Eric James is an advocate, public servant, and mentor working to reform the foster care system and expand opportunity for young people and families.

Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, James was abandoned as an infant and adopted in 1996 by the woman who became his mother. She brought him to Massachusetts a year later for medical care and chose to stay, raising him alone with limited resources. Despite her dedication, financial hardship led the state to place James in foster care at age 13 after a brief period in juvenile detention. He entered the system hoping it would provide his mother the support she lacked—not replace her love.

Over the next six years, James moved through foster homes, group placements, and
detention while remaining determined to build a different future. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

James began his career as a Middle School Teaching Fellow at Neighborhood House
Charter School, mentoring students facing challenges similar to his own. He later served as the Mattapan Liaison in Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, strengthening relationships between city government and residents. His commitment to equity led him to the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency and then to the Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens, where he works as an Employment Specialist helping individuals returning home secure stable employment.

Beyond his public service, James is active in advocacy and mentorship through Silver
Lining Mentoring, The Wily Network, and Next Gen Leaders, a foster youth advisory group advancing policy reform. Through his work and public speaking, he champions policies that prioritize prevention, family preservation, and meaningful support for youth transitioning out of Care.

James speaks about the importance of investing in families early so that poverty never becomes the reason a child loses their home.