Jesse James
Community Development, Facilitator, and Project Manager in North York, Ontario, Canada
I live in Willowdale with my family. We bike everywhere, all year-round.
I serve the Willowdale neighbourhood as co-Chair of the East Willowdale Organized Community (EWOC's), Spokesperson for the Board of Trustees at Church of St Luke Lutheran, Board member at Pearson Place Supporting Housing (NUC-TUCT Non-Profit Homes), co-Chair of the Finch Public School Parent Council, co-Founder of We Love Willowdale, Founder of the Willowdale Faith & Community Land Trust, and Administrator to the Willowdale Interfaith Council.
I worked as Director of Sales and Business Development with UrbanToronto (urbantoronto.ca).
I served four years with Toronto City Councillor John Filion as his Manager of Community Engagement. Previously I worked as a Community Organizer, Youth Mentor, and Program Coordinator with Youth Unlimited (Toronto YFC).
My interests range from entrepreneurship to cycling, theology to politics. I am committed to seeing my neighbourhood transformed in solidarity with my neighbours.
Here are a few things people are saying about me:
"During his Tyndale years, Jesse James rose quickly to student leadership roles and was known for creativity, energy, innovative thinking and his passion for serving the community. All that on top of a warm, collegial and friendly demeanour to all he meets."
~ Janet Clark - Tyndale University College & Seminary , Senior Vice President Academic, Dean of the Seminary
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"Jesse James has a gift for bringing people together, with a natural leadership style which encourages others to step forward. This was most evident following the Yonge St. van attack tragedy when I saw Jesse lead the We Love Willowdale vigil along Yonge while literally walking on the sidelines."
~ John Filion - Toronto City Councillor for Ward 18, Willowdale
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"Since being elected as the MP for Willowdale in 2015, I have known Jesse to be a key community stakeholder and advocate. Jesse is an exceptionally talented and charismatic member of our community and I am proud to have worked with him for the past 3 years."
~ Ali Ehsassi - MP of Willowdale