Passion. Everyone has at least one. It’s that something that excites you, fires you up, widens your eyes, makes you talk a little faster, and gives you that rush of empowerment. What’s yours? We want to hear it!
Ignite Phoenix provides the platform to share these life-shaping experiences, passions, and unique perspectives. Whatever your topic is (as long as it’s PG-13 or lower and not a sales pitch), share it with us in a submission below.
If you’re still feeling a little unsure, that’s pretty normal. Many past presenters did as well, but all of them were thankful they took the plunge. Take a few minutes to read these tips, or watch some of our YouTube videos to see what it’s like to present.
If you’re not familiar with Ignite Phoenix, there are a couple things to know. Each selected speaker will need to do the following:
- Speak about your topic for five minutes in front of a crowd
- Create a 20-slide presentation to support your talk
- Attend a 2-hour presenter training session before the event
- Arrive at the event a few hours before showtime (typically around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m.)
- Avoid pitching or advertising for a product or business (including your own)
- Adhere to the Rules & Guidelines and Privacy Policy for Ignite Phoenix
- Allow your submission, presentation, and a video of your talk to be posted online (your email address and phone number will be kept private)
Ready…Set…GO!
Submissions for Ignite Phoenix #15 are open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 13. You can submit multiple times, so get those wheels turning, put those ideas to work, and submit a presentation.
Here are the talks that have been submitted so far:
| Choosing Trust in a Cynical World | |
| Presenter | Bridgett Hart |
| Biography | After 20 years creating innovative human service programs, I’m now putting my knowledge of human development and behavior change to work with Amazing Women.
As an elite women’s coach, I specialize in helping those women that people think have it all together. I am one of those women. |
| Description | Society tells us to be “tough” and cynical. It tells us not to trust the next man because he is most likely trying to “get over” on us. Choosing to Always Trust allows us a peace of mind that cannot be found by “protecting” ourselves from the dangers of the world. I have chosen to live this way for 7 years now and my life has transformed. |
| Lessons Learned from Living With Homeless Pregnant Women | |
| Presenter | Annie Metzger |
| Biography | Hi! I’m Annie, a native Arizonan with two degrees from ASU, a love for gardening and a love/hate relationship with running. Through a beautiful series of events, I came to work for Maggie’s Place- an organization that offers homes for pregnant moms who are alone or on the streets. My time living and working with vulnerable moms is transformational! |
| Description | We, as a society, love to talk about and around the poor and homeless. My experiences taught me how damaging and hurtful this can be! I hope to share points around homelessness that challenge others to give a face and name to the homeless they encounter, to offer an insider perspective and to propose a different solution: individual attentive love. |
| The Art of Being Yourself | |
| Presenter | Christine Slomski |
| Biography | Christine believes lives and breathes the power of creativity both in the boardroom, on the yoga mat and everywhere else the point of possibility for innovation lies. Customizing and creating her life is becoming a fascination through which we finds in art, communication and the power of imagination. She’s a moving, shaking desert native. |
| Description | “The Art of Being Yourself” is how I came to find my authenticity, sobriety and voice through art. The astonishing power of art helps us find our voices & authenticity rather than burying ourselves in routine happy hours, materialism & other distractions when we feel the world doesn’t accept us for who we are. We can turn to art to find our voices. |
| The PhD Widow | |
| Presenter | Tiffany Turner |
| Biography | I am 30 years old and currently own a restaurant/bar in Mesa and am the CFO of a 15,000 acre crop farm located on an Indian Reservation in AZ. I have an almost two year old and a spine full of metal from a car accident that occurred when I was 8 months pregnant. |
| Description | At age 25, my amazing husband decided he would pursue a PhD in Materials Engineering at ASU. He assured me the program could be completed in 3 years. Now, 7 years, 1 baby, 1 MBA, 3 careers, 3 spine surgeries, and a lot of gray hair later, he is done. I would like to dedicate a talk to both his and my struggles throughout our graduate school journey |
| Everyone Gets a Medal | |
| Presenter | Melissa Rynders |
| Biography | I am a working mom of two little boys who fill my days with laughter, smiles, and yes, even frustration. As a United Methodist pastor I work with people in their highest highs, and their lowest lows. Everyday is a new adventure for me and I enjoying working with people throughout the special moments of their lives. |
| Description | I am a runner, a little by choice and a little by chance. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2009 and while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, I trained for and ran my first 1/2 marathon. I run not because I’m fast, but because through running I hope to rid the world of cancer. After all, even if I’m last, I still get a medal. |
