We are Hope Ignites Baltimore
Hope Ignites Baltimore helps motivated high school students rise above disadvantaged backgrounds. Our goal is to graduate young people who are physically, emotionally, and academically prepared for post-secondary education and productive life, breaking barriers so they can become community-minded leaders.
Hope Ignites firmly believes that young people have the power to overcome adversity, realize their potential, and help transform our world. They create these successes when we remove obstacles, support and believe in them, and provide environments and opportunities that build on their strengths.
Hope Ignites Baltimore is a proud member of the Hope Ignites Network. Our Network Headquarters, located in St. Louis, Missouri, connects, provides leadership to, and offers signature college-preparatory programming to affiliates across the nation, Mexico, and Guatemala. Each affiliate is independently incorporated, governed by its own board of directors, and responsible for its own fundraising. Affiliation and services agreements link the Network to ensure mission and brand fidelity, quality operations, maximum functional capacity, and consistency in training, programmatic standards, and best practices.
OUR MISSION
To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.
OUR DNA
These are the fundamental and distinctive characteristics of our organization.
Academic Focus
We believe in the transformative power of education to develop lifelong learners.
Service and Community Engagement
We believe in the Jesuit-inspired, values-centered hallmark of building “persons for others.”
Family-like Settings to Create a Sense of Belonging
We believe youth derive their energy and sustenance from exposure to nurturing environments.
Long-Term and Comprehensive Commitment
We believe an enduring relationship with youth holds the most promise for attaining positive outcomes.
Faith-Based Values
We believe that a loving God cares about the life of every individual and we manifest this belief.
Voluntary Participant Commitment
We believe in the motivational power of self-selection into the Hope Ignites program.
LOCAL IMPACT
Since 2002, Hope Ignites Baltimore has been helping scholars rise up from disadvantaged backgrounds and strive for more. Hope Ignites Baltimore serves youth who want to go to college and create successful futures for themselves. Our scholars have joined our program to receive support on their journey to college and beyond. They seek the academic resources, extracurricular opportunities, and mentor relationships we provide.
See how Hope Ignites is prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
HISTORY
Hope Ignites was founded in 1977 in St. Louis, Missouri by Rev. Paul Sheridan, SJ. Since that time, the program has been replicated across the US and in Latin America. Below are key highlights from our affiliate’s history.
2002
The organization opened in Baltimore and was housed in the convent of Our Lady of Pompei Church in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore.
2007
Founding Board Members purchased a lot in Northeast Baltimore and built the boys home.
2010
With the generosity of the television program, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the girls home was built.
2012
Three original scholars became the first college graduates from the Baltimore program!
Marc Franklin – Boston College
Michael Franklin – Haverford College
David Yeager – Bachelor’s UMBC and Master’s Morgan State 2014
2017
The Baltimore affiliate celebrates its 15th anniversary!
2017
The organization celebrates its 40th anniversary!
2025
The organization officially changes its name from Boys Hope Girls Hope to Hope Ignites.
LEADERSHIP
The Hope Ignites Baltimore Board of Directors and staff leadership collaborate to ensure mission fidelity, financial stewardship and transparency. This team of professionals is committed to continuous learning, effective programming and improvement through impact evaluation and innovation.
Paige Coressel
With nearly two decades of experience in youth development, education, and nonprofit leadership, Paige has designed and scaled innovative programs, built community-centered initiatives, and forged partnerships with schools, government agencies, and local organizations.
Previously, she served as Executive Director of Community Schools at The Y in Central Maryland, leading statewide growth, coaching emerging leaders, and championing equity-driven systems change. A former Baltimore City Public Schools educator, she has a deep understanding of the power of relationships to transform scholar outcomes.
Paige is the proud mother of a one-month old and a three-year old, loves adventuring outdoors, and also serves on the board of Pigtown Climbs.
Demetria Jackson
Kiley Dare
With a background in education, wellness, and nonprofit support, Kiley spent eight years teaching at a progressive K–8 charter school in Baltimore City. She’s also a certified personal trainer and 200-hour yoga instructor, with over a decade of experience helping individuals lead healthier lives.
In addition, Kiley has supported several mission-driven organizations focused on trauma-informed care, nature-based education, and equity and social justice training.
Her energy, compassion, and commitment to holistic well-being make her a vital part of the team.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Robinson
Board Chair
Vice President, Area Sales Manager, First National Bank Corp.
Jaclyn Pavelec
Board Co-Chair
Senior Proposal Manager, American Institutes for Research
Matthew Schofield, Esq.
Board Treasurer
Associate, Venable LLP
Kristi Yowell
Board Secretary
Chief People & Culture Officer, Loyola University
Gina Campbell
Program Committee Chair
Founder, The Campbell Foundation
Andrew Hilger
Development Committee
President (retired), Allegis Group
Matthew J. Youssef, Esq.
Development Committee
Partner, Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP
Julian Lloyd
Development Committee
Business Development Professional, Siemens Healthineers
Noah Wheeler
Development Committee
Director of Enterprise Sales, MidAtlantic Driven Tech
Darryl Farrow
Development Committee
Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer, McCormick Global Headquarters
Ada Bacetty
Development Committee
Department Chief, Federal Government
Michelle Barrett
Development Committee
Hiring Manager, Power Home Remodeling
Rodney Elliott
Development Committee
John Goles
Emeritus
Senior VP, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Ray McLaughlin
Emeritus
Managing Partner, AltaVista Startegic Partners
