Cecilia Y. James
Board Member
Passionate, driven, and determined to make a difference, Ms. Cecilia Y. James established a non-profit with the mission to establish and maintain a comprehensive network of support services for children who are in need of hearing loss intervention in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique in the Caribbean. As the founder and Executive Director of I Hear You, Inc. Ms. James endeavors to provide the gift of hearing, speech, language, equal opportunities, and improved quality of life for children who are d/ Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and hard of hearing.
As a native of Grenada, Ms. James knows first-hand about the stigmas regarding deafness. It is for this reason that she works to advocate for and bring awareness to the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing on the Island with the hope to expand throughout the Caribbean. Through the work of her non-profit Cecilia has organized and participated in various hearing missions serving patients and providing hearing aids to d/Deaf, Deaf/Blind, and hard-of-hearing residents.
Empowered with knowledge and convinced that her life experiences have purpose, Ms. James authored an inspiring book chronicling her life as a child experiencing hearing loss. From Inside the Shell provides readers with guidance for navigating the signs of hearing loss, deafness with their children, advocates for early intervention and educates about gaining access to needed resources.
As a brilliant thinker and strong problem-solver, Ms. James works with organizations such as the Starkey Hearing Foundation to give the gift of hearing and hearing health. Together they strive to empower individuals to achieve their maximum potential and improve the lives of families and communities. Appointed Board Member by former governor Nathan Deal for six years for Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, Ms. James also works with both private and public organizations/agencies to create programs for properly accommodating customers with disabilities to include the d/Deaf deaf/blind and hard of hearing (HOH).
A trailblazer not only in business and advocacy, but Ms. James is also the mother of two successful entrepreneurs who are both working to make a difference in the world. She loves to travel, finding her greatest sense of peace on beaches and in botanical gardens. She enjoys learning about different cultures and indulging in new food. Ms. James is an accomplished pianist who loves getting lost in the music.