Both the GSB and Hope Ignites demonstrate the power of community to unlock potential
I left our 20th reunion feeling proud and blessed to be a part of this incredible GSB Class of 2005 community and deeply grateful for all we’ve learned, built, and shared over these years. My time at the GSB and the relationships we’ve formed since have had a deep and lasting impact on me. The power of true community — a group of people seeing the best in one another and encouraging each other to be authentic, take on meaningful challenges and find purpose, is what I feel in this group and what fuels our work with young people at Hope Ignites.
We were Boys Hope Girls Hope and, on the advice of many of you, finally took the leap.
We are now Hope Ignites!
HOPE IGNITES
I’ve spent my entire post-GSB career with Hope Ignites—first in a role leading our work in Latin America and since 2017 as President and CEO. It’s been an exciting journey building off a nearly 50-year legacy to create an organization where young people can thrive today. Hope Ignites is empowering 1,250 highly motivated young people from very low-income families across 12 U.S. cities, Mexico, and Guatemala to reach their full potential. What sets us apart is our long-term commitment— we support young people from middle school through high school, college, and into their early careers.
We meet young people where they are as their needs evolve, offering two pathways: the Academy pathway provides year-round, out-of-school programming, while the Residential pathway also offers a primary home with other scholars and round-the-clock care for those who need it. Additionally, we provide scholarships, wrap-around support, and connections to internships and jobs for our collegians and alumni.
In response to the overwhelming need and demand in every city we serve, we are now implementing a bold strategic plan to triple the number of young people we serve over the next decade.
Who We Serve
- 1,253 youth
- 90% are from very low-income households
- 96% are Black/Latino
- 86% are first-generation college students
Our Impact
- 100% of our scholars graduate high school
- 64% of our collegians earn a bachelor’s degree within six years (triple the national average for low-income, first-generation students as noted by the Pell Institute)
- 60 % complete at least one college internship
- 90% finish college with debt under 5.5K per year
- Average collegian GPA is 3.2
A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO LEVERAGE SUPPORT FOR KIDS IN NEED
We’ve taken on the challenge of leading a $25 million campaign to make this vision a reality. We’re making strong progress—closing in on 50% of the goal—but we have a ways to go.
The Spark Growth Fund is a key part of the campaign ($7.5 Million) and driver of this expansion. We’ve issued a challenge to our local affiliates: when they raise funds to strengthen and scale their operations, we provide matching support to amplify their efforts. By matching local giving, the Fund helps affiliates grow strategically and sustainably.
With $4 million in matching grants planned for Phase 1, we are now working to raise an additional $250,000 by June 30 to power affiliate growth this spring and fall.
The Valhalla Foundation, a generous and longstanding partner, has challenged us to broaden our circle of supporters. If you are a first-time donor—or if it’s been five years or more since your last gift—your contribution will be matched, doubling your impact. These funds will match local support, so every dollar you invest is 4x leveraged to bring life-changing opportunities to more young people—and fuel meaningful, lasting progress.
Many of you have already given generously—thank you! I’d love to get more of our class involved in this journey. A gift of any amount or connecting me to an interested friend, company or foundation that would be open to hearing about our work, would be a tremendous help.
GSB 2005 Support
- 18 classmates have given this year
- 43 classmates have given since graduation
Ways to Get Involved
- Make a Gift or Multi-Year Commitment: Every dollar helps!
- Let’s connect! Meet me for coffee or a virtual call to learn more and share ideas. I’m based in the Bay Area now but travelling a lot and would love to use the AI class map to find you!
- Join a Donor Series call – Our next scheduled call is on Tuesday, June 17
- Open a Door: Know someone who may be interested in learning about our mission or a foundation or company who should know about us? I’d love to broaden our network.
