Latisha James serves as the Executive Vice President for Operations and External Affairs for the Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR). Founded in 1978, ULHR is one of 93 affiliates across the country who serve on behalf of the National Urban League, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country with a mission to enable African Americans (and other under resourced populations) to secure sustained economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights. ULHR implements this mission by providing signature programs, services, and resources in areas of education, employment, entrepreneurship, financial services, health, and housing initiatives.

Recognizing Hampton Roads has the 4th largest Black percentage of population for regions over 1 million residents and has the 9th largest Black population in the nation, Latisha successfully leads a team of 16 full time staff members to provide solutions and services to help address the needs of communities served. In just two years, Latisha has aligned ULHR’s mission, programs, and services with the Corporate Social Responsibility priorities of corporate, community-based and philanthropic partners throughout Hampton Roads, thus strengthening and growing The Urban League’s partnerships and positive impact by 400%.

A Cleveland native, her role at the Urban League of Hampton Roads dovetails 25 years of successfully leading Corporate Social Responsibility platforms for some of Cleveland’s largest employers: the city of Cleveland, The Cleveland Indians Baseball Company, Case Western Reserve University and MetroHealth Public Hospital. A servant leader at heart, Latisha’s diverse professional experience in both public-private sectors has provided extensive leadership and expertise in the development of model initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.  Prior to joining the Urban League, Latisha served as a consultant for the Hampton Roads Alliance to support the development of an economic inclusion strategy for the Hampton Roads region. In addition, Latisha serves as an Advisor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for The Morino Family, Institute and Ventures.

A graduate of Wilberforce University (Ohio’s first private historically black college and university), and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Latisha and her family are proud to call Virginia home.