People: Kenyatta James

Each month for Citizen's Business, I'll be interviewing a member of our staff or board, to get to know them a little better. This month I interviewed ELGP's newest team member, Kenyatta James. Kenyatta is the new PAGE Business Engagement Manager, and lives in Mt. Airy with his family. You can read his bio here.  Enjoy! 

-Farwa Zaidi, Office Manager

Farwa: What made you interested in the work you do?

Kenyatta: As a former entrepreneur I can appreciate the concept behind PAGE more than most. Building a business is tough, and many minorities have been denied the opportunity to build the wealth and connections that make the process easier. Working with the city's biggest institutions to create more opportunities for disadvantaged entrepreneurs was too exciting of an opportunity to pass up.

F: How were you introduced to ELGP?

K: When I was running my business I ended up sitting next to Jeff at an Center City Proprietors Association event. Later that month we had a conversation about PAGE and we've been in touch ever since.

F:What’s the last thing you really geeked out about?

K: I love thinking about the effect government policies have on people's lives. At the end of the year I reviewed a bunch of healthcare systems to better understand which structure performed best during the pandemic. As it turns out, data centralization was one of the most important factors in an effective response.

F: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

K: I wanted to be a designer or engineer. I LOVED Legos as a kid.

F: What advice would you give to a younger you?

K: Take more time to explore. Career stuff can wait, and life experience will be just as valuable as work experience in your future.

F: Lastly, what’s something that’s helped you get through quarantine?

K: Family was really helpful for dealing with quarantine. Having time to play outside with my son has been especially helpful.