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Dwayne T. James, P.E., Ed.D.

Practical Specialized Pathways to Positive Social Infrastructure

Dwayne T. James works to bridge practical & specialized pathways to those seeking to positively impact their social infrastructure through trainings, workshops, and consultations focused on strategic planning, community empowerment, and adult/youth leadership development.

Understand the core to civic engagement is meeting individuals where they are, providing equitable access to knowledge and resources, and giving sustained support.

Value effort in connecting with the essence and culture of the community to provide practical and specialized pathways to resources that result in positive change and community improvement.

Provide solutions that are sustainable to the community efforts and ever-changing landscape that cater to long-term success.

EXPERIENCE

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Strategic Planning

Strategic planning works best when it includes the resources, talents, strengths and assets that are accessible to the individuals willing and able to implement the plan. His strategic planning efforts focus on asset building strategies and principals. We use a strength-based approach as a means to use the talents and strengths of the participants to ensure that diversity and inclusion are highlighted and affirmed. Plans are then unique to the community.

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Community Empowerment

For sustained community involvement and improvement, community empowerment is essential. Involvement does not happen by circumstance. Involvement happens through detailed planning approaches and consideration of barriers that prevent full participation from the community. Inclusionary practices are employed to engage all of the residents. Once engaged, his approach focuses on empowering everyone individually and collectively to produce tangible impact and long-term successes.

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Adult / Youth Leadership Development

His experiences include developing and delivering, training residents on leadership practices that improve and strengthen their efforts make for a stronger community, workshops that connect efforts to resources and connect desire to goal-setting helps to ensure that development efforts are successful from built capital to human capital.

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“My experience has shown me that true leadership is not about being in charge, but about rolling up your sleeves and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can grow. My passion is to empower others—developing leadership, uplifting community, and transforming potential into lasting change so that youth, families, and neighbors alike can thrive together.”

Dwayne T. James, EdD

• As Race Director of the Ferguson Twilight Run, Dwayne grew an event that began in 2010 with modest expectations into a large community gathering (~1,800+ participants) that blends health, festivity, local culture, and civic pride. 

• Co-chairing or serving on non-profits and boards that focus on improving neighborhood well-being, such as the Ferguson Youth Initiative, One West Florissant CDC, etc.

• Co-facilitating the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) program (UMSL / MU Extension), which trains individuals who live or work in parts of St. Louis City and North County to participate more fully in civic decision-making (boards, commissions, policy) and strengthen neighborhood leadership. 

• Co-facilitating the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), empowering younger people to take leadership, voice their concerns, and contribute to their community. 

• Involvement with the Civic Fellows program as co-instructor, helping students connect education with civic engagement, supporting them in exploring how they can contribute to bettering their communities

• Serving in public office (former Council Member for the City of Ferguson, 2006–2016), where he worked directly in local governance and community representation. 

• Leading or contributing to programs and collaborations that intentionally collect and elevate resident voice, especially from marginalized or underrepresented communities

AWARDS

2020

GO! St. Louis Founder's Award for Service to the Community

2018

Gateway Region YMCA - Emerson Community Heroes Award for Excellence

2017

University of Kansas Black Alumni Leaders and Innovators Award

2013

North County Inc. Public Service Award

2008

North County Inc. 30 Leaders in the 30 Award

2007

American Society of Civil Engineers Diversity Champion Award

2002

American Society of Civil Engineers Zone III Citizen Engineer Award

2002

St. Louis Sentinel Newspapers “Yes I Can” Award

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About

Dwayne T. James, PE

Dwayne T. James, P.E.,Ed.D., is a committed community leader, educator, and strategist whose work bridges civic engagement, leadership development, and equity. He currently serves with MU Extension as a Community Development Specialist and Director of Access and Engagement, supporting collaborative initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and elevate resident voices in decision-making. Before his career in civic and educational leadership, Dwayne worked as a Structural Engineer, Quality Assurance/Control Manager, and Inside Sales Coordinator for Jacobs Engineering (formerly Sverdrup). He also taught mathematics at St. Louis Community College, equipping students with tools to connect classroom learning to real-world challenges in leadership, community development, and social change. He holds Professional Engineer licenses in both Missouri and Michigan. Dwayne earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri–Rolla (now Missouri S&T), and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. A former Ferguson City Council member (2006–2016), Dwayne has long combined governance, teaching, and program leadership to empower youth, families, and neighborhoods. Through efforts such as the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows program, Youth Empowerment initiatives, the Ferguson Youth Initiative, and the Ferguson Twilight Run, his career reflects a deep dedication to building inclusive, thriving communities.

  • PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS --->
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification, Cornell University
  • IDI Qualified Administrator
  • Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach
  • Certified Strategic Doing Leader
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • Navigating Difference
  • MTI Supervisory Certificate
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