Bio

As a Speaker

James’ parents will tell you that he captured the attention of his first audience at a very early age and never turned back. They will also tell you that he cost them way too much money, but that is beside the point. James started facilitating leadership presentations and speeches in 2002 for his peers at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and at regional student leader conferences. James’ expertise began with presentations on advertising techniques for programs, which later evolved into talks about increasing program attendance at traditional “suitcase” schools and how to leave a legacy. Now, he engages his audiences predominately on topics such as empowerment, authentic leadership, first-year success, and diversity awareness. By infusing his thought-provoking talks with comedy and self-awareness, James’ audiences stay engaged from beginning to end. In 2011 James was signed by the renowned agency, CAMPUSPEAK. Becoming a Professional Speaker has allowed James to do the two things he loves the most: having a positive impact on individuals’ lives and making people laugh!

Background

Born July 19th, 1982, James grew up on Long Island in Sayville, NY. While at his senior prom James, never one to shy away from a potential story, dislocated his right knee while dancing to Shania Twain’s unfortunate hit “Man I Feel Like a Woman.” After that epic moment he attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington for his undergraduate work. While at UNCW, James discovered his love for two life-changing passions: comedy and influencing students’ lives. He was a Resident Assistant for over three years and created the “Programming Assistant” position for the Housing and Residence Life department. James earned his B.S. in Marine Biology in May of 2005 and promptly put it to good use by attending graduate school for Higher Education Counseling at Clemson University.

During his time at Clemson, James uncovered his passion for Social Justice work as noted by his efforts with the One World Project and his work in the Multicultural Programs and Services Office. He became a proud brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. in February of 2007. James also advised the 2nd largest organization on campus, the Residence Hall Association. In May of 2007 James earned his Masters of Counselor Education: Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education.

James decided to leave the South after seven years. He returned to his home state and the greatest city on Earth (James owns the fact that he is slightly biased) to be closer to his family and his dreams. He worked for four years at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York, NY where he oversaw the advocacy, leadership-development efforts, crisis response, and community programming for all first-year students residing on campus. Additionally, James advised four student organizations on campus (Residence Hall Association, Improv Club, A Capella Club, and Splinter Group). Most recently, as of October, 2011, James has been the Student Government Organization (SGO) Advisor at New Jersey City University. As the SGO Advisor he serves as a bridge between the students and all other departments on campus.

In total, he has been working in higher education for over 10 years and through that time his passion for working with college students has increased exponentially. James believes that in high school, students find out who they are, but it is in college where students figure out why they are who they are, and that is such a crucial moment of growth in which James loves being involved.

Passions

Outside of spending time with students, James has a number of other passions and hobbies. Most notably, he entered the world of improvisational comedy while attending Clemson University. Since moving to New York he has trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and can be seen performing weekly around New York with various teams. In early 2009 he created “North Coast” an improv team that incorporates freestyle rapping and beatboxing into long-form improv, and they have impressed and delighted audiences around the country. When requested, James officiates weddings for friends around the country, has successfully wed four awesome couples to date! He is also a semi-professional photographer, whose latest work can always be viewed on his Flickr Photostream. Lastly, James loves exploring New York City and trying new restaurants weekly, keep up with his #noeateryrepeatery fun by following him on Twitter!