IGNITE December 2020

Meet IGNITE’s incoming president, Danica Keeton

Connecting with each other, and the community we call home

Hi there! If we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Danica Keeton, and I’m thrilled to serve you as the incoming president of IGNITE Young Professionals!

I am beyond excited to work alongside so many fantastic individuals to provide opportunities for the young professionals in our community to not only become more connected and involved, but to grow and make lifelong friendships in the greater Rockford area.

My goals as president of IGNITE are to make sure that we are providing benefi cial opportunities for all the young professionals in Rockford — from those in manufacturing to the beauty industry to educators — and all those in between. Nonprofits hold a special place in my heart, and I aim to better serve our nonprofit Chamber partners in getting them connected with our community’s young professionals.

I currently work for the Alzheimer’s Association as the manager of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rockford, Sauk Valley, and McHenry County along with being a professional wedding and event planner with my own company, Weddings by Danica, and serving on the board of the Junior League of Rockford Edgebrook presents “Cider ‘N Cinnamon Inside” on four consecutive Saturdays, starting on Small Business Saturday. and Homestart. I am a graduate of Harlem High School and Augustana College, and soon to be a graduate of Rockford University’s MBA program.

I enjoy visiting the area’s craft breweries and wineries, supporting local organizations and businesses, indulging in the occasional Dungeons and Dragon’s game, and tending to my multitude of houseplants.

My personal mission statement is: “Act as an instrument for positive change by embracing something bigger than myself and serving as a leader with enthusiasm and compassion.”

I encourage each of you to hold me to this. I cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you as we continue to make IGNITE a more prominent force in our community.

Please do not ever hesitate to reach out with questions, and I am always open to new ideas and brainstorming sessions!

To learn more about IGNITE or to join (it’s free!), visit www.igniterockford. com. For information on how to connect the young professionals in your organization to our community, other YPs, volunteer opportunities or board positions, email info@igniterockford. com to start the conversation.

Danica Keeton is incoming president of IGNITE, and manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Rockford, Dixon, & McHenry Co., Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.