Arteria Sterns

Arteria Sterns is the founder of Sparkle of Joy, a nonprofit organization established in March 2025 to uplift, honor, and celebrate children in foster care and emergency shelters. Her passion for advocacy began in 2018 when she became a foster parent—an experience that revealed the emotional and social gaps many children face, especially the lack of recognition during key milestones and everyday moments.

Arteria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health and is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Administration at Lamar University. She is also a proud alumna of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she built a strong foundation in health and community service. Her educational background, combined with lived experience, fuels her work to design programs that support children’s confidence and sense of belonging.

Through Sparkle of Joy, Arteria focuses on creating meaningful moments that bring joy, connection, and celebration to children navigating difficult circumstances. Her leadership continues to guide the organization’s efforts to make a positive difference—one child, one event, one smile at a time.