RALEIGH, N.C. (February 24, 2026) – Nearly 850 business and community leaders packed the Raleigh Convention Center on Tuesday as Wake Tech's ninth-annual Ignite celebration took flight, showcasing the life‑changing impact of education and the innovative ways the college and its partners are helping more learners reach their destination.

Hosted by the Wake Tech Foundation, Ignite embraced an aviation theme and highlighted how Wake Tech students rise, pivot and soar toward new opportunities. The program featured students whose paths demonstrate how supportive educators, meaningful partnerships and intentional pathways can lead to extraordinary destinations.

"Wake Tech is where possibility takes flight," President Dr. Scott Ralls said. "Our students show us every day that they do not have to choose between gaining skills for a great job and continuing their education. At Wake Tech, the 'and' is possible, and Ignite brings that to life through powerful stories of talent, resilience and opportunity."

Dr. Mike Nicholson, a Wake Tech biotechnology instructor and former biotech executive, opened the program by sharing his personal journey from aspiring musician to industry leader before introducing two of his students who are already demonstrating the transformative power of education.

"Students at Wake Tech start early, build confidence and step directly into industry," he said. "These are your future leaders, innovators and CEOs."

Student journeys

• Armani Evans described how growing up connected to Wake Tech through the Career and College Promise (CCP) dual-enrollment program shaped her goals. The program allows high school students to earn college credits or workforce credentials tuition-free while completing high school requirements. Evans earned a BioWork Process Technician certificate that opened the door to a paid apprenticeship with Amgen.
  "Wake Tech was my first choice," she told the audience. "It gave me the confidence, the balance and the lift to start building my future."
  Evans is pursuing a degree in Bioprocess Manufacturing Technology and plans to transfer to North Carolina Central University and continue growing her career at Amgen.
   
• Addison Brooks is a senior at the Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies, located on Wake Tech's RTP Campus in Morrisville. It's one of four Cooperative Innovative High Schools that are a partnership between Wake Tech and the Wake County Public School System. Brooks reflected on discovering biotechnology in middle school and finding her stride in a college environment that challenges and supports her.
  "Some days are lecture, some are hands-on, and most weeks are a mix of both,” she said. "It's challenging, but it's also exciting. I feel like I'm being pushed to limits I didn't even know I had. The support has allowed me to start early and fly into the future I started building right here!"
   
• Tiffany Harrell's story of resilience set the tone for the event's theme of perseverance. She first came to Wake Tech to complete her GED and later returned to pursue a degree in Computer Programming while raising five children. Through the college's Work‑Based Learning program, which allows students to apply classroom skills in real workplace settings, Harrell secured a position at Lenovo while completing her studies. She graduated in 2022 and is now manager of Premier Support Service Delivery at the global technology company.
  In a moving video message, Harrell recounted her journey through foster care, devastating loss and renewal through education.
  "If you think you have nowhere to go, take one step," she said. "Wake Tech met me where I was and gave me the courage to spread my wings and fly."
  Wake Tech Vice President of Communications and Marketing Lisa Marie Ferrell, who mentored Harrell during her time at Lenovo, introduced her story with a heartfelt tribute, and Harrell received a standing ovation for her continued strength and courage.
   
• José Fabre Jr., a Wake Tech graduate now studying mechanical engineering at East Carolina University, shared how he once felt like a "statistic" after moving 27 times in just a few years. Through supportive advising, academic success and leadership roles at Wake Tech, including serving as the first Hispanic Student Government Association president, Fabre earned three associate degrees before transferring to ECU.
  "Wake Tech didn't just give me lift, it gave me a flight path," he said. "My goal is to return to Wake Tech to teach and mentor students so they can see what is possible!"

University and community partnerships

The event also highlighted Wake Tech's expanding university partnerships.

• East Carolina University Chancellor Dr. Philip Rogers outlined the significant impact of ECU's co-location partnership at Wake Tech, including the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology degree offered at the Southern Wake Campus in Raleigh. The degree allows students who have earned a qualifying Associate in Applied Science degree at Wake Tech or another community college to pursue a bachelor's degree without having to travel to ECU in Greenville.
  "For students like José, access begins with community colleges," Rogers said. "Through our partnership, students no longer have to choose between gaining skills and earning a university degree. It is not an 'or.' It is an 'and.' This collaboration represents the future of higher education."
   
• Wake Tech's commitment to compassionate, student‑centered support was underscored through a new partnership with the Filotimo Foundation, which helps adults with cystic fibrosis pursue education while managing unpredictable health needs. The collaboration is anchored by Wake Tech's Care Center, which provides guidance, resources and personalized support to help students stay on track with their educational and career goals.
  The Care Center team works closely with students with CF and other chronic conditions to help them navigate health challenges and maintain academic progress. Students who become ill can pause and restart classes without penalty, ensuring their education adapts to their circumstances.
  "Wake Tech didn't just open a door, they built a system where students like me can belong and succeed," said Filotimo founder Pete Proimos. "What they created is intentional, human and extraordinary."

The program closed with remarks from Ralls, who emphasized the importance of community support in helping Wake Tech students reach their destinations. He noted that, despite Wake County's strong economy, economic mobility challenges persist, and Wake Tech remains the launching pad for local residents seeking opportunity.

"Because of our partners and supporters, students like Tiffany, Armani, Addison and José can overcome delays, navigate turbulence and take off toward a brighter future," he said.

Wake Tech Ignite is focused on strengthening community relationships and developing new partnerships. The Wake Tech Foundation engages corporate and community partners, alumni and friends to expand opportunity for Wake Tech students. These resources fund scholarships, emergency assistance, academic programs and student support services that help students stay on track and reach their goals. To learn more about giving through the Wake Tech Foundation, visit foundation.waketech.edu.

November 2025

Latest News from Wake Tech