Born in Trinidad, West Indies, Adele James has always had a love for the culture and art of the Caribbean.

While she lives in California, her spirit is still connected to Trinidad & Tobago. 

 

During a trip home to Trinidad & Tobago, Adele was introduced to folk artist and master wood sculptor, Joseph Bacchus. Seeking to promote and raise awareness of Caribbean art, James and Bacchus  began a collaborative endeavor, which led to the formation of Middle Passage Arts.  The mission of Middle Passage Arts is to highlight the beauty and talent of works by folk and indigenous artists of the Caribbean.

 

To the work of Middle Passage Arts, Adele brings a combined experience as a foundation officer, organizational development consultant (Adele James Consulting & Coaching, certified executive coach, and as faculty to a leadership development program.   These experiences have given Adele a unique set of skills and tools for supporting clients in voicing passion and purpose with accountable action . 

 

Adele has over 20 years experience in the nonprofit and philanthropy sectors, having commissioned and/or facilitated grant programs totaling $176 million throughout California as a program officer for The Women’s Foundation of California, The California Endowment, and The San Francisco Foundation.  She is also adjunct faculty to the University of San Francisco’s Masters in Nonprofit Management Program.

 

For three years Adele hosted Caribbean Magazine, a radio news program on New York's WKCR 89.9 FM. Adele also conceived and produced the radio documentary, "Grenada Remember," which covered the socioeconomic conditions of the country three years after the U.S. invasion.  Her interviews including then Prime Minister Herbert Blaze, overthrown Prime Minister Eric Geary, and other heads of state.

 

Adele holds a M.A. from Stanford University in International Development Education, a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University, and is a certified professional coach through the International Coaching Federation.