Ron L. James: From Adversity to Advocacy – A Story of Transformation and Hope

Ron L. James, a member of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Board of Trustees, has a profound story of redemption and transformation. Having faced challenges including substance abuse, serving 25 years in prison, and homelessness, he has turned his trials into triumphs. Ron is committed to sharing his experience so others don’t walk the same difficult path he did, and now he inspires others by demonstrating how overcoming life’s adversities can lead to meaningful change.

It was during his time in prison that Ron experienced a pivotal transformation. He witnessed young individuals – inmates even younger than himself – sentenced to life without parole, an experience that ignited a deep sense of compassion within him. This awakening spurred Ron to seek a path of redemption through helping others, a commitment that led him to write his life story – “Choices,” which was published in 2013. Putting pen to paper and writing this narrative became a crucial part of his recovery and personal growth, marking the beginning of his life’s new mission to help and inspire others.

His experiences instilled in him a strong belief in the importance of education, personal development, and second chances. Ron’s struggle with reading as a child, which he overcame while incarcerated, reflects his commitment to lifelong learning. He advocates for education as a fundamental aspect of personal and community growth, emphasizing that learning should be continuous and accessible. Having faced numerous setbacks, he now runs a successful business, speaks across the country, and inspires others to make positive changes in their lives. His belief in the potential for transformation resonates throughout his work, encouraging others to seize opportunities for a fresh start.

Ron was introduced to the Mary Lyon Foundation through Executive Director, Kristen Tillona Baker. Kristen had worked with Ron in 2020 when she was Head of School in New York.  The Board of Trustees was seeking a collaborative partner during a time of heightened awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Ron was the perfect fit. He was able to provide some necessary perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement that had encompassed the nation. The substance use prevention organization he co-founded, the Your Choice Foundation, provided a basis for this new partnership.  Ron and Kristen’s connection and joint belief in helping people inspired him to join the Mary Lyon Board of Trustees in 2023.  The Foundation has greatly benefitted from Ron’s perspective and generosity.

At its core, Ron’s work is driven by a fundamental belief in the importance of helping others become the best version of themselves. His approach is simple yet profound: offer a smile, a kind word, and genuine support. This philosophy, rooted in his personal experiences, aims to create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion. As the only black member serving on the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Board, Ron brings a perspective that enriches our work. He views his role through the lens of his own experiences – emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-care, and serving others from a place of personal strength. Ron’s experiences allow him to empathize with and address the challenges faced by those the Foundation aims to support, moving beyond virtue signaling and focusing on practical ways to uplift those in need.

Ron L. James continues to turn his personal trials into a source of motivation and guidance for those seeking change and growth. His story exemplifies the Mary Lyon Foundation’s mission to support and uplift individuals, showcasing the profound difference that one person’s journey can make in the lives of many. His message to us is clear: “What matters is how together we can make our next choice our best choice.”