blaze consulting group LEaders

With 20+ years as Coach and Facilitator, Franklin Hysten develops leaders in nonprofits and public sector organizations to drive their program goals towards success. As the Founding Partner of Blaze Consulting Group, he designs transformative experiences for teams and individuals who strengthen communities for youth and families. Franklin has led  On The Verge as the Associate Director, a training and coaching organization for leaders throughout California. His myriad professional roles integrate expertise in program management, facilitation, training, strategic planning, and systems design, bolstering clients’ propensity for excellence in the execution and design of their business programming. Deeply rooted in Oakland schools growing up, Franklin studied Sociology at Holy Names University, which cultivated his journey into community leadership and civic engagement. He is an accomplished Choir Director and loves to play the piano and Hammond Organ. Uplifting the spirit and soul through music is a gift that Franklin loves sharing with the world and communities. Franklin is a proud father of two sons and co-parents his teenage niece.  

Jenjii Hysten is an advocate, teacher, lifelong learner, facilitator, author, and a visionary with over 20 years of experience in the education and human services arenas. She is devoted to creating dynamic and engaging learning opportunities through coaching and technical assistance to build the capacity of organizations throughout the Bay Area. In addition to leading Blaze Consulting Group, she provides intensive training and facilitation to support resident service divisions of major public housing developers throughout the state of California. Utilizing her Bachelor of Art, Interdisciplinary Studies degree from UC Berkeley with a focus on Urban Economic Development. Jenjii’s extensive  background at the intersections of executive coaching, anti-racist training, innovative design, curriculum development and education make her a go-to keynote speaker, coach and consultant for organizations, associations, and conferences across industries and sectors. Prior to launching Blaze, Jenjii was the founding Executive Director of Saving Our Sisters, Saving Our Selves, a charter school Dean of Students. Jenjii is also the author of Beyond the Hashtag: The Spirit, Heart and Love of Black Men.