James Fields has lived on the westside of Chicago his whole life and is committed to helping it become a stronger and more engaged community. His interest in community work began early – as a high school student James volunteered as a basketball coach for young men, worked to start an afterschool program for youth in North Lawndale and created a documentary on first amendment rights for youth. James then went on to facilitate a mentor program for at risk young men, he was the high school transition counselor at a local elementary school and founded the group It Takes a Village that provides school supplies for area youth and runs a toy drive at the holidays. James was a Peace and Leadership Coordinator at four high schools before becoming the Director of the Juvenile Justice Council, where he currently facilitates a group of 25 court involved youth to address ways to make the court system more responsive.

Sponsoring Organization: Mikva Challenge