James Monteiro
Founder/CEO/President of theReEntry Campus Program
JamesMonteiro works both within and outside of Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Institution to ensure that incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women are provided a pathway to an affordable college education as well as the needed support systems upon their release.
A powerfully inspiring and dedicated community leader, Monteiro understands that “true” freedom comes through education. He himself dropped out of school at a young age and spent most of his adult life in and out of the penal system. While under the custody of the Maryland Department of Corrections (the last prison in which he was incarcerated),Monteiroreturned to school and earned an associate degree in psychology with honors. Upon his release in 2009, he returned to his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, and enrolled at Roger Williams University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in community development.
While pursuing his degree,Monteiroreached back to the next generation of youth coming up. Heopened a “youth haven”– the Billy Taylor House – in his childhood neighborhoodofMt. Hope, which provides workforce development and enrichment opportunities for youth ages 15 to 21.Monteiroalso opened a successful business in the Mt. Hope neighborhood – Moroccan Hair Design – which employs four local residents and serves thousands of patrons each year.
For his leadership, service, and commitment to his community,Monteirowas honored in 2014 with the NAACPProvidence Branch’s most prestigious award, theJoseph G. LeCount Award,named after an attorney for his commitment “to the cause of freedom and human dignity.”In 2015Monteirogained national recognition when he was awarded the Black Male Achievement Fellowship by Echoing Green, a global nonprofit that identifies emerging leaders and invests in their vision.In 2018 he was awarded a Leading with Conviction Training Fellowship this time by JustleadershipUSA.
As head of the Reentry Campus Program,Monteiro is unwavering in his belief that the lives of all humanity are intertwined and that to uplift one is to uplift all. He has met with the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. As iterated by JustleadershipUSA,Monteiroshares the core principle that “those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.”He has seenhow education transformed hislifeandnow makes it his singular mission to unlock a better future for others.