Justin Drummond: Bridging Sports, Tech, and Black Excellence to Inspire the Next Generation

By Tammy Reese | February 9, 2026 | It's All Business

This Black History Month, Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine spotlights Justin Drummond. Once an NCAA Division 1 basketball standout, turned visionary entrepreneur. As the founder of SparkC Innovation and creator of CyberSphere Games, Drummond is an example of what success looks like for Black youth, blending athletics, technology, and education to prepare the next generation for careers in cybersecurity. Driven by the same work ethic and perseverance that made him a champion on the court, Justin is proving that intellectual dominance is as vital as physical prowess, and that vision, purpose, and early action can transform communities while opening doors to opportunities previously out of reach.

What is the core vision behind SparkC, and what problem did you feel most compelled to solve when you launched the brand?

Justin: The core vision of SparkC is to provide mission-critical cybersecurity services to help our clients reach business success. I have a passion for safety in all areas, and cybersecurity was the pathway into the future.

What would you like readers to understand most about the long-term vision behind your work?

Justin: I would like for readers to understand that a vision can take up to 20 years to come to past so your urgency to start is the only way to change your life. Starting my business — SparkC, a cybersecurity company was the best decision I ever made in my life.

How does your background as an NCAA Championship Division I athlete influence the purpose and values of your work today?

Justin: My background as an athlete has instilled in me a tremendous work ethic, urgency and perseverance which was needed to win and have major accomplishments.

What does innovation mean to you beyond technology, and how does that philosophy guide your decision-making as a founder?

Justin: Innovation is the fabric of all of my endeavors. When bringing new ideas to market, it is important that you create innovative approaches to portray your value. There is a need for youth STEM education as the US is lacking in future workforce projections, and utilizing gaming to reach our children starting at age 7 is important.

What inspired the creation of CyberSphere Games, and how does it align with your larger mission for education and workforce development?

Justin: There is a need for youth STEM education as the US is lacking in future workforce projections, and utilizing gaming to reach our children starting at age 7 is important. As of 2025, there are between 3.5 million and 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide. We must prepare our youth to capitalize on future opportunities as we move into 2030–2040.

Why was it important for you to focus on expanding access to cybersecurity education, particularly for underrepresented communities?

Justin: Expanding access to information during our youth developmental years is important. In our communities, we sell dreams of athletic dominance to reach success. Other communities instill early in their developmental years, starting at age 7 that intellectual dominance is the true way to reach success. There is a 1% success rate for professional athletes, which blindfolds many youth until they reach the new reality that was hid from them by the system. Its about balance, our community lacks that.

How do sports, tech, and leadership intersect in your vision for preparing the next generation of talent?

Justin: Sports are good and they teach many life lessons, but this will not ultimately change the direction of a generation. Education and Industry Knowledge that is introduced early enough to master it.

What impact do you hope your brands will have on young people who may not initially see themselves reflected in the tech industry?

Justin: My impact will introduce a new way of thinking and interest in intellectual growth over athletic growth because education can continue to elevate, if sports does not work out. The youth sports industry exploits our children, making millions, knowing that the investment their parents are making most likely will lead to a dead end.

What upcoming projects or initiatives are you excited about that further reflect your vision?

Justin: We are hosting a CyberSphere Challenge this summer. Conducting a cyber gaming competition to allow youth to put their skills to the test as they learn about critical industries that will continue to expand going into 2030–2040.

Where can readers connect with you and follow your professional journey on social media?

Justin: I do alot of business education content on my IG, TikTok @justin.drummond_ . Running a high six figure business on a daily basis provides me with so much information that could help other entrepreneurs improve their approach.

How can audiences learn more about SparkC and CyberSphere Games online?

Justin: SparkC is my cybersecurity company that I have been running since age 20, and I want this to inspire other black men to pursue intellectual pathways and aim to build infrastructure within our own communities. CyberSphere Gaming’s mission is to assist our youth in preparing them for the future cybersecurity workforce.

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Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more.

She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.

Other articles by Tammy Reese in Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.

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