Candy Sparks holds a degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism from the University of Minnesota. Early in her career, Candy led the internationally recognized “A Smoke-free Generation” campaign in the 1980s. This groundbreaking public health initiative, which began in Sweden with the support of global icons like ABBA and tennis star Bjorn Borg, was brought to the United States under Candy’s leadership. She united a remarkable coalition, enlisting beloved celebrities such as Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Lisa Bonet, and Prince to inspire America’s youth.

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With a curriculum developed by leading epidemiologists at the University of Minnesota and vital support from Mayo Clinic, 3M, Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, and First Lady Nancy Reagan, “A Smoke-free Generation” reached thousands of schools and students ages 9 to 14. The campaign’s
innovative blend of media, celebrity engagement, and major public events — like a stadium concert at the Metrodome — halved youth smoking rates in just 18 months, creating lasting change in countless communities. Candy’s expertise and compassion in public health led her to serve as a
beloved guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health for fifteen consecutive years, sharing her experience in developing effective health campaigns with future leaders.

Beyond public health, Candy served as Executive Director of the World Confederation of Productivity Science. She worked alongside academics, visionaries, and business leaders from more than seventy countries, organizing World Congresses and Global Forums across five continents. Under her leadership, the Confederation strove to improve quality of life and elevate global standards, especially in health and education. Her work ranged from witnessing historic moments like the end of apartheid in South Africa to driving advances in food security and productivity worldwide, leaving
a lasting mark on every endeavor.

As Director of Project Development at Tor Dahl & Associates in the US and Norway, Candy championed performance improvement projects for several Fortune 500 companies, blending strategic leadership with a heartfelt commitment to making organizations — and lives — better.

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Candy’s personal journey has always been guided by compassion and resilience. In 2000, she married Brad Sparks, and together they built a blended family with five children and ten grandchildren. Their dedication to family took on new purpose when their daughter Savvy was diagnosed with airway and sleep disorders. This challenge inspired Candy and Brad to establish the Children’s Airway First Foundation (CAFF) in 2021 — a heartfelt mission to help the more than 400 million children worldwide affected by preventable and treatable sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.

CAFF’s vision, “Fix by Six,” centers on early prevention and intervention, aiming to safeguard children’s executive function, health, and lifelong well-being. Today, CAFF is piloting a healthy airway fitness program for Early Childhood Education centers, inspired by proven successes in Japan. The
foundation also plans to roll out universal airway screening for both newborns and kindergarteners, and is collaborating with Texas A&M College of Dentistry and University of Texas Southwest Medical Center on innovative studies to prevent airway disorders beginning in the prenatal stage.
Through every chapter of her life, Candy Sparks has remained driven by a deep belief in hope, progress, and the power of community. Her story is a testament to the difference one dedicated leader can make — inspiring healthier, more vibrant futures for children and families everywhere.

To learn more about Children’s Airway First Foundation’s work and mission, visit www.childrensairwayfirst.org.