| Love like a Man | |
| Presenter | Quintin Boyce |
| Biography | I am from inner city Chicago. I was raised by a single mom and grandma. Considering, I have developed a since of security with my emotions. Since graduating form high school, I moved to Arizona.. received my doctorate and am a dedicated educator. I am currently a father, high school Principal, an Adjunct professor, and most important, I am in love. |
| Description | Unfortunately, due to societal norms, conventional wisdom states that men shouldn’t love, love wholeheartedly.. with feeling, actions, and conviction.. I disagree! My upbringing (by a single mom) has cultivated and nurtured the transparency of my love. Raising two daughters and being an educator has provided an outlet to love, and I want to share |
| The Love and Lie of the Brain | |
| Presenter | Katie Hodge |
| Biography | I am a 38yo single mother of three small children and a full time student at ASU. I am an inspiring survivor of a traumatic brain injury and I am in love with the brain and the human psyche. My end goal is to become a neuropsychotherapist and help others navigate the course of their self-discovery with possible complications of brain trauma. |
| Description | Everything about our existence stems from this one single organ in our skull… breathing, heartbeat regulation, pulse, blinking, and the interpretation of all sensory input. Our brain gives us our experience in this world. There is a big lie that can be easily believed because of our experience through our brain. The lie? That we are all separate. |
| Fast & Furious: An Inside Look at Street Racing | |
| Presenter | Joe Manna |
| Biography | Joe Manna helps create and measure content at Infusionsoft, a local software company. He’s experienced in social media and content strategy and he loves to help entrepreneurs succeed. |
| Description | Street racing is illegal, dangerous and yet it’s incredibly popular among young automotive enthusiasts. I want to uncover several key aspects of the street racing culture and suggest how communities can prevent this illegal activity while offering safe outlets for automotive fans so they can continue to live (and not die) a quarter-mile at a time. |
| Seizing Up | |
| Presenter | Nicki Escudero |
| Biography | When I was 17, I had my first unexplainable fainting fit — I caused a hole to be borne into my mother’s bathroom wall after falling into it with my head. After about half a dozen inexplicable fainting spells, I was finally diagnosed with epilepsy, a disorder that affects 1 in 100 people but is still one of the most mysterious disorders in the U.S. |
| Description | In this Ignite Phoenix presentation, I’ll explain what epilepsy is, warning signs to look for, and what to do if you suspect someone is having a seizure. I want my speech to inform others what epilepsy is and increase awareness for those who might have it. 1 in 3 people know someone with epilepsy, yet it’s rare someone can accurately describe it. |
| C is for … Camaro. | |
| Presenter | Joe Manna |
| Biography | Joe Manna helps create and measure content at Infusionsoft, a local software company. He’s experienced in social media and content strategy and he loves to help entrepreneurs succeed. |
| Description | A lot of people know that I love my car, a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. What they don’t know is why. Sure, it’s fast; yes, it’s loud, but it means so much more to me than that. I want to share a few of the deeper reasons why I have an undying love for a vehicle that’s been around for 46 years. |
| Karaoke Superstar-Why Everyone Should Be in The Spotlight Sometimes | |
| Presenter | Lacey Woolfrey |
| Biography | I am a mom of 5, certified personal trainer, and weekend karaoke superstar. I used to be in a band but only for like a month because of a flaky lead guitarist/band manager and so now I just sing for fun whenever a microphone is in reach and also in my shower. Running and singing and music make me happy. |
| Description | Karaoke- It’s not all off key drunks and butchered lyrics. Karaoke fulfills the deepest most fundamental need for acceptance and approval. It’s nice to be in the spotlight, and to be applauded. Plus music makes you happy. And happy people spread happiness and make other people happy. Karaoke = Happiness. |
| I Do Squat so I Can Eat Bacon | |
| Presenter | Lacey Woolfrey |
| Biography | I am a mom of 5 and a certified personal trainer who also loves to eat good food. I have a big family and food is usually a major part of any get together. We are also very active and love to hike the Grand Canyon and participate in races and events together. |
| Description | Of our 5 senses, taste is powerful enough to reminisce specific moments of time, cheer us up, enhance a celebration, and bring people together. Unfortunately most of us are not lucky enough to indulge on delicious goodness like bacon or ice cream without also packing on the pounds. To counteract the calories I workout (i.e. do squats). It’s fun! |
| The Hypocracy of Limited Government | |
| Presenter | Stuart Goodman |
| Biography | jI am a partner in a top-rated public affairs firm, focusing on state and local government affairs in Arizona. Served ten years in the US Navy Reserve, including a tour in the Persian Gulf in 2003. Served as a senior policy advisor to Governor Jane Dee Hull. 23 years in Arizona politics. Play ice hockey twice a week. |
