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Giving Back

Meaningful time with early career designers.

Mentoring designers mid-career-change, shaping curriculum for coding programs that serve students who can’t afford them, and sitting with bootcamp grads through portfolio reviews.

  • Uncommon
    Uncommon program portrait — on-the-ground from the classroom.
    UX Curriculum Advisor & Design Mentor

    UncommonVisit

    Contributing to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free computer coding education to underserved youth in Zimbabwe.

    What I contribute
    • Curriculum development for design education programs
    • UX/UI design mentorship for program participants
    • Supporting educational technology initiatives in Zimbabwe
  • Avocademy
    Product Design & UX, Course Mentor

    AvocademyVisit

    One-on-one mentoring for aspiring designers transitioning into UX/UI careers.

    • Portfolio reviews and career guidance
    • Interview preparation and soft skills coaching
    • Industry insights and networking introductions
    • Technical skill development in Figma and design systems
  • Flatiron School
    Graduate Portfolio Reviewer & Design Mentor

    Flatiron SchoolVisit

    Effective learning comes from connecting with people who are learning and teaching it. Since 2012, Flatiron has brought together passionate instructors and driven students to achieve remarkable careers.

    • Graduate portfolio reviews
    • Hands-on UX/UI critique sessions
    • Design thinking and user research coaching
    • Building accessible and inclusive digital experiences
  • KCC Design Works
    Design Mentor

    KCC Design WorksVisit

    KCC Design Works connects New Yorkers from backgrounds under-represented in tech to opportunities as UX/Design professionals via no-cost, applied skills training.

    • Portfolio critique and feedback
    • Practical design-system coaching
    • Career-path guidance for career-changers
    • Mock interviews and craft practice
Kind Words
Jake reviewed my design portfolio when he graciously acted as a panelist for the Flatiron School's Portfolio Review event recently. He is incredibly knowledgeable about design, and that clearly came through in the feedback he gave me which was extremely actionable, insightful, and specific. More than that though, he took it upon himself to follow up afterward to see how everything worked out, which speaks volumes to not only his commitment to his craft but also his commitment to helping those around him become the best designers possible. I feel very fortunate to have heard his insight into design, and very much hope to learn more from him in the future.
Joey Sbarro

Joey Sbarro

UX Student · Flatiron Bootcamp

Jake has been an instrumental piece of the design educational equation at Flatiron School. We look for mentors like Jake who are not only willing to give back to the design community but can be thoughtful and actionable with their feedback. I'd be happy camper being able to collaborate and work with Jake in future initiatives.
Jancy Liu

Jancy Liu

Director, Product Design · Bank of America