Igniting leaders with the skill development to make an impact in your organization and community.
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The purpose of the Ignite program is to expose participants to skills, ideas, and established area leaders, offer a space to explore personal and professional leadership development, and catapult emerging leaders into situations that create value and impact.
PROGRAM DETAILS
- A cross-sector, diverse cohort of emerging, regional leaders who are curious to develop soft skills around self awareness, building teams, conflict management, networking, and presenting.
- A forum, guided by experienced practitioners and regional leaders, designed for self discovery and practical applications for personal and professional development.
- An opportunity for a hands on development of leadership and civic engagement skills in a high-impact team service project with one of Volunteer Arlington's nonprofit partners
- Access to an alumni base of 1,500+ graduates.
TIME COMMITMENT
The Ignite program consists of 8 half-day sessions, held once a month from October through April, and concludes with a Leadership Summit in May. Program days are from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
- Up-and-coming or emerging leaders from the region who are eager to grow.
- Community-minded leaders who are seeking to make a difference in their communities.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Committee seeks a diverse cohort of established leaders who demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact.
If you would like to discuss the program, please contact Lisa Fikes at lfikes@leadercenter.org.
CLASS OF 2025
The Ignite Class of 2025 is comprised of 32 leaders:
- Kutoof Alwazir, Chain Bridge Bank
- José Aramayo Pefaure, Arlington County Government, Department of Human Services
- Jenna Berk, Avison Young
- Lauren Breyer, Arlington County Government, Department of Environmental Services
- Maggie Chao, Langston Boulevard Alliance
- Kenny Darby, George Mason University
- Angie De Groot, CNA
- Chaimaa Fekkak, Accenture
- Luke Fichter, National Landing Business Improvement District
- Taylor Frech, Hilton
- Esther Garcia, Affordable Homes & Communities
- Benjamin Helm, The Craddock Group
- Ryan Huaman, Ryan's Learning Center
- Claudia Irigoyen, City of Alexandria, Department of Community and Human Services
- Ashley King, English Empowerment Center
- Abigayle Larson, Marsh McLennan Agency
- Abby Leonard, Bridges to Independence
- Christina Marable, Planned Systems International
- Robbie Mason, Accenture Federal Services
- Kimberly Melfie, Local News Now, LLC
- Adrian Mercado, GDIT
- Trent Moxley, Dominion Energy
- Kate Nadeau, Arlington Free Clinic
- E. Kobena Osam, Arlington County Government, Department of Parks and Recreation
- Karolina Pazdrazdis, JBG SMITH
- Haley Pierce, FMI - the Food Industry Association
- Cleo Potter, Encore Stage & Studio
- Jennifer Romero, Texas A&M DC
- Gregory Scott, Arlington County Sheriff's Office
- Alexander Solomon, JBG SMITH
- Ashley Stewart, Doorways
- Oscar Weke, Dominion Energy Virginia
SCHEDULE
Classes will meet on the following days from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 10, 2024
- Thursday, November 7, 2024
- Thursday, December 5, 2024
- Thursday, January 16, 2025
- Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Thursday, March 13, 2025
- Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Thursday, May 15, 2025 - Leadership Summit and Commencement (followed by reception)
QUESTIONS
If you would like to discuss the program, please contact Lisa Fikes at lfikes@leadercenter.org.
MENTORS
Janetta Brewer (Lead '17)
Christina Dietrich (Lead ’23)
Will Flagler (Lead '17)
Takis Karantonis (Lead '10)
Kris Krider (Lead '19)
Rupal Lamorena (Lead '19)
Matt Owens (Lead '21)
Mike Richardson (Lead '13)
Debby Taylor (Lead '99)
Diana Waller (Lead '18)
PRESENTERS
Mary-Claire Burick
Stacy Cook (Lead '19)
Charles Davidson
Scott Nycum (Lead '14)
Mary Ellen Payne (Lead '11)
Kristine Wood (Lead ' 15)
PROGRAM DAY SPONSORS
Managing Teams
Lunch Sponsor
“Being in a leadership position, you don’t always have the resources to connect with people who are in similar situations in different sectors. It was really cool to be in the room with like-minded individuals who were going through similar things to what I was going through.”