Why I Do What I Do

Thinking expansively about how I can combine lived experience and what I’ve learned on-the-job is one of my favorite parts of being an independent consultant. I can’t wait to create a vision with you that provides direct solutions you can get excited about implementing.

I have led several national social impact projects over my decade-long career with trusted partners like The Rhode Island School of Design, The Peace Corps, NBC News, and President Obama’s White House Administration.

Before I received my master’s in communication from Clark University and launching WordSpark Consulting in spring 2020, I previously served as National Senior Communications Manager for the education nonprofit organization City Year HQ and Marketing and Communications Manager for youth mentoring intermediary MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.

In 2022, I completed The University of Pennsylvania’s master’s level Executive Program for Digital Media in Social Impact and served as an alumni Teaching Fellow in 2023, educating, mentoring and guiding students throughout their cohort learning journey.

I was also selected as one of 20 leaders from across the world to participate in the 2024 Global Social Impact House, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, Center for Social Impact Strategy at Macaw eco-lodge in Turrubares, Costa Rica.

Beyond my professional interests, I serve as a mental health and animal rights advocate. I am also a freelance writer and the author of Awakening to Nature’s Beauty 10 New England Meditations for the Wandering Spirit, an immersive and experimental nature book encouraging self-care and exploration of the outdoors.

Recently, my creative investments have expanded to experimental film photography. In 2026, a piece I developed in the darkroom was part of a collective show at DaVinci Art Alliance called Collective Renderings of “We The People”. I was also welcomed as a featured artist by Artists for Immigrant Rights for their spring 2026 fundraiser. Our event raised over $12,000 in one afternoon with the support of a donor match.

“Ethical consulting practices and collaborative client relationships are at the core of WorkSpark’s values.”
— River Ingham, MSc, Founder and Owner, WordSpark Consulting
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Education

Master of Science in Communication (MSC) from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. (May 2020)

Master’s thesis: Dating in the Digital Age: Challenging Racial Bias to Reduce Inequity in Online Spaces

Master’s Level Certificate, Executive Program in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Center for Social Impact Studies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (June 2022)

Member of Global Social Impact House hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, Center for Social Impact Strategy in Turrubares, Costa Rica. (June 2024)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in public relations with minor degrees in photography and sociology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. (May 2010)

Advanced Skills

Social Media: Later, Sprout Social, Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok

Creative Services and Design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva

Email Marketing: Marketo, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Salsa Labs, FloDesk

Content Management: WordPress, Sitefinity, Squarespace, Expression Engine, Joomla

Customer Relationship Management: Salesforce, CVent, GiftWorks, Aptify, Calendly

SEO/SEM: Google Analytics, Google AdWords, BrightEdge

Project and Editorial Management: Trello, Basecamp, Asana, Wrike, Slack

Media Tracking and Reporting: Cision, MeltWater, PR Newswire

Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher

Community Engagement

Mental Health Advocate, National Alliance on Mental Illness, (November 2013-Present)

Participate in various local and national fundraising, policy and social media opportunities to help end stigma and educate the public on issues related to mental health. Personally raised over $3,400 as part of the annual NAMI Walks event.

Founder, The Dream Big Education Award, Glendale High School, (November 2018-December 2023)

Worked directly with Glendale Union High School District school leaders and administration to create and manage The Dream Big Education Award, a five year scholarship honoring rising seniors at my former high school who face barriers to higher education.

Community-Based Mentor and Foster Care Advocate, Silver Lining Mentoring, (December 2015-August 2021)

Served as a volunteer mentor in the Greater Boston community and an advocate for foster care policies that support youth and families.

CONNECT WITH WORDSPARK ON SOCIAL

Thank you @artsconnectint for the warm welcome! 💚💚 Proud to join the team as Co-Director of Connection. “River grew up in the Southwest, but has called the East Coast home for nearly 15 years. They have accessed expressive arts their entire
Evolving as a leader often requires embracing experiences that challenge you. When I applied for The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy @csis_penn Global Social Impact House in Costa Rica, I was nervous. I knew that
This accelerator led by The Center for Social Impact Strategy @csis_penn reminded me that’s it’s never too late in your career to think expansively about how you’d like to advance systems change. During PSIA, sessions were centere
PHILLY YOUTH OPPORTUNITY: @photography.without.borders & PhillyCAM are partnering this summer to offer a workshop on experimental video art. They are seeking eight youth age 14-20 who have an interest in the #digitalarts, media mixing,
A fellow social impact leader recently asked me the question, “Can you share one thing you’re proud of accomplishing lately?” I think in years past my answer would likely have revolved around an external-based affirmation - pe
Happy Earth Day and third publishing anniversary to Awakening to Nature’s Beauty! 🥳 This book of short stories, including original art from Moriah Mylod-Daggett @birdseyeintheattic has opened up many conversations with readers about the import
Thankful to get a sneak peek of Isaiah Zagar’s Self-Portraits on Paper exhibit curated by the extremely talented @chelseylusterart and take a clay tile making class last month at @phillymagicgardens. March also included a first visit to Chica
Special thank you to podcast host and @clarkuniversity student Manny Torto and @clarkentrepreneurship leader Teresa Quinn for the invitation to share in conversation discussing inclusive marketing and communication practices. “Remaining inclu
We're quickly approaching the end of 2023 with nearly 12 months of memories behind us. I'm so grateful to the clients who trusted me with their special projects and initiatives in this third year of social impact consulting with WordSpark.&
One thing you may not know about me is that I LOVE live music. This year, I've been to over 20 concerts and travelled cross-country more than once to go to shows. I listen to pretty much all genres you can think of, from indie rock to folk harp to ex
I had the honor of hearing Zeinab Diomande speak about the evolution of her practice, the intention behind the vibrant colors and tactile materials she uses, and how she gives her "alter-egos" freedom in her work. If you're Philly-based or
A love of music, film, books and other forms art is developed for me from a very young age. Spending hours at my local library finding a beloved story, collecting cassette tapes from secondhand stores, taking the bus to see independent movies I read