Today we’d like to introduce you to Jahmir Noble
Jahmir , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into youth development began when I was just a teenager myself. At 16, I took on my first job as a youth camp counselor in my hometown of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Even at that young age, I was deeply inspired by the impact that guidance and support could have on kids just a few years younger than me.
As I continued to work with youth, I began to see the difficult realities many of them faced—realities that extended far beyond the classroom. I witnessed the effects of violence in the home, the heavy responsibility of caring for siblings, and the struggle of navigating foster and kinship care. These experiences were taxing on their young minds, making it clear that focusing solely on academics wasn’t enough. Children were being asked to learn without the mental and emotional support they needed.
This realization was my turning point. I knew that to truly help these young people, we needed to address more than just their educational needs. They required a foundation of mental and emotional well-being to be prepared for learning and for life. This understanding became the driving force behind iThrive.
As the founder and CEO of iThrive, I’m committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive—not just in school, but in all areas of their lives. iThrive fills the gap by providing the mental and emotional tools children need to navigate their challenges and succeed. We’re still growing, but our mission is clear, and the impact we’re making is real. I’m excited about the future as we continue to empower young lives and help them reach their full potential.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to building iThrive has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the complexities of starting a new organization from the ground up. From securing initial funding to building a team that shares the vision, every step has required perseverance and a willingness to face obstacles head-on.
Another challenge has been ensuring that our programs are both impactful and sustainable. We’ve had to constantly adapt our strategies to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve while staying true to our mission. Balancing innovation with the practical realities of running a startup has required creative problem-solving and a relentless focus on our goals.
At times, it felt like the odds were stacked against us, but the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive kept us moving forward. We’ve had to find new ways to connect with supporters, build partnerships, and maintain the momentum needed to grow. Each struggle has reinforced our commitment to the youth we serve and has shaped iThrive into the resilient and purpose-driven organization it is today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for supporting and empowering youth, particularly those who face the greatest challenges. My journey began as a special education teacher, where I gained firsthand experience in understanding the unique needs of students who require tailored approaches to learning. This experience taught me the importance of patience, creativity, and resilience—qualities that have been essential in every role I’ve taken on since.
My dedication to youth development was recognized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, who selected me as a national trainer specializing in social-emotional development, child abuse prevention, and trauma-informed practices. Through this role, I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that transform organizations into environments where youth not only learn but also thrive emotionally and mentally. One of my proudest achievements has been guiding the transformation of a youth-serving organization into a trauma-informed environment, ensuring that the mental and emotional well-being of every child is prioritized alongside their academic success.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to youth development. I don’t just focus on the academic side of things; I’m deeply committed to addressing the emotional and social needs of young people. This has involved creating and implementing comprehensive development plans, leading social-emotional training for staff, and fostering partnerships with community organizations to support the broader needs of youth.
I’m most proud of the impact these efforts have had—whether it’s transforming a club from a place that felt institutional into a welcoming and supportive environment, or leading initiatives that create safe and nurturing spaces for young people. My work is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I’m dedicated to continuing this work to empower more young lives and help them reach their full potential.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Throughout my career, I’ve often found myself in situations where taking risks was necessary to drive meaningful change. One of the most significant risks I took was introducing innovative practices and ideas within established environments. Whether it was implementing trauma-informed care or advocating for a more holistic approach to youth development, these changes often challenged the status quo and required a departure from traditional methods.
At times, this meant facing resistance from those who were more comfortable with conventional approaches. The risk lay in pushing forward with these initiatives despite uncertainty about how they would be received or whether they would be successful. However, I firmly believed that these innovations were crucial for better supporting the young people in our care.
Taking this kind of risk taught me that innovation often requires courage and resilience. It’s about being willing to challenge existing norms and take the lead in implementing new ideas, even when it’s not the easiest path. The success of these initiatives, from improving outcomes for youth to transforming organizational culture, has reinforced my belief that taking risks is essential for progress. It’s this mindset that I bring to iThrive, where we’re constantly exploring new ways to empower and uplift the next generation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ithrivetogether.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithriveimpact?igsh=MWl6cWVsNDB5cnV4OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/2thgVB66zDKSzF8V/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
