Meet Ayize James, Research Support Specialist
Ayize James is Research in Action’s Research Support Specialist. In Research in Action’s work on the Nexus Open Road Fund, Ayize played a central role in co-creating the definition of Black wealth. Learn more about Ayize below.
What brings you to this work?
I came out of school with a strong interest in research. I’ve always been pretty geeky so I wanted to do work where I could keep on learning and articulating ideas but do so in a way that’s political and deeply engaged with the people who actually live the issues I’m researching. The people I have learned the most from about research are and were experts of their lived experience and strong conveners of their communities. As a queer person of Asian American and Black descent, I come to this work with so much love for my communities. I see this work as a way of expressing that love and responsibility that I feel.
What do you like best about your work at RIA?
I love the team so much, we have such a strong network of care here. I love that we can clown each other and laugh together, we’re here for each other in difficult moments. This work is often heavy, so I feel like I can always count on the team for support and joy.
You played a key role in supporting the Nexus Open Road Fund Advisory Council co-creating a definition of Black wealth; what stood out most to you in that work?
Before we published the definition of Black wealth, I got the Black staff at RIA together to workshop and process the feedback we were getting from the Advisory Committee. Not only were they a huge help, but it was a really special moment where I got to bring others into work that (I hope!) was really meaningful to all of us. We got the chance to really process and challenge each other about what Black wealth looks like for us while also supporting something that we hoped would reflect the depth and breadth of what Black wealth can be. I have so much love for the Advisory for creating the definition and I’m so glad I got to be part of that work.
What brings you joy outside of work?
I love to cook and eat and spend time with my boyfriend. I live near the river and it gives me so much life!
