Location Washington, District of Columbia, United States Regions Washington DC Metro Area, Southern US Gender Male
Website sparc.world/ Facebook View on Facebook LinkedIn View on LinkedIn X (Twitter) View on X
Laurel Djoukeng was born in Washington, DC, and raised in the Metropolitan area. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and MBA from Duke University.
His professional career began in New York City, where he resided for ten years. In 2010, he worked as an investment analyst for PGIM Real Estate, a global real estate private
equity firm with $208 billion in assets under management. In 2012, he transitioned to the Carlton Group, an international investment banking firm with more than $160 billion in transactions.
At Duke University, Laurel launched Sparc, a platform that empowers professionals and college students by activating connections within their community for career opportunities, professional development, and making money.
Sparc streamlines the job search and hiring process by leveraging AI and activating connections between professionals/students and employers.
Sparc goes beyond typical job platforms that only have job posts. Students and professionals connect directly with employers through their organizations (https://sparc.world/entities) to form partnerships and arrange recruiting events (https://sparc.world/events).
Members also access professionals on-demand who work at top companies for career advice, resume review, and interview prep. Lastly, members make money from tutoring (https://sparc.world/tutoring) and coaching https://sparc.world/coaching).
In Q4 of 2023, Sparc generated more than $75,000 in revenue. Sparc has more than 4,000 users. 2,500+ people have applied for jobs via Sparc, 1000+ people have registered for events, more than 1,000 personal sessions have occurred, and 45 coaches/tutors have earned more than $1,000 via Sparc. More than 60 companies use Sparc; some employers are Facebook, Google, Vista Equity Partners, SoftBank, Insight Partners, and BCG.
Laurel also founded a 501(c)3 in 2011, called the Catalyst Network Foundation Inc., devoted to year-round professional development and college preparatory workshops for thousands of students, which include partnerships with 21 high schools, 35 community organizations, and 20 Fortune 500 corporations; and managing team of 16 volunteers, eight board members, and two education program managers. Ranking Congressman Ed Towns awarded a proclamation to the Foundation to recognize the organization’s achievements.
In August 2016, Hampton University honored Mr. Djoukeng as one of the members of the Inaugural Class of Hampton University’s Forty under 40 for leading the way in business, leadership, community, and educational and philanthropic works.
Laurel Djoukeng was one of Black Enterprise Modern Man's 100 Men of Distinction Features, showcasing 100 diverse men of color who have done exceptional work.
In 2013, Djoukeng established Distant Relatives, an association that offers an informal gathering of professionals from diverse disciplines. The 300+ membership includes Grammy Award-winning singers, educators, and entrepreneurs, among other professions. Laurel has cultivated the growth of member initiatives, including partnerships with more than 50 Black-owned establishments, resulting in more than $10,000 contributions.
Laurel enjoys bringing ideas to fruition; he is currently learning to play the guitar, meditates daily, participates in Hot Yoga weekly, and is always open to a good chess game. He is a full-time vegetarian and part-time vegan and works daily to improve the harmony of his Spirit, Mind, and Body.
