Group focuses on supporting young professionals throughout Portage County

By Kaitlin Freese

Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County is a non-profit organization built to support the next generation of leaders looking to serve the community.

Members, volunteers and their families are able participate in leadership training, networking events, volunteer projects and service committees.

According to the group’s leaders, Ignite has been serving Portage County in a variety of ways, from assisting elderly residents to paving walking paths for dog walkers at the Humane Society. The organization has even been able to root young adults to the community by showcasing all that Stevens Point has to offer.

“Ignite’s purpose- or what I view its purpose as- is that this community is more than what you think it is after you graduate from college,” said Volunteer Director Kayla Rambuski. “There are more opportunities; there are ways you can connect with local nonprofits, with businesses.”

Rambuski said the group is always looking for new connections.

“We’re always trying to have that connection to local businesses and establishments that are here, so that people feel more comfortable and more connected to the community and more rooted,” she said. “That they’re going to stay and have more long-term plans here.”

Ignite tries to keep young graduating college students interested in staying in Stevens Point, said Eva Donohoo of Ignite.

“As young professionals, this is a great place to stay,” Donohoo said. “You are really able to concentrate on your career here, versus trying to find a job in Milwaukee or Madison.”

Ignite was established in 2011 as an affinity group with The United Way.

To learn more about Ignite visit their website at http://www.unitedwaypoco.org/Ignite, check out their Facebook page by searing Ignite Leadership Group of Portage County, and follow them on Twitter by using “@ignitepoco”.