James Olive

James, the son of American Samoan immigrants, grew up in Seattle's low-income Rainier Valley and High Point neighborhoods. During this formative period, James witnessed the devastating impact of the War on Drugs, with many childhood friends and family members affected by incarceration.At 18, James obtained his GED and began a career that has spanned both private organizations and public service. For the past 15 years, he has worked at the City of Kent Street Department, mitigating service requests and developing strategies to support Kent's residents.Beyond his professional responsibilities, James is deeply engaged in community service. He volunteers with senior citizens in Everett and mentors Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth, exemplifying his personal commitment to fostering positive change.As the Community Engagement Co-Team Lead at JI Solution Services, a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) and woman-owned consulting firm, James brings this firsthand experience and community-oriented approach to the firm's work. Partnering with Inez Olive, James helps build trusted relationships with small business owners and facilitate open dialogue that centers the expertise of Entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. His community connections and dedication to equity make him an invaluable asset in JI Solution Services' mission to promote transformative, community-driven change.