10 questions with Whitney Sparks
1. Where do you work?
I work for Monsanto. I work in the Public Affairs group. I have worked there since August 2006.
2. How long have you lived in St. Louis?
I have lived in St. Louis since August of 2006. Before that I was in school at Miami of Ohio in Oxford and before that I was in Louisville, KY.
3. How and when did you get involved with GenNext?
Last fall Hugh Grant did a CEO luncheon. At the time there was no one from Monsanto involved in GenNext. They asked a few of us to go to the luncheon and learn about what GenNext and United Way were all about. After that, I signed up for the newsletters, and started go to the events.
4. What’s been your favorite GenNext activity or memory?
It’s hard to choose just one. Every activity we do is completely different. The most recent GenNext activity I participated in was very interesting. I participated in the Servathon at the Loop. We went to a woman’s house and landscaped, painted and washed windows. By the end of the three hours, it looked like a completely different house. It was great to be able to see the before and after, and see how much we had helped this woman.
5. Why are volunteerism and philanthropy important to your generation?
When I first moved here, I didn’t know anything about St. Louis. Through volunteering, I was able to bond with my peers while getting involved with the community. We can’t all give a lot of money, but we can give our time.
6. Where would you like to see GenNext in five years?
Currently I am trying to build the involvement in GenNext here at Monsanto. I am trying to educate others about what United Way and GenNext are about. I would like to see the group at Monsanto involved in GenNext grow. I would also like to see more individuals from different corporations involved in GenNext.
7. What was your favorite TV show as a kid?
Saved by the Bell. My favorite character was Screech.
8. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Definitely a morning person. Probably an annoyingly morning person.
9. What is the most memorable gift you have received?
Well, I just got engaged, so my engagement ring was a pretty memorable gift.
10. Who do you think will win the World Series?
I am going to say the Phillies because they are a National League team.