Page 18 - 2025 April Report

Hope Ignites Leadership Event report (2)
That evening there was a reception and dinner for their 2025 Excellence Awards – “Recognizing the achievements of organizations and individuals who demonstrate ad support hope and success for their colleagues, affiliates, communities, our scholars, and the Hope Ignites Network.”
They had a board meeting earlier in the week so a few of their board members were there. I got to speak to one of the board members, Mike de Graffenreid, who is a retired business executive from NYC. I sat at dinner with a number of staff from four different locations, so
it was a very interesting and informative dinner. Their Hero of Hope Award went to Arlene Hackbarth who is the head of the Baltimore location and is soon to be retiring. Also in attendance were representatives of the Guatemala and Mexico programs.
Kristen Ostby de Barillas, President & CEO of Hope Ignites gave wonderful remarks and emceed the event.
Kristen, Bill Fronczak and others I met who know about the JSF grant were very appreciative. I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to see firsthand and to meet the dedicated people of Hope Ignites.
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