| Description | Too often candidates and elected officials talk about limited government or no government at all. Yet, they unwittingly benefit from government services that they fail to appreciate or otherwise recognize that they are benefiting from. It is hypocritical to run against government, despite taking advantage of what it provides. |
| I’m married to a vegetarian. Welcome to my hell. | |
| Presenter | john huckelberry |
| Biography | I am a married father of two. I was raised in a farm community. My wife of 3 years is a vegetarian for approximately the past 15 years. |
| Description | II was 39 when I met my future wife. I was raised in Iowa and vegetarian was a completely foreign term to me. W e now have two beautiful boys. I cook am the main chef in the family. I love to cook, but am having to learn to cook for both my vegetarian wife and my hopefully non vegetarian children. |
| Why No Doesnt Mean No | |
| Presenter | Karla Rasmusson |
| Biography | Karla is an immigrant hailing from black hill country Dakotas. After getting schooled in the chaos that is Chandler, she popped out of sun devil territory with a big, bright smile and a hell of a lot of cheer. Karla is now an event planner, mediator,avid yogini, parttime thumb wrestler and jiujitzu champ. She cannot wait to blow minds at Ignite 15! |
| Description | “No doesn’t really mean No” Karla’s own personal technique: Sometimes no means they need more information, sometimes no means smile more. Sometimes it means, explain why it should be a yes, or listen to why it is a no. Using physical and verbal techniques, to let people tell you YES! Use what your momma gave you, and I’ll show you how  |
| My friends are better than your friends | |
| Presenter | R |
| Biography | 75% of my meals are in burrito form. I am a native Arizonan and that alone makes me a miracle. |
| Description | a look at the amazing friendships I have made in my life and how we should appreciate those who will stand by you when you are at your best and worst. Going over my 4 best buds I’ll talk about what makes a friend and how you have your own and should appreciate them sooner than later. |
| Why I Teach? | |
| Presenter | Leslie Jones |
| Biography | iI am a high school English teacher and instructional coach. I am attending NAU to pursue my Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. I love to sing, act and enjoy culinary cuisine. |
| Description | Not everyone can be a teacher; it takes the right kind of person to make a difference. Today, too manny people perceive the teaching profession as simple and subpar. I beg to differ… Everyday I am inspired by the students that surround me. Teachers reveal all other professions, yet they are not revered. |
| How This Helicopter Mother Landed | |
| Presenter | Socorro Galusha Luna |
| Biography | I I am 64 years old and fancy myself as the “Big Mama of Social Media.” I learned it all from my children, Luz and Paz. |
| Description | ‘Having children in my 30′s I was passionate about mothering–from La Leche League to homeschooling. Now they are married and I am at peace. My job is done. I am here if they need me; I don’t need to hover. |
| There is no I in Eagle | |
| Presenter | Ken Schneider |
| Biography | IT, Computers, Electronics, Social Media, Guns and anything related to those interest me. 20+ years of computers. I am everyone’s Computer Guy. |
| Description | 10+ years of computers and the adventures in it. Tech Support from the other side of the phone, keyboard or email. I have likely seen or heard it all. |
| I am a bed wetter | |
| Presenter | jamie helt |
| Biography | Sales leader |
| Description | As a type 1 diabetic, i was diagnosed at age 27 when i wet my bed. what i thought diabetes was at the time was i could eat candy. what i learned the day i was diagnosed was that i was near a coma, could no longer have sugar and i better get it together. i had NO education, just a needle, a vial of insulin and a WTH am i doing. here i am now. |
| the energy technology revolution: the most important even of our era | |
| Presenter | ben montclair |
| Biography | energy and sustainability operator |
| Description | our human history is one of technological innovation that has enabled us to influence our environment — for better or worse. right now, we are at a confluence of forces: we have developed the capability to manipulate matter at the molecular level and we have a pressing need to advance from fossil energy to the next thing. the tech is *amazing*! |
| Be Passionate – About Passion | |
| Presenter | Jessica -Stewart |
| Biography | II am a young adult who works for a forward-thinking, actively and openly striving to make the world a better place. I am a dancer, a painter, a reader, a talker, a lover, religious, open, accepting and active individual. I love everything from the color yellow to Star Wars to being myself. Ultimately, I love life. |
| Description | My favorite thing about living is simply that – living. It’s important for us to find a specific passion in life, but ultimately, we need to always be excited about the everyday things, to be emotionally connected with every part of our lives. There’s no reason to go through a hum drum life when we can make it exciting ourselves! Smell the roses! |
