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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 students gathered around laptops in program t-shirts, working through a coding lesson together.
Uncommon program portrait — on-the-ground from the classroom.
Uncommon Builders Club
Uncommon Builders Club
Workshop slide — Content Creation: tap real data
Builders Club Presentation - July 2026
Workshop slide — the developer account pattern
Builders Club Presentation - July 2026
Workshop slide — Ideation: branch, then explore
Builders Club Presentation - July 2026
Workshop slide — the inspiration ladder
Builders Club Presentation - July 2026
LinkedIn note from J. Peter Kazickas — 'so much good could come from empowering young people in places like Zimbabwe with these skills… thank you Jake!'
Founder & CEO @ Uncommon
LinkedIn comment from Munyaradzi Mbewe, student at Uncommon — 'I have learnt a lot from you. Thank you so much.'
LinkedIn comment from Chidochashe Chakacha, student at Uncommon.org — 'Thank you sir, that was a great presentation'
LinkedIn comment from Nkosinamandla Moyo Sangweni, product design instructor — 'Great presentation'
Students @ Uncommon

Uncommon

UX Curriculum Advisor & Design Mentor

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

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What I contribute

  • Curriculum development for design education programs
  • UX/UI design mentorship for program participants
  • Supporting educational technology initiatives in Zimbabwe
Avocademy

Avocademy

Product Design & UX, Course Mentor

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

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What I contribute

  • 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

Flatiron School

Graduate Portfolio Reviewer & Design Mentor

Since 2012, Flatiron School has paired instructors with students working toward careers in design.

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What I contribute

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

KCC Design Works

Design Mentor

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

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What I contribute

  • 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
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
Director, Product Design, Bank of America