There’s Gotta Be a Pony

Karlene Martin (Karly) – Grace in Movement

Some people say yes. Karly lives… yes!

When one of our trainers couldn’t fly due to an unexpected injury, I made a call – and without hesitation, Karly dropped everything, grabbed her bag, and boarded a red-eye flight across the country with me.

5.5 hour flight. Landed at 8 a.m. By 11:00 a.m., we were at the school, ready to lead.

And Karly? She didn’t flinch. It was her first day as a college intern with us.

She showed up with heart, grit, and a “make it happen” mindset that never wavered. Her energy was contagious. Her grace was steady. And when she led a large group activity in front of 60 new student mentors – you could feel the shift.

The room listened. The students leaned in. And they left wanting more.

But Karly’s strength didn’t start there. Her story is one of resilience and quiet power.

Adopted and raised by an amazing family, she recently reconnected with her biological mother — just months before graduation. That kind of emotional moment could shake anyone. But Karly? She used it to deepen her strength, her clarity, and her purpose.

Both mothers attended Graduation. Amazing.

There’s a movie-worthy arc to her life — but she’s not performing. She’s becoming.

Karly has a natural way of making people feel safe, seen, and ready to rise. She doesn’t sugarcoat. She doesn’t waste time. She brings just the right mix of spirit, structure, and fun to every room she walks into.

Next fall, she heads to Jackson State University to study Elementary Education. And if we’re lucky, she’ll continue growing with Ignite — because every year she pours back into our mentors, her wisdom grows deeper, and our movement grows stronger.

“There’s gotta be a pony in there somewhere.”
For Karly, it’s not just a phrase — it’s how she leads: With belief. With courage. And with the kind of heart that doesn’t quit.

#IgniteNation #StudentLeadership #MentorCamp #KarleneMartin #GraceInMotion #ThereGottaBeAPony #PortraitOfAGraduate