HISTORY
2019: The Beginning
IGNITE! was founded in 2019 to address systemic barriers that have long hindered growth and success of Black communities. Recognizing the urgent need for a supportive ecosystem, we set out to bridge critical communication, resource, and financial gaps between service providers, financial institutions, and the communities they serve. Our in-person events attracted an unprecedented 1,650 participants, highlighting the immediate demand for our services and trust the community placed in us.
2020: Adapting in a Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, IGNITE! swiftly transitioned to virtual programs to adapt to the new reality. These online offerings quickly gained traction, amassing over 65,000 views, further solidifying IGNITE! as a vital community resource during an exceptionally challenging time.
2021: A Major Milestone
In 2021, IGNITE! reached a significant milestone with a seed grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This funding enabled the launch of our flagship “Doing Business in Alabama” (DBIA) Minority Business Training Pilot Project. Through this initiative, we engaged over 2,100 Black Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders across Alabama, providing triaging them and providing referrals to navigate the complexities of business ownership.
Thanks to IGNITE!’s innovative programming and holistic support from ecosystem partners, Black Businesses achieved remarkable outcomes, including:
Securing over $3 million in loans,
Receiving 94 contract awards,
Garnering more than $669,000 in grant funding.
The success of the DBIA project not only highlighted the critical need and effectiveness of IGNITE!s approach but also showcased the potential for scaling our model to a broader audience.
2025 and Beyond: Scaling for Impact
As IGNITE! continues to evolve, we remain committed to our original vision. With a refined approach, IGNITE! is committed to helping Nonprofit and Social Impact Enterprises stabilize, sustain, and scale.
IGNITE! is currently scaling its model, replicating our successful Small Business Continuum of Care approach in other states and, eventually, internationally. Our innovative use of data tracking and analytics, combined with strategic guidance, positions us as a critical backbone organization—driving collective economic impact through a robust network of partnerships.
Torin, a proud alumna of Samford University, boasts over 22 years of Executive Level Grants Management and 26 years of Resource & Partnership Development. Her dedication has secured over $30 million in funding and direct services, driving her commitment to advancing economic equality across Alabama’s disadvantaged communities.
In 2019, Torin founded IGNITE! Alabama, an inclusive ecosystem empowering historically marginalized Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders. Through targeted support and comprehensive resources, IGNITE! fosters prosperity and growth for ALL, bridging communication, digital literacy, and funding gaps.
Thanks to a seed grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IGNITE! launched its flagship “Doing Business in Alabama” Minority Business Training Pilot Project. To date, under Torin’s leadership, IGNITE! has triaged over 2100 Black Businesses, providing direct support and case management to over 1400 individuals. Together with a growing collaborative ecosystem of 98 local, state, and national partners, IGNITE! has directly helped Black Businesses secure over $3 million in loans, 94 contracts, and obtain $669k in non-dilutive grant cash funds, driving tangible economic empowerment.
In 2023, Torin founded 4C: The Collective, a diverse ecosystem of leaders UNAPOLOGETICALLY committed to closing the racial wealth equity gap. In March 2024, 4C hosted its inaugural Leadership Advance in Tacoma, Washington, attracting 53 attendees from 12 states.
Beyond her role at IGNITE!, Torin serves as a Zoning Board Commissioner for the City of Birmingham Alabama.
Torin’s unwavering commitment and significant contributions have garnered recognition through features in various publications and accolades, including the 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Birmingham Business Journal.
Torin’s work as an accomplished Ecosystem Builder has also been featured in “ROTATE,” a book published by Forbes author Grainne McNamara.
With creativity, passion, and fortitude, Torin leads innovative programs and events at IGNITE!, driving positive change. Outside of her professional pursuits, Torin cherishes her roles as Dexter’s wife and Chelsea and Alexis “Lexi’s” mom.
A dedicated Christian, she prioritizes family and faith in all aspects of life. In her downtime, Torin enjoys reading, travel, and quality time with loved ones.