Meet Jacelyn, IGNITE's Northeast Program Director

IGNITE is growing! We're thrilled to introduce you to our new team member, Jacelyn Matthews (she/her). Stepping into the role of Northeast Program Director, she brings over ten years of experience working in program development, mental health, and social services. We sat down with Jacelyn to get to know more about what motivates her. IGNITE: What draws you to this work? 

Jacelyn: I want to see young women succeed and show up as their authentic selves in all areas of their lives. We know that our communities, nation, and the world will improve when we have a more diverse group of people making decisions, including more women at the helm. I believe in the mission of IGNITE and want more young women to understand and walk in their political power. 

IGNITE: What hopes do you hold for young women's political leadership? 

Jacelyn: I hope that young women will find and feel empowered to use their voices to advocate for policies that will improve their lives and their communities. I hope that young women recognize their power and boldly embrace it with a spirit of Ubuntu - human generosity, interconnectedness, and the knowledge that "what I do affects the greater whole and not just myself." 

IGNITE: What's something fun or unique you want the IGNITE community to know about you? 

Jacelyn: I'm creative at heart, and this past year of quarantine has made me branch out in how I express my creativity. I am now into upcycling furniture, interior decorating, making clothes, jewelry, candles, body oils, and the list goes on!

More about Jacelyn

Jacelyn Matthews has over ten years of experience working in program development, mental health, and social services. Jacelyn is a doctoral candidate in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, specializing in education and social justice. She is currently writing her dissertation, which focuses on how teachers support trauma-exposed refugee students.  As a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda, Jacelyn created a leadership and empowerment camp for girls that reached over 200 young women. She recently established the first-ever children's grief support center in northern New Jersey, which is now serving 100+ families.

Jacelyn is the founder of JM Consulting, LLC. She offers training and professional development opportunities to schools and organizations to create trauma-informed schools and safe spaces for youth. Jacelyn received her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from St. John's University. She obtained her Master of Arts and Education degrees in the field of counseling psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University. Jacelyn continues to be a staunch advocate for vulnerable populations by creating policies and curriculum that are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.