James Waters

James Waters was born to the former Betty Jean Turner and James Waters Sr. in Birmingham Alabama. James is a Manager of Training and Development at Action for a Better Community, Inc where he currently oversees training activities for staff of the medium sized non-profit organization. James would like to pursue a Doctorate in Human Resource Development and oversee activities concerning youth or Human Resources.

James' passion is to work with youth to encourage positive outcomes, influencing them to complete high school, go to college or pursue a trade that will better stimulate their mind, body and soul. He firmly believes that youth are given a bad reputation and more often are not highlighted for the good they do in the community.

James is an accomplished speaker and motivator and provides workshops to students and adults throughout the city on a variety of topics. He especially likes providing youth workshops on career development, effective communication, dressing to impress, and employment and marketing.

James was recently nominated for the Rochester Business Journal's 40 under 40 Award and Leadership Rochester. He is currently the Director of Educational Activities for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and a proud member of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Eureka Lodge #36. He is most proud of his contribution to the founding of the Rochester Step-Off Educational Foundation. Through the art of "stepping", this organization was formed to provide youth with a non-traditional activity leading to completing high school and continuing their education by attending college.-Stepping is used by African American Fraternity's and Sororities primarily showcasing their love for one of the Divine Nine (Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta) Organizations in friendly competitions or yard shows on college campuses.

James is associated with the Board of several community organizations including the Rochester Primary Care Network, Center for Dispute Settlement, Threshold, Liberty Partnership Program, Rochester Step-Off Educational Foundation.

He has a Bachelor of Science from the State University College at Brockport in Criminal Justice & African American Studies. He also earned a Master of Science from the State University College at Buffalo in Adult Education & Human Resource Development.

James is a member and Deacon of Outreach Temple Church of God in Christ United where Rufus W. McGee is the founder and Pastor. In his spare time, he enjoys watching television, reading, playing Play Station, or spending quality time at home with friends, family or fraternity Brothers. He is married to the former Bridgette Jones and has two children James Waters III, and Cortlynne Waters.