In this powerful episode, Kirsten sits down with Ivan Lombard-Jackson—an Los Angeles Police Department officer, youth basketball coach, and founder of Watts Skills Academy—to explore how sports can become a lifeline for young people growing up in underserved communities.

Based in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, Watts Skills Academy is more than just basketball—it’s a free mentorship program dedicated to equipping youth with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court. Ivan shares his journey into law enforcement, his passion for coaching, and the “why” behind creating a program that blends discipline, accountability, and opportunity through sport.

This conversation dives into the real impact of mentorship, the challenges facing today’s youth, and how one coach is creating a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and believe in something bigger than themselves.

✉️ Follow Watts Skills Academy on IG: @wattsskillsacademy and @WattsSkillsAcademyGBC ✉️