🔥 My Why – The Story Behind Ignite Futures

I didn’t start Ignite Futures LLC because I wanted to be a coach and/or mentor.

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, culture, and determination. I also saw familiar challenges: young people full of potential but lacking access to 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.
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 Oakland and the Greater East Bay — with in-person and virtual coaching that meets people where they are and helps them rise.


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.

If you’re ready to help your teen or young adult build a life they’re proud of…

If you’re looking for support that goes deeper than goal-setting…

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

“Empowering the Next Generation to Lead with Confidence…”

Mission Statement

At Ignite Futures LLC, potential meets power.

I provide transformative coaching and mentoring for youth (grades 6–12), young adults, and early-career professionals who are ready to rise. Through personalized academic mentoring, life coaching, and career development, I equip individuals with the clarity, confidence, and leadership skills to thrive—not just in school or work, but in life.

I don’t just guide — we ignite.

I also empower parents and caregivers with practical tools, classes, and life-transition workshops that strengthen families and nurture growth at home.

Partnering with schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations, I deliver custom coaching programs and workshops that amplify impact and foster long-term success.

When I invest in the whole ecosystem — students, families, and communities — I spark futures that lead with purpose, power, and pride.

Vision Statement

I envision a world where every young person is equipped — not just to succeed, but to lead with purpose, confidence, and resilience.

At Ignite Futures LLC, we are more than coaching. I am a catalyst for transformational growth. Through personalized, culturally aware support, I help youth (grades 6–12), young adults, and early-career professionals unlock their potential and rise into the leaders they’re meant to be — in school, in work, and in life.

I also uplift parents and caregivers with practical coaching, tools, and workshops that strengthen families, nurture growth at home, and build generational success.

This is legacy work.


And I am proud to lead it — one empowered future at a time.

💼 My Coaching Approach

💼 My Coaching Approach

At Ignite Futures, I don’t just fix problems — I ignite transformation.

I combine deep academic expertise, social-emotional mastery, and practical, real-world tools to empower the whole person to rise and lead with purpose.

Backed by advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Clinical Social Work — and fueled by over 20 years of experience guiding youth and young adults — my coaching is rooted in compassion and driven by results.

I’m fiercely committed to:

  • Teens (12–17) overcoming identity struggles, school pressures, and life’s toughest transitions

  • Young adults & early-career professionals making bold choices about their education, careers, and futures

  • Parents & caregivers who want proven strategies to nurture confidence, resilience, and growth at home

  • Schools & youth organizations seeking powerful, tailored coaching programs and partnerships that spark real change

Every coaching and mentoring session is a customized, collaborative experience — designed to unlock clarity, build unstoppable confidence, and create lasting momentum.

My approach centers identity, culture, and strengths, because true breakthroughs only happen when people feel truly seen, heard, and valued.

At Ignite Futures LLC, I don’t just plan what’s next.


We set your future on fire.