Today we’d like to introduce you to Arnold Ludd.

Hi Arnold, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

He started by recognizing a major flaw in traditional youth programs—young people were often included but not truly given control. Determined to change this, he became an advocate for authentic youth leadership, where young individuals are empowered to make decisions and lead initiatives themselves.

One of his major accomplishments is founding Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down, a youth-led program focused on reducing gun violence through conflict resolution, mentorship, and fitness training. His belief that those most affected by issues should be the ones leading the solutions shaped the program’s core mission.

Along the way, Arnold gained recognition and leadership opportunities, including being named an MBK Fellow, DYCD Youth Ambassador, and IMCE0 Partner. Through these roles, he has expanded his impact, built community partnerships, and inspired others to trust in youth-driven change.

Today, he continues to grow his movement, speaking at events, launching new initiatives, and pushing for a cultural shift in leadership—one that truly trusts young people to shape their own futures.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Arnold Ludd’s journey has not been a smooth road—it has been full of challenges and learning experiences.

One of the biggest struggles he faced was convincing people to take youth-led programs seriously. Many community leaders and organizations were hesitant to trust a project led entirely by young people, especially one tackling a serious issue like gun violence. At first, partnerships and support were difficult to secure because decision-makers doubted that a youth-driven approach could be effective.

Another major challenge came within the program itself. In the early stages of Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down, adults still held some control, filtering and limiting youth ideas. Arnold and his team had to push for full ownership, proving that when young people are given real leadership, they can create powerful and unexpectedly effective solutions.

Additionally, building trust and engagement within the community wasn’t easy. To prove Jiggabite’s value, Arnold and his team organized a community event where they showcased the program’s impact. The risk paid off—after seeing the program in action, schools and organizations became more open to supporting it.

Despite these struggles, Arnold remained committed to his vision, adapting and finding ways to overcome resistance. His persistence helped Jiggabite gain credibility, form partnerships, and positively impact countless young people.

Would you like a deeper look at how he overcame these obstacles?

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Arnold Ludd is a youth empowerment leader and community advocate specializing in youth-led initiatives that give young people real decision-making power.

What He Does & Specialization
He is best known for founding Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down, a 10-30 week youth-driven program focused on:

Reducing gun violence through conflict resolution and mentorship
Providing a safe space for open discussions on challenges youth face
Offering boxing and fitness training to build discipline, confidence, and resilience
Connecting youth with mentors, including detectives, business leaders, and educators
What He’s Most Proud Of
Arnold takes the most pride in seeing young people take control of their futures through his program. The success stories of youth who have grown into leaders, gained confidence, and made meaningful changes in their communities are what drive him forward.

What Sets Him Apart
Truly Youth-Led Approach – Unlike many programs where adults still control key decisions, Jiggabite is fully run by youth, ensuring authenticity and real impact.
Lived Experience & Relatability – Arnold shares the background and struggles of the youth he works with, making him a trusted mentor and leader.
Innovation & Community Trust – By proving that young people can effectively tackle serious issues, he has shifted mindsets about youth leadership.
Through his work, Arnold is reshaping how communities view and support youth leadership, showing that when given the opportunity, young people can create powerful, lasting change.

Any big plans?

Arnold Ludd has big plans for the future, all centered around expanding his impact and further empowering youth.

What’s Next?
Expanding Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down – He plans to grow the program by reaching more schools and communities, providing more young people with access to conflict resolution training, mentorship, and fitness programs.
Launching New Youth Leadership Initiatives – Arnold wants to create more opportunities for young people to lead projects that address issues affecting their lives, not just gun violence but also education, economic empowerment, and community development.
Speaking & Advocacy Work – He is looking forward to speaking at more events and conferences to challenge traditional leadership models and encourage more youth-driven solutions in communities nationwide.
Building Stronger Partnerships – He hopes to collaborate with more organizations, schools, and community leaders to secure funding, resources, and support for his initiatives.
Personal Growth & Education – As a junior at City Tech College, he is also focusing on his own development as a leader, continuing to learn and sharpen his skills to better serve young people.
Big Changes on the Horizon?
Arnold is looking at ways to scale his programs nationally, possibly introducing Jiggabite to other cities facing similar challenges. He also wants to explore digital platforms to expand his mentorship and leadership training beyond in-person events.

His ultimate goal? To redefine youth leadership and create a world where young people aren’t just the future but are leading change right now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://boldjourney.com/meet-arnold-ludd/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big360s_?igsh=Z2dweTh6bDl6bTZs&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15aeq7kepv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnold-ludd-488338212?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@big360s?si=f3TpQH8_rR1nVeRx

Image Credits

Arnold ludd