Jamal "Jay" Jimerson

Jamal "Jay" Jimerson is an educator, coach, leadership strategist, and social entrepreneur dedicated to helping nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations create lasting impact. As the Co-Founder, Chief Innovation Officer, and MISSION Coach of North Star Impact Coaching (NSIC), he brings deep expertise in teaching, training, and engaging leaders in transformative ways.

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Before launching NSIC, Jay spent years in nonprofit leadership, driven by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and leadership development. In 2015, he founded The Minority Inclusion Project (MIP), an initiative designed to build leadership pathways for people of color in the nonprofit sector. A year later, he launched Thought Partner Solutions (TPS), a consultancy dedicated to providing meaningful, values-driven strategic support to mission-based organizations.

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Jay’s leadership philosophy is rooted in Principles, Values, and Character (PVC) Leadership, which he explores in his doctoral research. His work examines how moral conviction, shared values, and personal integrity can help nonprofit leaders sustain their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments despite sociopolitical and financial pressures.

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A Brooklyn, NYC native, Jay’s early career included spoken-word poetry, DJing, and radio hosting—creative platforms he used to amplify voices, build community, and inspire change. These experiences shaped his ability to connect with audiences, a skill he now applies to his work as an educator, coach, and leadership strategist.

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At home, Jay is guided by his "Board of Directors"—his two kids, Leila and Malcolm—and his partner, Nehemie, who co-founded NSIC with him and is a force in coaching and social impact.