As 2021 closes, I want to share just a few reflections that influence how IGNITE will continue to champion change in the year to come. IGNITE national sara guillermo

Reflections and a look to the future

So much has happened this year that it’s hard to wrap it up in a nice bow. I stepped into the CEO role, got married, and my husband and I have been fostering two brothers. My personal life has gone through immense change, just like IGNITE. Our budget has grown by 60%, and we now have a staff of 40 full and part-time employees located across the country.

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Why nonprofits need to mandate vaccines

OPINION: Why nonprofits need to mandate vaccines

I’m a nonprofit leader who took over as CEO during the middle of the pandemic. As a young breast cancer survivor, I received my vaccine as early as possible and I happily shared my photo on social media. But, as a CEO of a non-profit organization with a majority of Black and Brown staff members and participants, I deeply understand the concerns that folks have about vaccination. America has an ugly history of involuntary medical experimentation on Black and Brown people: the same communities that are being disproportionately impacted by COVID.

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Q&A: Serving on a Board or Commission

Q&A: Serving on a Board or Commission

Joining a public board or commission can be the first step in running for office and it’s easier than you may think. For this month’s Q&A, IGNITE paired up two young women who have held/currently hold positions. 

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Black women put themselves on the line for everyone's rights

Black women put themselves on the line for everyone's rights. Again.

Georgia, on my mind and in the headlines. Again. Georgia Representative Park Cannon, a Black woman, was arrested on Thursday, March 25, after knocking on the governor's office door during a press conference. Behind closed doors, Kemp was preparing to sign Senate Bill 202 to overhaul elections in the state. Cannon wanted to watch Gov. Brian Kemp sign the bill, a silent protest against the many voter suppression tactics in the bill.

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stop date, take action hate is a virus

Stop hate, take action

I’m exhausted. The pandemic has exacerbated acts of racism and violence on Asian Americans. And today we wake up  to another incident that will be etched in our history.

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Ways to support Asian-Americans & Pacific Islanders

Ways to support Asian-Americans & Pacific Islanders

IGNITE condemns acts of hate against people of Asian ancestry and extends our sympathy and support for all those harmed directly and indirectly by this violence. Because we all play a role in curbing hate speech and violence, IGNITE has compiled resources to support our AAPI community. Strength in solidarity. #HateisaVirus and we won't stand for it. 

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