EXECUTIVE TEAM

After 25 years in the fashion and eyewear industry, Micheal Sparks’ creative path took a transformative turn. Trained as an optician and optical designer, he began his career developing eyewear and accessories for his own label in Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. He later built a successful freelance career, designing for luxury houses such as Loewe and Halston, contributing to cinematic projects like The Matrix, and crafting pieces for clients including Oprah Winfrey, Bette Midler, Mary Tyler Moore, and Dizzy Gillespie. His work carried him across Europe before bringing him to New York, where he met his partner, Dr. Richard Brown. When Dr. Brown accepted a position at Massey Cancer Center, the couple relocated to Richmond, where what began as intimate dinner parties among friends evolved into The Underground Kitchen, a cultural dining sanctuary in the city’s historic Manchester neighborhood, where culinary storytelling meets cultural celebration. When COVID-19 struck, Sparks responded by launching UGK Community First, supported by the Richmond community and his team of experienced chefs. During this time, UGK-CF provided meals and resources to those impacted. What began as soups and bread for the community quickly expanded into programs that reflect his commitment to nutrition and community care, from nutrition education to childcare scratch cooking to diet-supportitive meals for those with disabilities. His work quickly brought him to introducing Nourish, a culmination of years of experience, merging all aspects of his nonprofit work to bring wholesome food to the community. Today, Sparks continues to bring good food to the Richmond region through his networking and partnership skills, tireless drive, and dedication to improving nutritional outcomes, especially for the city’s Black and Brown communities, whose warmth and support have been integral to his journey.

Originally from Southern California, Nancy brings over twenty years of experience in the leisure and hospitality industries to her professional journey. She began her career climbing the hotel ladder in the western region, ultimately achieving the role of Director of Food & Beverage for Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Transitioning her expertise, Nancy assumed greater responsibilities overseeing food & beverage operations for Hilton Hotels and Loews Hotels & Resorts. She then seized the opportunity to manage Hollywood’s Ian Schrager’s Modrian Hotel, interfacing regularly with elite clientele and national media. In 2005, Nancy relocated to Washington, DC, where she co-founded and operated OYA, SEI, and SAX Restaurants for twelve successful years. Following the closure of their last brick-and-mortar establishment in June 2019, Nancy pivoted into the technology sector, diving into the world of startups. Currently, she is bootstrapping a venture, chattabot.ai, while also directing and overseeing UGK & UGK-CF. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Nancy is an active leader in the hospitality community, serving as an officer on the Board of Destination DC (DC Convention & Visitor Bureau) and chairing its Marketing Committee.

Richmond native Chef Steve Glenn has dedicated his life to exploring the nuances of Culinary Arts. He started with humble beginnings gaining interest in the art of cuisine from his grandmother at the age of 10 years old. Over the course of his career, he’s worked his way through the ranks of the industry gaining knowledge from world renowned chefs along the way. At the age of 21, he competed in Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen where he finished as a finalist and took home the coveted Black Jacket. From there he moved back home to Virginia and worked as executive sous chef at Richmond Country Club for 4 years. At 25, Steve took on the title of Executive Chef of The Black Hen and Bar Blue in Blacksburg Virginia. During his time in Blacksburg he was able to maintain The Black Hen’s Reputation as the best restaurant in town. Eventually Chef Steve decided to venture independently as a traveling private chef and consultant. He received excellent reviews all along the east coast before deciding to settle back down in his hometown of Richmond Virginia.