We are Hope Ignites Cincinnati
Since 1983, Hope Ignites Cincinnati has provided academic and emotional support to scholars facing significant barriers, yet demonstrating the grit and motivation to succeed. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and a nurturing environment. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world.”
By guiding our scholars through their educational journeys, we not only transform individual lives but also contribute to a more diverse and engaged citizenry. Our mission is to build a future where more young people can realize their potential and emerge as leaders and changemakers in our local community.
“Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world”
-Nelson Mandela
Hope Ignites Cincinnati 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 and 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
Hope Ignites exists to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.
We fulfill this mission through a continuum of academic, residential, and personal development programs that span middle school through college.
OUR DNA
Academically Focused
Service and Community Engagement
Family-Like Setting
Long Term and Comprehensive Commitment
Faith-Based Values
Voluntary Participant Commitment
LOCAL IMPACT
Hope Ignites Cincinnati serves 65 scholars through our Academy, Residential, Primary Education STEM Initiative, and College and Career Success Programs. Read their stories and learn more about how they are igniting hope in our community.
Our Team
Karl Thomsen
Executive Director
[email protected]
Julie Knapton
Administrative Coordinator
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Melissa Green
Development Coordinator
[email protected]
Brian Otten
Community Outreach Liaison
[email protected]
Dana Amundsen
Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]
Rachelle “Shelly” Cockerham
Interim Program Manager
Cherie Taylor
Residential Educator
Antonio “Etter” Etter
Program Support Specialist
Rex Trogdon
Academy Success Coordinator
Julia Garrity
Academy Success Coordinator
Elijah “Tyrome” Bembry
Academy Success Coordinator
Become a Part of Our Mission
We invite you to join our team of passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the community. We are seeking dedicated people who are ready to create a meaningful impact through their work. If you are eager to share your skills and contribute to our mission, we welcome your application.
Board of Directors
Carl Adkins Board Chair
Managing Director – Investments, Sentinel Private Wealth Group of Wells Fargo Advisors*
Graham Mercurio Development Chair
Director of Operations, The RCF Group
Dave Conway Nominating Chair
Executive Advisor, Intellex
Aaron Haslam Advocacy & Marketing Chair
Attorney, The Haslam Company LLC
Keri Mueller Strategic Planning Chair
Board Member, Gardner Family Foundation
Steve Arnold Chair Emeritus
Partner, Ernst & Young
Chris Brennan
Senior Wealth Advisor, Managing Director, MAI Capital Management
Julie Bristow
Board Member, Wyler Family Foundation
Michael Burke
Vice President, United Audit Systems, Inc.
Dan Gibson
Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Ft. Washington Investment Advisors
Eric Loftus
Partner and Financial Advisor, Wealth Dimensions
Greg Scruggs
Defensive Line Coach, 49ers
Chris Vollmer, Jr.
First vice President, CBRE Group
H. James Williams, Ph.D.
President, Mount St. Joseph University
*Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
Our History
1977
Fr. Paul Sheridan establishes Boys Hope in St. Louis to support boys facing challenging circumstances. This initiative lays the groundwork for future expansions across the country.
1983
The first Boys Hope home opens in Cincinnati, providing a safe and nurturing environment for boys in need. Collaboration between St. Joseph Orphanage, prominent Cincinnati business leaders, and St. Xavier High School ensures access to quality education and support.
1997
Peter Le becomes the first college graduate from the program, showcasing the transformative power of education. His success inspires current and future participants to pursue their academic goals.
1998
The first Girls Hope home opens in East Walnut Hills, marking a significant expansion of the organization. The transition to Boys Hope Girls Hope reflects a commitment to supporting both boys and girls in need.
2017
The Heidt Residential Program is established in Finneytown, providing our Residential Scholars with updated living quarters. This new campus fosters community and provides Scholars with a safe, supportive home environment during the week.
2023
The Gardner Academy of Hope is introduced as an after-school program in partnership with Purcell Marian High School, offering enhanced support in academics, personal growth, and career readiness. This initiative is designed to empower young men and women by enriching their educational journey and equipping them with vital skills for future success.
2024
Our Primary Education STEM Initiative is launched, in partnership with Xavier Jesuit Academy. This education enrichment program introduces students grades 5 through 8 to foundational STEM concepts.
2025
The organization officially changes its name to Hope Ignites Cincinnati, reflecting its expanded mission. This new identity symbolizes a renewed commitment to igniting hope for all youth in the region.
Be a Part of Our Journey
Join us at Hope Ignites Cincinnati to make a meaningful impact in the lives of motivated young men and women in need. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, your involvement can help empower the next generation of leaders in our community.