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About Us

How We Connect with Students, Businesses, and Educators

Igniting Potential: Our Story and Mission

A family picture of Joe, Meghan, and Vienna.From Inspiration to Impact

Discover the story of IgnitingTalent.

Founded in 2021 by the JoeAbate Charitable Foundation, IgnitingTalent is a career-readiness program designed for high school juniors and seniors uncertain of their post-high school career plans. The program consists of multiple micro-internships, developed in collaboration with school counselors and the business community to assist students in exploring a variety of professions. 

The program was established to honor and fulfill the vision of the Foundation’s inspiration, Joe Abate, whose own experiences taught him the importance of helping teenagers find their career direction. He believed that exposing young people to diverse career options could provide them with a sense of purpose and set them up for long-term success. 

Although Joe passed away in 2020, it is our hope that this program will continue to inspire and empower students, empowering them to become self-advocates as they take control of their futures and chart their own professional journeys.

Our Mission

IgnitingTalent is dedicated to empowering juniors and seniors in high school with real-world experience through hands-on micro-internships. Our mission is to inspire and guide students as they explore diverse career paths; foster meaningful connections between businesses and young talent; while supporting educators, in preparing the next generation for a successful and fulfilling future. Together, we create opportunities that ignite passion, unlock potential, and build a stronger community.

Our Promise

We empower futures through real-world experience and support.

  • Empowering Career Exploration

    IgnitingTalent offers high school juniors and seniors immersive micro-internship experiences, providing an incredible opportunity to explore diverse careers, discover their passions, and build a strong foundation for their future.

  • Building Essential Skills and Networks

    Students take control of their futures by gaining critical real-world skills and professional contacts  while businesses benefit from mentoring and engaging with young talent, creating a pipeline of skilled future employees.

  • Supporting Career Readiness

    As a trusted partner, IgnitingTalent enhances students' career readiness, complementing traditional academic guidance and offering practical support for educators, students, and the business community alike.

A student in front of a camera for a video shoot.

How It Works

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Selection

High school juniors and seniors choose up to three micro-internships based on interests, assessments, and one-on-one discussions with our IgnitingTalent team.

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Pairing

IgnitingTalent carefully matches students with companies (Career Launchers) in their chosen fields of interest, providing hands-on, real-world experience.

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Evaluation

After completing their micro-internships, students can indicate continued interest. IgnitingTalent then guides them and helps them outline a path forward.

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Support

Students who commit to a career path influenced by their micro-internships will receive a scholarship from the JoeAbate Charitable Foundation for schooling/training.

Meet the People Behind the Passion

IgnitingTalent Team

Mary Schneider-2

Mary Schneider

Program Manager

Mary has over 30 years of experience in career counseling. She is passionate about making the IgnitingTalent program a success. She loves seeing the difference made in the students’ lives and the relationships developed with their Career Launchers and Educators. She is a member of Joe’s family and proudly serves on the Board to keep his memory alive.

Marian Hampel Headshot

Marian Hampel

Coach

Marian volunteered as a Junior Achievement instructor for over 10 years and coached students for over 20 years. After her retirement she was a substitute teacher in the Monroe CT school system.  She was an integral part of mentoring and training new hires and interns helping them assimilate to the work environment.  Her financial systems background supports IgnitingTalent data and reporting metrics.  She enjoys guiding students toward success.

Steve Flood-1

Steve Flood

Business Advisor

Steve serves as IgnitingTalent’s Business Advisor, recruiting Career Launchers to provide micro-internships for our interns. As a member of the Board, he supports fundraising efforts and promotes community involvement. Steve retired after a 39-year career in senior management positions in Operations, Engineering, and Program Management. Steve and his wife Mary raised their children Kelly and Tim in Cheshire and now reside in Wallingford and Manasquan, NJ.

JoeAbate Charitable Foundation Executive Board

Meghan Abate-2

Meghan Abate

President

Meghan established the JoeAbate Charitable Foundation to honor her late husband's legacy of kindness and generosity. As an English language teacher for elementary school kids, Meghan brings her passion for education and nurturing young minds to the Foundation. She provides the vision and inspirational leadership that drives the organization’s growth, with her philosophy of discovering what inspires you serving as the cornerstone of the IgnitingTalent program.

Steve Curran-2

Steve Curran

Vice President

Steve is a retired NBCUniversal executive with nearly 40 years of professional experience. As Vice President of the Board of Directors, he leads strategic planning efforts and oversees the Foundation’s programs and events supporting congenital heart families and the CTHeart Camp. Additionally, he serves as the Board’s liaison for the IgnitingTalent program.

Dan Mauriello-2

Dan Mauriello

Treasurer

As Treasurer, Dan brings more than 15 years of experience in tax planning, compliance and financial strategies. He provides financial oversight, budget management, and engages in strategic planning for the Foundation. As a member of Joe’s family, he is an active participant in Board Meeting and fundraisers.

Andriana Bombace-1

Andriana Bombace

Secretary

Andriana has been a part of the Foundation since it was established. As Secretary, she schedules Board meetings and prepares and distributes meeting minutes. Dedicated to the mission of the Foundation, Andriana provides support and ideas to the Board and assists in planning and organizing events. She takes pride in being a Board Member and honoring Joe Abate.

Our Partners

Advanced Investigations Logo
Guilford Texaco North Logo
Baybrook Remodelers Logo
Branford Early Learning Center Logo
West Shore Fire District Logo
Shoreline Wellness Center Logo
Guilford Animal Medical Center Logo
Forte The Brand Logo
The Curly Hair Salon Logo
Baybrook grooming, Ruff Cuts Dog Grooming Logo

Facts and Figures

96%

Completion Rate 

 

23

Career Fields Explored 

 

28

Career Launchers

 

50%

2024 Grads Awarded $1000 Scholarship