ABOUT IGNITE!
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IGNITE! is a holistic and supportive ecosystem designed to educate and bridge communication gaps between organizations, service providers, and small businesses.
MISSION
Our mission is to ensure that minorities stay informed, have a clear understanding, and receive access to Federal, State, and Local Funding, as well as resources and technical assistance needed to competitively compete, succeed, and excel.
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OBJECTIVES
IGNITE! Central's core objectives are to ensure that minorities:
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Understand Core Business Competencies
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Receive Access to Capital
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Secure AND Successfully Execute Contracts
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Are made aware of and encouraged to explore STEM and other High Growth Industries
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Are made aware of and take advantage of Workforce Development and Career Readiness Opportunities
THE NEED
Systemic racism, racial inequality, and disparities, as well as a lack of access to training and support, have perpetuated an “unlevel” playing field, catapulting Alabama’s minority community, especially African American’s seemingly into a “State of Emergency.”
Despite one’s very best efforts, Alabama minorities often find themselves “being the last to know” as it relates to educational and financial opportunities. They lack a supportive network and frequently fall prey to unfair business practices, manipulative and restrictive voting laws, policies, and strategic poll closings within disadvantaged communities.
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According to a 2019 study published by Alabama Possible, the State of Alabama is the 6th poorest state in the U.S. with over 800,000 Alabamians living below the poverty threshold. Moreover, statistics show that while 72% of Alabama’s “Heads of Households” are African American women, they are 51% underpaid vs. white women AND 61% underpaid vs. white men.
In addition, although 26% of the State of Alabama’s population are African American, they only own 3% of Alabama’s businesses with employees. So, while we are frustrated, we are not hopeless.
We simply acknowledge that it’s time to IGNITE! and become the change we MUST see!
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
IGNITE! is committed to setting the standard and moving inclusion forward. Our team works intently to connect people, broaden perspectives, stimulate conversations, and foster civic engagement that promotes and recognizes principles of fairness and equity, in relation to, and across, intersections of race, age, color, disability, faith, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, and all other identities represented among our diverse communities.
TORIN
DARLING
BRAZZLE
MEET
Founder, CEO and President
With a bachelor’s degree from Samford University, over 16 years of Executive Level Grants Management, 24 years of Resource & Partnership Development resulting in over $20 million dollars of funding and/or direct services to date, Program Development, Event Planning, and Project Management; Torin has a proven and dedicated career of promoting economic equality and advancement among disadvantaged populations throughout the State of Alabama.
Torin possesses creativity, passion, drive, and fortitude enabling her to continually lead a stellar team to develop and execute innovative programs and events that IGNITE! Alabama.
Torin is a dedicated Christian that considers her greatest joy and accomplishment in life, as being Dexter’s wife, Chelsea and Alexis “Lexi’s” mom.
In her spare time, Torin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Board of Directors
Dr. Kim
Carter Evans
President
Krishawn
M. Jackson
Member at Large
Mary Ann
Givens
Member at Large
LaShelle
Kerr
Member at Large
Julie
Wall Khoury
Member at Large
Terry
Sparks
Member at Large
Krystal
B. White
Member at Large
Isaac
McKoy
Vice President
Jennifer
Hanania Cohen
Member at Large
Thomas
Haslett
Member at Large
Lensey
King
Member at Large
Eva
T. Robertson
Member at Large
Andre
Williams
Member at Large
Key
Yeilding
Member at Large