Jonathan James

Community Engagement Coordinator

Jonathan James is a passionate and dedicated professional, deeply committed to creating positive change through community engagement, collaboration, and education. As a Community Engagement Coordinator at The Kalamazoo Promise, he orchestrates community-wide events, fosters partnerships with local leaders, and conducts research on best practices to enhance the Cradle to Career continuum for Promise Scholars. His unwavering commitment to community improvement is rooted in his belief that everyone has a role in making their community better.

Jonathan's personal journey with education is a testament to his understanding of the challenges faced by students and his belief in the power of education. Having moved to Kalamazoo in the second grade, he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and joined the local workforce. However, he soon realized the difficulties of advancing without a post-secondary education. The Kalamazoo Promise provided him with the opportunity to pursue higher education, starting at Kalamazoo Valley Community College as a pre-med student before transferring to Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in University Studies. It was also at WMU where he met his wife, who has been a constant source of support. They continue to reside in Kalamazoo with their three sons, who will also utilize the Kalamazoo Promise. Jonathan is now pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration at Calvin University.

In addition to his role at The Kalamazoo Promise, Jonathan serves as treasurer on the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network (KYDNet) Board of Directors, contributes to the Blueprint for Peace initiative and other local organizations, contributing his expertise in event management, civic engagement, and community research.​