Girl Bosses of Ignite: The Ladies That Make Our Ignite World Go 'Round

With an executive team comprised entirely of women, Ignite knows a thing or two about girl bosses. As follows, we firmly believe that Women's History Month is something to celebrate (it feels like a month-long holiday on our team).

Seeing the amazing things the women within our organization—exec and tutors alike—accomplish each and every day inspires us to continue the important work we're doing to help expand the educational experience of the younger generations. To celebrate the amazing women of Ignite, we're spotlighting our branch heads, founders, and interns:

Roxy

Marketing and PR Intern

Roxy never fails to bring a smile to our faces. She is filled with spunk and pizzazz, offering a fresh perspective on everything we do here at Ignite. Roxy is incredibly creative and has an infectious energy that livens up our team meetings—not to mention Roxy is true to herself and her work, always offering a unique spin to anything she has her hands on in Ignite.

What advice would you give your younger self?

You can plan ahead, but your plan will undoubtedly change when the time comes!

Izzy

Founder, Chief of Marketing and Creative Director

Izzy is part of the glue that keeps the Ignite team running. She has a unique ability to create meaningful relationships with anyone she meets (whether it be a close friend or someone she is interviewing) and never fails to make you feel cared for. While tirelessly working for Ignite, Izzy is also currently working toward her MBA at FIDM, which just goes to show her one-of-a-kind work ethic. Her authenticity and amiability makes Ignite the personalized company it is.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Younger self, RELAX! The world is not moving as fast as you think it is and it's okay to take time. Enjoy the present moment, because whether you stay up an extra hour or not isn't going to affect your life as much as you think it is. Balance is key.

Carissa

Head of Business Operations and HR - Berkeley

Carissa is one of the most dynamic people we've met. She is always up for a challenge and fearless in the face of adversity—she takes on each day on the job (and outside the job) with a a vigor that inspires the rest of the team to take the first step. Her ability to mold and adapt to new situations allows her to interact with anyone, not without a contagious ease and charisma. Carissa brings an amazing amount of energy to our team and inspires us all to work harder.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Believe in yourself because you are capable of so much more than you think.

Hanna

Marketing and PR Intern

Hanna is nothing if not a ray of sunshine and one of the hardest workers we've ever met. She is always the first to volunteer for any task and can be counted on to go above and beyond. In her short time with us she has added immeasurable value to our daily processes and inspires us to all work a little harder (with a smile on our faces, as she does). Hanna is so reliable and brings her A game day in and day out.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't bother caring about what anyone thinks. If you love something, do it. If it makes you happy, do it.

Graz

Founder and Chief of Finance and Operations

If there were one word to describe Graz it would be resourceful. Graz never fails to surprise us with her ability to learn anything at any time and to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way. Graz is the backbone of our functionality as a team, she always provides a consistent source of structure and guidance. As an incredibly hard worker who is always there for her team, we often refer to her as "Mama Graz."

What advice would you give your younger self?

Make sure to take time everyday to enjoy the little moments and learn to practice mindfulness—balance is key !!

Brailey

Head of Client and Tutor Relations - UCLA

Brailey is a calming force on our team here at Ignite. A self-starter and independent powerhouse, Brailey started off at Ignite as an intern, but her amazing work ethic and adaptability led Izzy, Graz, and Kay to DEMAND she come on as branch head for UCLA. Brailey is the last person to ever complain and is unbelievably humble. She has been an integral part of Ignite's success, whether she cares to admit it or not, and serves as a source of consistently good energy.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Everything will work itself out. As long as you work hard and stay focused, your future will come together. You don't have to always be worrying about the minute problems that come with life, you won't remember them in a few years. Dedicate your energy wisely rather than wasting it on unimportant events.

F and Chief of Finance and Operations

Chrys

Business Development Intern

Chrys is one of the most independent and self-starting individuals on our team. When Chrys sees something that needs to be done or that she wants to achieve, there should be no question as to whether or not this task will reach completion and to perfection. On our team, Chrys is a constant source of creative ideation and superior work. She is such a hard worker with so many great ideas, she adds a different and vital perspective to our team.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Do not overthink things. Everything will fall into place!

Ava

Head of Marketing and Client Relations - Berkeley

Ava is a multitasker to the max but does so with the grace and ease that we are all in absolute awe of. From juggling ASUC (student council) campaigns, to serving as Pre-Law Associate Director, staying on top of her work as a writer for the Berkeley political review, to being an amazing lead in Berkeley, Ava is able to take on so much without sacrificing quality. On our team, Ava offers a level-headed and well-thought perspective, while still lending fresh and creative ideas.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't put so much pressure on yourself to excel every moment. Great things take time!

Kay

Founder and Chief of Strategy

Kay is one of the most hardworking and out of the box thinkers (maybe ever). We are in constant awe of Kay's incredible work ethic (slow down Kay!) and ability to persevere through even the most difficult of situations. With a creative savvy that few possess, Kay is capable of constantly leading our team in brand new directions and seeing her plans through to their fullest extent.

What advice would you give your younger self?

First, actions speak louder than words, not just about other people but about yourself

Second, make an effort to work on relaxing and enjoying life outside work and school

Third, good days always follow bad days

Fourth, everything is subjective at the end of the day

Fifth, make sure to consistently push yourself mentally and learn as much as possible