RALEIGH, N.C. (March 4, 2025) – The Raleigh Convention Center was the place to be Tuesday, as more than 800 business and community leaders gathered to hear remarkable stories of the impact of Wake Tech.

The college's eighth-annual "IGNITE" event featured a safari theme and showcased Wake Tech's mission of transforming lives through educational "journeys."

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Hosted by the Wake Tech Foundation, this year's IGNITE highlighted how an education at Wake Tech can be a compass that helps students explore new territories that are often life-changing.

"Wake Tech is a map," said President Dr. Scott Ralls. "Our supportive staff and faculty are the guides who help light the way for students to find the tools and confidence they need to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and triumph in whatever path they choose."

One of those supportive faculty members, Communication Professor Traci Rowe, served as the emcee, or "guide," for the program. Rowe, who has been teaching at the college for more than a decade, says she learned quickly that her job would be a unique journey.

"I discovered teaching isn't just about standing in front of the classroom – it's about lighting paths for others," she said.

Rowe helped introduce all the "explorers" who shared inspirational testimonials at IGNITE:

• Shana Cox shared her journey from Olympic athlete to ICU nurse. Cox reached the top of her game as a track athlete, becoming a national champion, Olympic competitor and World Championship gold medalist. But she wanted a challenge that ignited the same passion she had for running – something meaningful, demanding and capable of making a real impact. After moving to North Carolina, Cox discovered Wake Tech's Associate Degree Nursing program. The Martha Mann School of Nursing offers students classroom instruction and hands-on experience at several clinical sites. "It was a transformative experience," said Cox. "Learning in the same environment where I would one day work opened my eyes to just how special Wake Tech truly is." Cox is now an ICU nurse at WakeMed. "I've learned that life isn't about staying on one track," she told the crowd. "Sometimes, it's about being brave enough to switch lanes."
   
• Cheval Batts' Wake Tech journey is one of personal and professional growth. Growing up in a small town, he's a first-generation college student who overcame adversity after a car accident left him paralyzed. When Batts enrolled at Wake Tech, he didn't know anyone but was determined to get involved. He became a Student Ambassador and began representing the college at special events. "Suddenly, I had a new friend group – me, the guy who never used to speak up," said Batts. "Once I'd found my people, finding what I wanted to do with my life came naturally!" Batts began pursuing an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Graphic Design, and he excelled in SkillsUSA competitions for career and technical education students, winning first place in the state and fourth nationally! He also designs graphics for Wake Tech's Communications & Marketing Division as part of the college's work-study program. Batts is graduating in May and looking forward to beginning his freelance design career. "Overcoming obstacles, proving that I can do more, that's what drives me," he said. "Wake Tech supported me every step of the way!"
   
• Ethan Hatch shared his path from balancing a high school schedule to juggling a professional work environment. With an interest in engineering, Hatch discovered the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NC TAP) while a student at East Wake High School. NC TAP offers high school students an opportunity to work as apprentices in their senior year. Hatch was hired as a youth apprentice by Siemens, and, after graduating high school, he enrolled in Wake Tech's Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS program while continuing to work as an apprentice. He now takes classes two days a week at the college and works the other three days at Siemens. "I'm getting a degree, gaining work experience and building a career – all at the same time," said Hatch. "My classes are paid for, and I'm being paid to work while I'm in school!" After he completes his degree at Wake Tech, Hatch hopes to transfer to North Carolina State University or East Carolina University to pursue a bachelor's degree. "Wake Tech has been more than just a college for me. The relationships I've built with my teachers, the opportunities I've found, it's prepared me for a real career. That is my journey, and it is just beginning!"
   
• Lindsay Wrege, the co-founder of 321 Coffee, a successful coffee shop in Raleigh that employs students with special needs, shared the incredible journey of Sophie Hening. Wrege hired Hening after meeting her at a Pathfinders barista class offered at Wake Tech. The Pathfinders Career Exploration program is designed for adults with intellectual disabilities who want to further their education and prepare for the workplace. The program provides credentials and builds confidence. "When I asked if anyone wanted a job," said Wrege, "Sophie's hand shot up so fast! She is bold and confident, and I knew, with her Wake Tech training and personal drive, she would be an amazing fit." Hening is thriving at her job, roasting coffee beans and filling online orders. As an unexpected benefit to working there, Hening met her future husband, Sam, also an employee at 321 Coffee! "Thank you to Wake Tech for providing training and partnering with employers to create opportunities for people who are underserved," said Wrege. "We have hired a number of people from Wake Tech, and they are still part of the team."
   
• Dusti Patterson’s story is about believing in yourself and finding support when you need it most. Her journey began after she moved to North Carolina, enrolled at Wake Tech and joined the Air Force Reserve. Patterson balanced military obligations with the demands of being a full-time student and working several part-time jobs. Her drive and determination led her to being selected as a Scott Scholar, Wake Tech's most prestigious honor. But she still had doubts about what her future would look like. After mastering a challenging engineering course with the help of a supportive instructor, she decided to pursue an Associate in Engineering degree. "Wake Tech gave me so much more than just classes," she said. "The college has a level of support that I don't think you find everywhere." Upon graduation, Patterson transferred to North Carolina State University and earned a spot in the Goodnight Scholars Program, which provides up to $23,000 a year for educational expenses. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Systems Engineering and, after a successful internship, was hired by SAS. She recently began a new position at Honeywell. "It's been an amazing journey, and I'm incredibly grateful for the foundation Wake Tech provided. Sometimes the path isn't about knowing exactly where you're going. It's about being willing to take the first step."

The IGNITE event included a special presentation in honor of North Carolina State University Chancellor Randy Woodson, who is retiring after 15 years at the helm of N.C. State. Woodson has been a champion for Wake Tech and students like Patterson during his tenure. Ralls announced Woodson has been named an honorary Wake Tech alumnus – only the third person to receive the honor in the college's history.

"Chancellor Woodson has been a wonderful partner to Wake Tech," said Ralls. "He championed seamless transfer opportunities for our students and encouraged faculty sharing, workforce collaboration and community partnerships between our two great institutions."

Over the last 10 years, 4,200 Wake Tech graduates have transferred to N.C. State and went on to graduate there.

Wake Tech IGNITE is focused on strengthening community relationships and developing new partnerships. The Wake Tech Foundation cultivates and manages a variety of resources critical to the college's success: corporate investments, private grants, alumni and employee contributions and financial and in-kind support from many friends of the college. These resources fund diverse projects, from student scholarships to broader instructional and institutional needs.

February 2025

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