OUR TEAM
Meet the Dedicated Visionaries Behind Ignite Sports and Arts
Marcus Thompson
Executive Director and Founder
Marcus Thompson brings over two decades of experience in community leadership and non-profit management to his role as the Executive Director of IGNITE SPORTS AND ARTS. With a background in both collegiate athletics and fine arts administration, Marcus has spent his career advocating for the importance of well-rounded youth development. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work, which informs his compassionate approach to leadership and his deep understanding of the challenges facing modern families. Marcus is a firm believer that every child deserves a champion, and he works tirelessly to ensure that our organization remains a place where mentorship is prioritized. His vision and steady hand have guided us through years of growth, always keeping the focus on the heart of our mission: the people we serve every day. Beyond his administrative duties, Marcus is often found on the sidelines of our games or in the back of our studios, personally checking in with participants and their families. He believes that the strongest organizations are built on relationships, not just policies, and he leads by example in fostering a culture of openness and genuine care. His commitment to the Orlando area is lifelong, and he takes great pride in seeing the children who grew up in our programs now returning as young adults to contribute their own talents to the next generation of participants.
Sarah Jenkins
Director of Artistic Programming
Sarah Jenkins is a celebrated local artist and educator who has dedicated her life to bringing the joy of creativity to the next generation. As our Director of Artistic Programming, Sarah oversees the development of our diverse curriculum, ensuring that our workshops are both technically sound and emotionally resonant. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and has spent years teaching in both traditional school settings and community centers. Sarah’s approach is defined by her patience and her ability to see the potential in every brushstroke or performance. She believes that art is a universal language that can heal and unite, and she is passionate about providing our participants with the tools they need to express their inner worlds with clarity and confidence. Sarah is also a published illustrator and frequently integrates her professional experience into the classroom, giving students a real-world perspective on what it means to be a working artist. Her workshops are known for being spaces of profound discovery, where even the most hesitant students find their voice through the power of visual and performing arts. She is a tireless advocate for the importance of arts funding and community engagement, and her enthusiasm for our mission is contagious to both her staff and the students she mentors.
David Rodriguez
Sports Program Coordinator
David Rodriguez is a former professional athlete who transitioned into coaching to share his love for the game and the lessons of discipline it provides. As our Sports Program Coordinator, David manages our various leagues and clinics, focusing on more than just physical prowess. He emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, resilience, and teamwork, helping our young athletes understand that the skills they learn on the court are directly applicable to their lives off of it. David is certified in youth athletic development and is known for his high-energy, motivational coaching style. He takes great pride in watching his students overcome obstacles and develop a sense of pride in their hard work, fostering a culture of health and determination throughout the organization. David’s philosophy is that every athlete, regardless of their starting skill level, has the capacity for greatness if they are given the right tools and encouragement. He works closely with our coaching staff to ensure that our training methods are safe, effective, and fun, always keeping the long-term health and development of our participants in mind. His presence on the field is a source of inspiration for many, as he models the very same dedication and integrity that he expects from his students.
Elena Vasquez
Community Outreach Liaison
Elena Vasquez serves as the bridge between IGNITE SPORTS AND ARTS and the wider Orlando community, ensuring that our services are accessible to those who need them most. With a background in public relations and a heart for service, Elena manages our partnerships with local schools, businesses, and other non-profits. She is a master communicator who excels at building relationships and finding innovative ways to engage families in our mission. Elena is often the first face people see when they join our organization, and her warmth and professionalism set the tone for the entire experience. She is dedicated to the idea that our impact is maximized when we work in concert with our neighbors, and she is a tireless advocate for social equity and community integration. Elena’s work involves organizing our large-scale community events and ensuring that our scholarship programs are reaching the families who will benefit from them the most. She believes that information is power and works hard to ensure that everyone in our area knows about the opportunities available at IGNITE. Her passion for people and her organizational skills make her an indispensable part of our leadership team, and she is always looking for new ways to expand our footprint of positivity throughout the region.
COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT
Strengthening the Fabric of Orlando Through Shared Experiences
We believe that an organization is only as strong as its ties to the community, and at IGNITE SPORTS AND ARTS, we prioritize family involvement and local partnerships in everything we do. We host regular community events, including seasonal festivals, art galleries, and sports tournaments, which serve as opportunities for neighbors to gather and celebrate the achievements of our participants. We actively seek out partnerships with local businesses to provide scholarships and resources, ensuring that our programs remain accessible to all. Family involvement is encouraged through volunteer opportunities and parent-child workshops, creating a supportive network that extends beyond our facility. By fostering these deep connections, we are helping to build a more resilient and cohesive Orlando, where everyone feels a sense of ownership and pride in their local community. Our “Community Hub” initiative involves collaborating with other local non-profits to provide a more integrated network of support for families in our area. We believe that by working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone, and we are dedicated to being a proactive and helpful neighbor. Our facility is often used as a gathering place for local meetings and events, further cementing our role as a central pillar of the community. We also engage in regular outreach to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that the benefits of our programs are available to everyone, regardless of their background. By making community engagement a core part of our mission, we are creating a more inclusive and prosperous environment where everyone has the chance to thrive. Our annual “Ignite Gala” is a highlight of the year, bringing together donors, families, and participants for a night of celebration and inspiration, showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of our local area.
JOIN US / WORK WITH US
BUILDING A CAREER WITH PURPOSE AND CREATIVITY
At IGNITE SPORTS AND ARTS, we are always looking for passionate, professional, and deeply caring individuals to join our growing and dynamic team. We offer a variety of fulfilling career opportunities for experienced coaches, visionary artists, dedicated educators, and efficient administrative professionals who share our unwavering commitment to community upliftment and youth development. Our team culture is built on a foundation of mutual respect, continuous professional learning, and a shared dedication to the success and well-being of our participants. We provide a supportive and innovative work environment where your creative ideas are truly valued, and your professional growth is actively encouraged through workshops and mentorship. If you are someone who believes in the transformative power of sports and the arts to change lives and you want to be part of a mission-driven organization that makes a real difference every day, we would love to meet you. We value diversity and seek individuals who bring unique perspectives and backgrounds to our team, as we believe this enrichment makes us a stronger and more effective organization for the families we serve.
