Meet The Team
Nicole Graham, Founder and President of SMEC
Precious Banks, Co-Founder and Vice President of SMEC
Precious Banks, Co-Founder and Vice President of SMEC
Nicole Graham is one of the visionaries behind Sprouting Minds Enrichment Club, bringing over two decades of executive-level experience in human resources to the education and youth development space. With 21 years of leadership in Fortune 500 companies and consulting firm management, she has built a career around strategic planning, org
Nicole Graham is one of the visionaries behind Sprouting Minds Enrichment Club, bringing over two decades of executive-level experience in human resources to the education and youth development space. With 21 years of leadership in Fortune 500 companies and consulting firm management, she has built a career around strategic planning, organizational growth, and empowering others to reach their full potential.
Transitioning from the corporate world into education, Nicole has been working directly with students as a substitute teacher in Walton and Jackson Counties. This firsthand experience inspired her to create an innovative enrichment program that bridges academic learning with real-world skills, creativity, and social-emotional development.
A Georgia resident and devoted mother of two, Nicole is passionate about building safe, inclusive environments where children can thrive academically and personally. Through Sprouting Minds, she is redefining what after-school and summer learning can look like—infusing STEAM education with purpose, empowerment, and community impact.
Precious Banks, Co-Founder and Vice President of SMEC
Precious Banks, Co-Founder and Vice President of SMEC
Precious Banks, Co-Founder and Vice President of SMEC
Precious Banks is a passionate aviation professional and youth advocate dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation. She holds a Private Pilot License, is a certified FAA Aircraft Dispatcher, and brings over a decade of experience as a flight attendant—making her a true multi-hyphenate in the world of aviation.
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Precious Banks is a passionate aviation professional and youth advocate dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation. She holds a Private Pilot License, is a certified FAA Aircraft Dispatcher, and brings over a decade of experience as a flight attendant—making her a true multi-hyphenate in the world of aviation.
As the co-founder of Sprouting Minds Enrichment Club, Precious blends her love for aviation, education, and service to create engaging, hands-on programs that spark curiosity and confidence in young minds. Her initiative, STEAM Saturdays, offers girls aged 6–10 a fun, supportive space to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and lifestyle skills—from cooking to cultural arts.
Precious previously served as the Co-Chair of Outreach for the Women in Aviation ATL Chapter, where she built community partnerships, led youth engagement efforts, and inspired young women to explore careers in aerospace. In June 2024, she was honored with the “Making a Difference” award for her outstanding volunteer work with the ACE Academy.
Above all, Precious is a dedicated mother, wife, and mentor, committed to helping children rise with purpose, resilience, and joy. Her mission is simple: to plant seeds of opportunity, nurture bold dreams, and help every child she encounters take flight.