OUR TEAM

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Jamilah Nasheed brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, public policy, and community engagement to Ignite Strategic Consulting. A veteran legislator, she served in the Missouri General Assembly for 16 years, representing the City of St. Louis - first in the House of Representatives from 2005 to 2012, then in the Senate from 2013 to 2021. Jamilah was the first Muslim elected to the Senate in it’s history.

During her tenure, Jamilah held key leadership positions, including serving as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Urban Issues and a member of high-impact committees such as Budget, Appropriations, Economic Development, and Ways & Means. She developed and advanced legislation focused on criminal justice reform, educational access, and workforce development, most notably, sponsoring bills to expunge non-violent criminal records, expand academic tutoring programs, and increase college affordability through the A+ Schools Program.

Jamilah is a trusted voice in public affairs and an advocate for systems-level change. Her policy work is complemented by her long-standing involvement in community-based initiatives, including the Urban League Anti-Crime Initiative, the Order of the Eastern Star, and several other organizations and associations.

Jamilah believes in Community & Self Empowerment, and that ideas has defined her career. At Ignite, Jamilah provides executive oversight, strategic counsel to clients across sectors, offering expertise in legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and issue advocacy.

John Collins Muhammad, Jr. brings over 15 years of strategic vision, nonprofit management, and deep legislative expertise to Ignite Strategic Consulting. He has a steadfast commitment to community empowerment, equity, and second chances. At just 25 years old, he made history in 2017 as the youngest person ever elected to the Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis and the first Muslim to serve in that capacity. 

Bringing bold vision and unwavering purpose to represent the City's Northside, and Re-elected in 2021, John played a pivotal role in shaping the City of St. Louis’ pandemic recovery efforts. As a member of the special COVID-19 Response Committee, he helped led the passage of a $300 million allocation in American Rescue Plan funds - investing in housing & rental assistance, strengthening public health infrastructure, and delivering direct relief to families.

During his tenure on the Board of Aldermen, John served on several influential committees, including Ways & Means; Public Safety; and Housing, Urban Development & Zonings (HUDZ) an,d served as Chairman of Education & Youth Matters Committee and Public Utilities Committee.. His vast legislative achievements includes the creation of the $1 housing program to fight vacancy and revitalize neighborhoods, and a landmark “Ban the Box” ordinance—removing barriers to employment for individuals with criminal histories.

John’s life reflects a deeper mission: to confront systemic injustice, bridge divides, and transform policy into lasting progress. At Ignite, John leads research and lobbying affairs.