The 2025 Excellence Awards honored the people and institutions that support Hope Ignites’ mission.
The seventh annual awards dinner was held at the Frederick Douglass -Isaac Myers Maritime Museum, where the Hope Ignites Leadership Gathering took place.
The 2025 Excellence Awards honored some of the amazing people and institutions that exemplify Hope Ignites’ mission.
Hero of Hope – Arlene Hackbarth, Executive Director of Hope Ignites Baltimore
“This kind of award isn’t done in a vacuum. Obviously, it’s done because you’re surrounded by such wonderful people that make it happen”, said Arlene in her acceptance speech. “Thank you for trusting me with the care of this great organization,” she continued.
Arlene Hackbarth joined Hope Ignites Baltimore in August of 2019 at a time when the affiliate was struggling with community engagement and sustainable fundraising levels. In six short years, Arlene has spearheaded the efforts that turned the Baltimore affiliate around at a critical time. When the COVID-19 pandemic affected operations in early 2020, Arlene stepped up with ideas and effort that are still impacting how we do things today. For instance, Arlene suggested the idea of a virtual fundraiser to support the organization at a time when gathering in person was difficult, if not impossible. Since then, the Walk to Hope has raised over $600,000.
More recently, Arlene led the successful launch of a new Academy program. Using the Girls House, Arlene and her team displayed great resourcefulness in offering hope to more young people in need.
During her acceptance speech, Arlene thanked her team for making their affiliate a success. She spoke about her time with the organization and how accepting the job offer to become the Executive Director was an easy decision as it felt like a calling. She also announced she plans to retire before the end of 2025, leaving a wonderful legacy in Baltimore.
Attendees at the seventh annual Excellence Awards dinner, held on March 27th, 2025, at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
Partner in Hope – Boston College
Boston College was honored as this year’s Partner in Hope for their steadfast commitment to empowering first-generation college students, including many Hope Ignites alumni. Accepting the award on behalf of the Boston College community was Joy Moore, Vice President and Executive Director of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, Grant Gosselin, Dean of Undergraduate Admission, and Paul Bonitto, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission.
During her acceptance remarks, Joy spoke about Hope Ignites’ and Boston College’s shared commitment in supporting first-generation college students.
“Boston college emphasizes the mission of fostering men and women for others, which encourages students to engage in service, reflection, and global understanding,” Moore said.
“Boston College has long admired the work of Hope Ignites so we want to continue to be great partners and we value the partnership greatly,” Moore continued.
Through its dedication to access, affordability, and academic excellence, Boston College exemplifies a deep and enduring investment in student success, ensuring that promising young scholars can pursue higher education without overwhelming financial barriers.
Since, 2010, six Hope Ignites alumni have graduated from Boston College and gone on to have successful careers. This fall, another two Hope Ignites collegians will enroll at Boston College, with generous financial aid support from the school to help them pursue their dreams.
Under the leadership of President William Leahy, Boston College hasprioritized creating an inclusive and supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive. Its initiatives align closely with Hope Ignites’ mission to provide educational opportunities that transform lives and open doors to a brighter future.
Legacy of Hope – Vanessa Duran Lozano and Humberto Aguiral
Vanessa joined Hope Ignites Phoenix in sixth grade, seeking academic support and new opportunities for growth. Vanessa is now the owner of Designs Del Mar, a social media and graphic design business that supports local businesses. She actively collaborates with entrepreneurs to help them connect with their audiences, creating a lasting ripple effect of positive impact.
Beyond her professional success, Vanessa remains involved in giving back. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance and encouragement I received through Hope Ignites,” Vanessa says. “Now, I have the chance to give back and support others on their journey—just as I was supported.”
Humberto entered Esperanza Juvenil, the Hope Ignites Guatemala affiliate in elementary school . He went on to university on a full-ride scholarship offered through one of Guatemala’s top engineering and construction companies, AICSA Group. During his studies he interned for AICSA and later accepted a full-time job upon graduation. He became the project manager for the expansion of the Esperanza Juvenil campus, making sure their classrooms are updated and ready for the next generation of scholars.
Vatterott Award – Intel Corporation
Dustin Hanson, Chief of Staff for Intel Americas, accepted the Vatterott Award on behalf of Intel. He was also joined by Shawna Alston, Social Impact and HR External Relations Program Manager for Intel.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful not just to us as a company, but to every employee, partner and advocate who has contributed to our shared mission of empowering youth, and the next generation”, Hanson said.
He continued: “It’s a mission that Intel and Hope Ignites have shared for many years. We have worked to reach over a 1000 scholars across fourteen cities in the US and three countries around the world. These are scholars who lead with heart, rise with resilience, and dream with purpose, and they don’t just hope for a better future. They work for it.”
Since 2022, Intel and Hope Ignites have worked together to empower young minds through education, mentorship, and technology. Through initiatives like the Intel RISE Technology Grant and Intel Future Skills workshops, Intel helps introduce scholars to the exciting world of STEM education and career opportunities.
Intel Future Skills programs will beheld at eight Hope Ignites affiliates three times this year teaching valuable STEM concepts while emphasizing the importance of learning from failure and emphasizes iteration to fuel innovation.
This collaboration also includes developing an AI-powered educational chatbot and personalized tutor, in joint development by Intel and World Wide Technology. Designed for areas with limited internet access, it is currently being piloted at Esperanza Juvenil, the Hope Ignites Guatemala affiliate, to benefit underserved communities like the ones our Guatemalan scholars come from.
Dustin spoke about the alignment of Intel and Hope Ignites’ mission and importance of partnerships like that of Hope Ignites and Intel in securing a diverse and talented future workforce.
AUTHOR
Martin Totland is the Media and Communications Coordinator at Hope Ignites Network Headquarters.
Performance Management Tool Excellence Award Winners
The PMT Excellence Award winners this year were Hope Ignites Phoenix, Hope Ignites Colorado, and Esperanza Juvenil – Hope Ignites Guatemala.
Hope Ignites’ Performance Management Tool (PMT) is the official resource to facilitate evaluation, monitoring, and improvement across six core organizational domains: Leadership, Governance & Learning; Human Capital Management; Business & Operations; Resource Development & Fundraising; Brand, Marketing, & Communications; and Programming & Participant Outcomes.
The PMT Excellence Awards, presented for the second time in 2025, recognized those affiliates with very high aggregate scores in Compliance and Key Performance Indicators over the past year.