of activity. Drena’s attorney was conducting a thorough investigation of the company looking to merge with SparkDigital, and she was anxiously awaiting the report. During a visit with her dad, she mentioned Sameka’s email, and her father shared an uneasy feeling about it as well. That evening, Drena found another email from Sameka, but this time it carried a heavier weight, echoing their complicated history.

When Drena finally met with her attorney, he revealed that the troubled company was indeed led by Sameka but not by the same name as Drena knew before. Shocked, Drena shared the details of the emails she had received. Her attorney urged her to reach out to Sameka directly. Reluctantly, Drena dialed the number, exchanging pleasantries before cutting straight to the chase. Sameka explained her desperate situation and the need for a merger, hoping to revive her sinking company.

Drena listened carefully, but as she did, memories of their past flooded back—the betrayal, the competition, the mistrust. Even as a businesswoman who valued collaboration and support among black-owned enterprises, she couldn’t ignore the dark clouds hanging over Sameka’s business, which had a reputation for questionable dealings. Drena had always prioritized her employees’ well-being and the integrity of her company. Merging with Sameka’s firm seemed like a gamble she couldn’t afford to take.

After two days of careful consideration, Drena made her decision. She would not proceed with the merger. She understood the importance of helping other businesses, especially those led by black women, but she also recognized that aligning with Sameka could jeopardize everything she had built. Drena’s commitment to her employees and her vision for SparkDigital were paramount, and she wouldn’t compromise them for a fleeting opportunity.

As she crafted a response to Sameka, Drena felt a sense of relief. She had made her choice, one rooted in integrity and foresight. She was determined to continue building SparkDigital into a beacon of excellence in the cyber security industry, fueled by her unwavering belief in resilience, community, and the pursuit of ethical business practices. With her daughter Kimani by her side, Drena knew she was on the right path, one that would inspire others to follow their dreams while holding true to their values.