“I find it hard to thank Hope Ignites because I don’t think enough gratitude exists in the world. “
Hope Ignites Colorado Collegian (now alumna), Jimena, was the presenting speaker at our 2025 Hope Challenge Golf Tournament.
Couldn’t join us for the event? Read her speech to hear Jimena’s thoughts on the impact Hope Ignites Colorado has made on her life.
Jimena’s Hope Challenge Speech
Hello Everyone! I’d like to extend my most sincere gratitude to you all for being here today. My name is Jimena and I am happy to be speaking to you all as a current Hope Ignites Collegian, and soon to be Alum.
I am currently a senior at the University of Denver majoring in Political Science with minors in Marketing, International Studies, and Sociology. I am president of a student organization on campus, IGNITE, which aims to empower politically motivated individuals through providing resources and connections. I am very happy to say that these past four years have been amazing.
Hope Ignites Colorado has been one of my greatest support systems. I have been a part of this organization for over eight years now, and if I wouldn’t have joined Hope Ignites, I don’t think I’d be in the same position in life that I am in today.
I am a Daniels Fund Scholar. I remember the stress of applying to college and scholarships like it was yesterday, but luckily Hope Ignites was there to help my through the entire process. They helped review my essays, prep me for the interview process with mock runs, and believed in me before I believed in myself.
I am also a World Wide Tech Scholar. Through this scholarship I have had the opportunity to travel to DC, Detroit, and Minneapolis for conferences that have helped me develop professionally. I have been to the Women of Color STEM Conference and the BEYA Conference and have made many great connections. In July, I’ll be traveling to San Jose to serve as a mentor to highschoolers in Hope Ignites. Thanks to this organization, I have found the beauty in mentoring others and helping build the next generation of leaders.
Throughout my time at the University of Denver, I have been sure to keep myself busy through research and internships. I have been involved in research opportunities since Freshman year, and Hope Ignites always makes sure to remind me that they are here for anything I may need. I also recently submitted my political science distinction thesis to an academic journal for publication.
In 2023, I interned with U.S. Senator Hickenlooper and Hope Ignites made sure I felt supported. SHortly after, through my connections at Hope Ignites, I landed an internship at the Common Sense Institute, where I am now Special Projects Manager, and will soon join the team full-time after graduation.
I have been counting down the days to my college graduation since kindergarten, but now that graduation is only five days away, it’s hard not to reflect on how far I’ve come. But I have definitely not done this alone. It’s easy to thank someone for their help, but I find it hard to thank Hope Ignites because I don’t think enough gratitude exists in the world.
It is thanks to people like you who not only fund programs but build futures. Later this year, I will be taking the LSAT and I am planning to attend Law School next year. Although this is a scary time in my life full of uncertainty, I know that Mary Fran, Maria, or anybody on the team is only a quick call away.
Thank you all so much for believing in me and for investing in the dreams of students like me.