Kayla James

Kayla James is a senior program associate with Vera’s Unlocking Potential initiative to help expand access to high-quality postsecondary education in prison. She leads the Race, Equity, and Inclusion in Postsecondary Education in Prison pilot project to promote equitable corrections education policy and practices in Washington state. She also provides technical assistance and subject matter expertise to colleges, nonprofits, and corrections agencies, improving educational, vocational, and employment services for people returning to their communities from prisons and jails.

Before joining Vera, Kayla worked with New York State and city corrections departments, assisting with training corrections officers and assessing suicide prevention policy. Kayla also worked on global policy and advocacy efforts such as access to justice and bail reform.

Kayla received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University at Albany, State University of New York.