Ignite Howard County #10: Sparks of Inspiration

For first-time speaker and former theater major Mallorie Kristoffersen, Ignite offered more than a platform — it was a personal turning point.

“In a time where so much negative energy is spread, Ignite Howard County #10 was a welcome place of connection and stories that provided not only hope, but understanding and real solutions toward a future with more possibility,” she shared.

Her favorite part? The collective experience. “The connections and opportunities to listen to another’s story — to see how the macro shapes the micro — made the night unforgettable,” Mallorie said.

Another first-time speaker, Jessica Harrington, said that the evening felt like standing among friends. “I loved seeing the diverse and beautiful faces in the room. It felt like I was offering ideas to a room full of friends instead of people I’d just met,” she said.

Jessica’s talk was as much about connection as her reflections afterward. “I learned how much I value organic conversations in a time where our culture feels so divided. And I learned I could share my ideas succinctly,” she continued, “I’m naturally loquacious!”

But her most cherished moment came after stepping off stage. “The hugs I received after speaking — many from people I’d just met,” she said, “reminded me how much we need more first-time greetings that include hugs these days.” She encourages anyone with an idea to take the leap: “Everyone has a story or idea to share, and we need them all.”

First-time audience member Danielle Du Pree came to Ignite not knowing quite what to expect — and left inspired. “I would describe the event as inspiring, informative, and engaging,” she said. “I was surprised by the range of diverse topics — some were personal, others were life hacks or information builders. I loved that variety.”

For Danielle, the night was about both ideas and connection. She loved that there was time to network and walk around. “Even the food line was a place to meet people,” she said. “It was awesome!” She’s already spreading the word and is considering maybe even applying to speak next year! 

Seasoned Ignite Howard County speaker (and event attendee) Ellen Koronet used her second time at the Ignite HoCo mic to delve outside of her “comfort zone” and speak on a deeply personal and vulnerable lived experience. As emotions bubbled up during her talk, Ellen recalls finding comfort in the crowd looking back at her with support. “I felt buoyed up by the reactions I kept hearing, and by the rapt attention I felt, and by the friends looking back at me with so much love. When I stepped down, I was met with SUCH appreciation, so many hugs from strangers who are definitely now my friends, excellent questions, and quite a few whispered thanks.”

Even still, one of Ellen’s favorite parts of the event remains the financial support C3MD, the Ignite Howard County sponsors, and the audience themselves provide to local causes every year. “One of the things I love most about Ignite Howard County is the non-profit focus,” says Ellen. “Each speaker represents an excellent DO-GOOD organization in Howard County, giving two of them the opportunity to receive a no strings attached grant.”

Ellen goes on to sum up her final take-away from the evening in one electrifying statement:”The buzz level in the room with old and new connections is unsurpassed!” We couldn’t agree more! If you missed the event — or want to relive the buzz — we invite you to watch the recordings of this year’s Ignite Howard County #10 speakers on YouTube here.

This year’s non-profit awardees are Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and Howard County Center for the Arts, each of which received a $500 check to their organizations. We also supported local organization (and Ignite HoCo #9 non-profit awardee) Sleep In Heavenly Peace – Howard County with a bedding drive and collected 15 new and packaged sheet sets for donation from attendees. Thank you  for your support!

Thank you, sponsors!

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Luminary Sponsor, Maryland Innovation Center/HCEDA, whose ongoing support helps make Ignite Howard County possible.

And deep appreciation to all our event sponsors, whose collaboration and community spirit keep the flame burning bright:

Blaze sponsors, insight180 Brand Consulting & Design & Indigo Ink Digital Printing; Flame sponsors, Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC; The Wendy Slaughter Team at Vybe Realty; Multicorp Commercial Cleaning Systems; and Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser, LLC, and our Spark sponsors, Cultivated Woman, Kevin T. Howard, CPA, PFS, P.A., Leadership Howard County, Divorce Advisory.

And thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to assist organizing partner Conscious Capitalism of Central Maryland.

Looking Ahead

Ignite Howard County #10 reminded us that passion is contagious — and that ideas, when shared, have the power to transform communities.

If you missed this year’s event, keep an eye onignitehowardcounty.com for next year’s dates, videos, and opportunities to participate. Whether you’re a speaker, a sponsor, or a curious listener, there’s a place for you in this growing movement of inspiration.

Until next time — keep your ideas burning bright.