James Houston brings a powerful combination of lived experience, community leadership, and youth mentorship to the Aid Through Art Board of Directors. A Richmond native, James has dedicated his life to helping young people find hope, possibility, and positive pathways forward. His journey of personal transformation and commitment to service has made him a respected advocate for violence prevention, youth development, and community healing.

As a Program Manager with Richmond's Office of Neighborhood Safety, James works directly with youth who are most at risk of violence, providing mentorship, guidance, and consistent support. Drawing from both his life experiences and the education he pursued while incarcerated, he helps young people recognize their potential, build resilience, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

James believes that meaningful relationships, compassion, and investment in young people are essential to creating lasting change. His firsthand understanding of adversity, paired with his dedication to healing and empowerment, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to Aid Through Art's mission. Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to uplifting others, James helps advance the organization's work of fostering connection, creativity, hope, and transformation.