Ebony Spano

Ebony Spano is the visionary behind G.R.O.W. (Growing Right Over Wealth), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving children the resources and opportunities to become wealthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A decorated U.S. Navy Veteran, autism advocate, and mother, Ebony founded G.R.O.W. after navigating Ohio’s fragmented systems while advocating for her son, Michael, who was diagnosed with autism at 2½ years old.

Her first community initiative, Babies & Brunch, launched during the COVID‑19 shutdown in Cleveland—delivering over $2,000 worth of meals directly to families in need within five days—demonstrating early leadership and community responsiveness   . After the pandemic, she launched G.R.O.W. and hosted a toy drive to help children engage in outdoor, physical activities after being cooped up at home ().

Ebony brings lived experience, strategic vision, and nonprofit know-how. She served for four years as an Autism Speaks Volunteer Ambassador, educating families about autism testing and diagnosis, and currently serves on the Milestones Autism Advisory Board  . In 2024, she was honored with the Milestones Autism Conference Family Tribute Award and featured on WKYC for her community impact ().

She also founded MOVE—a civic engagement initiative for Mamas—designed to educate them on their rights, provide clear voting information, and offer a structured, “cookie-cutter” guide through the voting process.

Under Ebony’s leadership, G.R.O.W. has:
• Secured early funding from Cleveland Votes
• Partnered with regional disability and housing organizations
• Created voter engagement and service navigation programs tailored to mamas in Cuyahoga County

Ebony also serves on the Board of Directors for Connecting for Kids and as Hillcrest Democratic Meeting Coordinator. Her leadership is grounded in ethics, integrity, and accountability. As Executive Director, she oversees organizational strategy, partnerships, grant acquisition, and fiscal operations, with a formal board structure, conflict-of-interest policy, and transparent financial reporting.

More than a title, “MOM” is Ebony’s favorite job—and her driving force behind G.R.O.W.’s mission to nurture future generations of thriving, powerful children.