“Being a Hope Ignites scholar gave me access to college, study abroad opportunities, professional experiences, and the confidence to aim higher than I ever thought possible. “
Hope Ignites Colorado Collegian, Keily, was the presenting speaker at our 2026 Martini Party and Fundraiser.
Couldn’t join us for the event? Read her speech to hear Keily’s thoughts on the impact Hope Ignites Colorado has made on her life.
Keily’s Martini Party & Fundraiser Speech
Good evening everyone.
First, I want to say thank you. Events like this are the reason students like me get to stand here today, not just as college students, but as future professionals, researchers, and leaders. I’m currently a Senior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Cognitive Science.
As I prepare to graduate, I’ve been intentional about pursuing experiences that help me both academically and professionally. Over the past years, I’ve worked as a medical interpreter, using my bilingual abilities to support patients and families. I’ve also worked in acute care, supporting elderly patients. I’ve gained hands-on experience through school- and community-based programs across the Boulder and Denver areas. Outside of clinical work, I love being involved on campus. I’ve taken on leadership roles within the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, stayed active in the American Sign Language Club, and been involved in several first-generation and Latin student organizations. These experiences have prepared me not just to graduate but to enter post-undergrad ready to lead, collaborate, and advocate.
If you looked at my resume, you might think, “How does she have time for anything?” —I would say the answer to that is… a lot of Google Calendar reminders and caffeine!
After my graduation in May, I plan to attend graduate school in speech-language pathology and eventually pursue a PhD. I truly love being in school and learning. For me, education isn’t just a step; it’s how I create change. My long-term goal is to support bilingual and neurodivergent children and their families, helping ensure every child has access to the opportunities they deserve.
None of this would have been possible without Hope Ignites. Hope Ignites didn’t just provide financial support; it opened doors. It gave me mentorship, stability, and a community that expected me to succeed. Being a Hope Ignites scholar gave me access to college, study abroad opportunities, professional experiences, and the confidence to aim higher than I ever thought possible.
As the daughter of immigrant parents, college once felt like a dream that belonged to someone else. Now, I’m preparing for graduate school and a future in research and clinical care. That transformation didn’t happen by accident; it happened because people invested in students like me. So tonight, I want you to know: when you support Hope Ignites, you are not just funding scholarships. You are creating doctors, researchers, clinicians, and advocates. You are changing families.
And I am living proof of what happens when you invest in potential. Thank you