I’m Jhamar Youngblood, a proud Newark, NJ native with a deep passion for entrepreneurship and educating and inspiring the youth. I attended Newark Public Schools for grammar school and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School for middle school, where I began developing the discipline and drive that would shape my future. Basketball became a major part of my life in Newark and helped open academic doors, earning me a scholarship to play for the renowned St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth. My continued dedication and hard work earned me another basketball scholarship that paved the way for both my academic and athletic career at the collegiate level.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I furthered my academic journey at Dartmouth College, where I pursued a master’s degree in Globalization Studies. This experience not only expanded my understanding of global issues but also equipped me with the insights necessary to address local challenges in my community. By applying global perspectives to local contexts, I was able to create impactful, socially-conscious solutions through activism and entrepreneurship that directly benefit the people of Newark. For example, I partnered with the Newark Board of Education to build software that enabled public high school students to communicate with their mentors during the pandemic and secured a $50,000 grant from the city of Newark to develop a safety feature in one of my apps designed to protect women and teens from domestic abuse and street attacks.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve focused on developing innovative software that addresses real-world challenges. Now, I’m combining my experiences in sports, education, and business to run for local office in my hometown of Newark, NJ, while also serving on the board of my high school. My mission is to inspire the next generation and lead Newark into a future where opportunity and growth are accessible to all.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!