We’re in Los Angeles: Audrey James

Audrey James is a 2021 Howard University alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As a relationship management expert, Audrey brings experience in civic engagement and advocacy, operational and program management and a keen mind for strategy. Audrey currently serves as Operations Coordinator for League Twenty Two, an experiential marketing agency based in Los Angeles, CA. She previously served as Wellness Associate on the Football Operations team at the National Football League.

Audrey has exceptional experience in managing projects from conception to execution. She is gifted with the ability to successfully implement processes, procedures, and systems to uphold the infrastructure within any organization. With an exceptional eye to detail, Audrey has launched and managed various efforts through conducting media outreach, research, and sustaining partnerships with organizations. In her career, she has worked with the Obama Foundation, Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote, and even Chicago Scholars. Audrey also holds a deep passion for community engagement and advocating for sustainable programs and resources for youth in underrepresented communities. Audrey is a proud Chicago native and a 2021 class member of Chicago Scholars. She is a two-time alumna of the Chicago Scholars Emerge program.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

I recently accepted a new role with League Twenty Two, an experiential marketing agency based in Los Angeles, CA. League Twenty Two specializes in connecting brands to their target consumer audiences by curating experiences and standing in the gap to allow brands to efficiently roll out their unique marketing strategies. I serve as Operations Coordinator for the League and am excited to push this work forward!

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My Chicago Scholars experience was not only amazing, but transformative. I am a first generation, low income student from the Roseland community. College access was a foreign concept to me, as it was also for a number of my peers. Chicago Scholars prepared me with the skills needed to excel not only in my undergraduate career, but thereafter. My mentor and counselor were attentive to my needs, encouraged me to be bold in my exploration, and ensured that I felt prepared to engage in any professional environment. In addition, I met some of my closest friends during the Chicago Scholars program. There is a strong sense of community while in the program and thereafter.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Along your career journey, you develop what I’d like to call your own professional ‘box of tools’. I would describe Chicago Scholars as the tool house, where you can explore the tools that belong in your specialized box of tools, and which do not. While at Chicago Scholars I was able to find the skills that needed to exist within my own ‘tool box’ in order to excel in my college major/career path of choice. There was always someone within Chicago scholars to help me understand how to use the ‘tools’ as they are meant to be used, and ensure that I was able to perform well even when I needed to operate them by myself. I’ve carried this with me throughout every stage of my career, and I am never afraid to add more tools to the box if needed!

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

For students who are new to the Chicago Scholars program, come into this journey with an open heart and an open mind. Do not be afraid to try new things- whether that is presenting in front of your peers, or exploring a college that you never looked into. You will be exposed to so many new and amazing opportunities, so take advantage of them! For current scholars, as time goes on, strive to become more fearless than the day before! You are being shaped into what will carry you throughout the rest of your professional career. Be hungry for knowledge and let that hunger propel you. There are no limits! You’ve come this far and I’ll be the first to say- there is so much waiting for you to explore!

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

I am so, so proud to be from Chicago! I am honored to come from the culture, and I am so grateful to be able to take Chicago with me everywhere that I go. I’ve lived in 3 other major cities to date (DC, New York, Los Angeles) yet none compare to the city where I developed myself! Chicago is so much more to me than just the city I was born- it is the city where I developed my values, my sense of self, and where I became the fearless woman I am today.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I wish people around the world knew just how talented the youth of Chicago are! The young voices that I have seen come from the city have inspired me in a way that is indescribable. I would love for organizations across the world to look at Chicago Scholars as a model youth organization, and for more leading businesses to partner with Chicago Scholars and provide access for these students. Sometimes, all you need is someone to open the door and expose you to the resources you need. I wish Chicago Scholars had ENDLESS resources for students all across the nation!