I didn’t start Ignite Futures because I always wanted to be a coach.

I started it because I kept seeing brilliant, capable young people being overlooked — and I knew I couldn’t stay silent.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of education, mentorship, and social work. I’ve taught in classrooms, coached teens one-on-one, and supported youth navigating systems that were never built with them in mind.

I’ve seen their brilliance — and how quickly that light can dim without the right support.

Too often, young people are told to “just stay on track” — but no one shows them how.

They don’t need more pressure.
They need more belief. More space. More tools that actually fit who they are and where they want to go.

When I moved to the East Bay, I felt a deep connection to this community — its energy, its culture, its determination. I also saw familiar challenges: young people full of potential but lacking access to the kind of support that truly sees them.

And while my own son doesn’t live here, I bring my full heart as a mother into this work.

I show up for every student and client like I would for my own child — because I know what it means to want more for our kids:
Not just success, but confidence.
Not just direction, but purpose.

That’s why I created Ignite Futures.

To be the space I wish had existed for every young person I’ve ever worked with —
And for the parent in me who knows how powerful the right support can be.

This is more than coaching or mentoring.
It’s empowerment.
It’s real-world readiness.
It’s identity-affirming, culturally aware, and purpose-driven support.

This isn’t just a business.

It’s my mission.
It’s heart work.
It’s legacy work.

And I’m proud to do it right here — serving the Greater East Bay and beyond — with in-person and virtual coaching that meets people where they are and helps them rise.

If you’re ready to give yourself or your teen the support they truly deserve…

If you believe in what’s possible when potential meets purpose…
You’re in the right place.

Let’s ignite the future — together.

– Jocelyn Brooks, MSW, M.A.Ed
Founder & CEO, Ignite Futures LLC

📍 Serving Oakland & the Greater East Bay | 💻 In-person & Virtual Coaching & Mentoring