Igniting Change: Meet Our 2025 Ignite & Shine Gala Awardees!
We’re thrilled to announce Lindsay Mullen – founder of Prosper Strategies and Ignite Board Chair Emeritus – as this year’s recipient of the Tom O’Reilly Impact Award. This award is a testament to Lindsay’s outstanding dedication to Chicago’s youth and Ignite's mission. Her passion for fostering positive change is contagious and we are truly honored to recognize her as a partner in this work.
We couldn’t be prouder to honor BMO as this year’s Ignite the Way Award recipient. As a corporate partner, BMO has been a tireless champion for countless young people on their journey to a home and a future with promise, not just at Ignite but throughout Chicago. We are honored to serve alongside Ignite board member, Amy Griman, who will accept this award on behalf of BMO.
Like our young people, the investment our honorees make in Chicago’s youth is truly inspiring. Ignite will celebrate these extraordinary partners at our 2025 Ignite & Shine Gala on April 5th. Learn more about the event here and read on to hear from the winners themselves.
Lindsay Mullen, Prosper Strategies
Q: How were you first connected with Ignite?
A: I work in the nonprofit arena, and I initially became familiar with Ignite through my work at Prosper Strategies.
Q: In what ways have you seen Ignite promote resilience for youth at risk of chronic housing insecurity?
A: We are always looking at housing as just one piece of the equation for youth experiencing homelessness. Yes, a safe place to sleep is important, but so is building the life skills we all need to stand on our own – financial literacy, stable employment, mental health – along with a supportive community of friends, adults and mentors. By broadening our focus beyond just housing, Ignite is truly able to stand with youth on their journey toward both a home and a future with promise.
Q: What drives or inspires you to serve our community?
A: Ignite's CEO, Stephanie, has often talked about meeting people later in life who have experienced homelessness. They describe a distinct moment in time, a "fork in the road" that led them down a much more challenging path. We have the opportunity to meet youth at that fork in the road and support them toward another trajectory where they become part of a community, build confidence, set goals, and establish their own solid path forward. Just think what the future would look like if we could meet every young person in Chicago who finds themselves at that fork in the road.
Q: Why are programs like Ignite important or worthy of investment?
A: Several years ago, I was at Ignite's Thanks4Giving – it's a tradition to go around the room and for every person to share what they are thankful for. A former client shared that she had a one in a million chance of connecting with Ignite, but the fact she did changed the course of her life – she said she had won the metaphorical lottery. It made me think about how many more people like her we have the potential to reach, and it's these stories that underscore why investment in Ignite is so important.
Q: What makes Ignite special to you?
A: When you're at Belfort House or the Drop-In resource center at Rosenwald, there's a special energy in the spaces, a buzz, a vibrancy, a feeling of community. These are places you want to spend time in that are filled with people you want to spend time with, and that's a really good feeling.
Q: Do you have a favorite Ignite memory?
A: There are a lot of good memories, but my favorite thing to do is to cook dinner at Belfort House and hang out with everyone during and after the meal. I love hearing the young people talk about their majors in school, what they hope to do in the future, what they like to do in their free time, the meals they want us to cook next…all of it.
Amy Griman, BMO
Amy Griman on behalf of BMO
Q: How were you first connected with Ignite and in what capacity have you served the organization?
A: I was first connected through Alma Velasquez and our BMO Community Giving team. I moved to the area 7 years ago, so I hadn't known about the good work done by Ignite. I was looking for a Board opportunity at an organization where I could bring my experience and expertise to a place that made a real difference to the people of Chicago.
Q: What drives or inspires you to serve our community?
A: When I was progressing in my career - located at that time in Indianapolis, Indiana - I learned how inter-related we all are: business leaders, corporations, schools and the nonprofit community. None of us succeed when there are gaps or needs in our communities. Strong leaders and organizations seeking excellence get involved and give back. I know the power, not only of financial support, but also the networking that comes from being involved, allows organizations, like Ignite, to find resources, services, visibility, and money.
Q: Why are programs like Ignite important or worthy of investment?
A: We all care about the future. Ignite’s mission focuses on the future for so many young people. That mission – focusing on youth in need of support and those that follow – matters to me and so many others who are already established.
Q: What makes Ignite special to you?
A: Homelessness has always been concerning to me. Having children as young adults, knowing how much support and stability they need to thrive, even when all is well, makes Ignite's mission irresistible. It is pure, focused and effective and I love being part of an organization like that.
Q: Do you have a favorite Ignite memory?
A: There are so many, I cannot think of only one.
✨Secure your ticket to an unforgettable night with Ignite on Saturday, April 5th HERE.