By Allison L. Andersen, Content Designer
When Jerry James reflects on his career, it’s not the titles or the timelines that stand out—it’s the people, the purpose, and the profound impact of community. His journey from hospitality management to a mission-driven role in education technology highlights the importance of community and the courage to embrace change.
For over 13 years, Jerry worked in hospitality management, a field he initially enjoyed but found increasingly challenging as the industry evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work-life balance he once valued diminished, and the prospect of it returning seemed unlikely. Faced with these realities, Jerry made the bold decision to step away from his career.
“I decided to make a career change and took a few months off to just kind of reflect. I started gravitating back towards education, which was what I originally had planned to do when I went to college, I wanted to become a teacher, so I started to think more and more about the education space.” The idea of working in education in some capacity reignited his passion for making a difference.
While browsing LinkedIn, he came across a post by an Elevo employee, about the importance of pursuing work that brings meaning and purpose. The message resonated deeply with him, as he was searching for a career that aligned with his values. He decided to explore opportunities at Elevo.
He began his Elevo journey as a Site Success Manager (SSM) in San Diego. “I wasn’t directly working with the kids every day,” Jerry explains, “but I knew the work I was doing had an impact. I think about the story of the janitor at NASA, who was asked what he was doing while he was mopping the floors, and he replied, ‘I’m helping put a man on the moon.’” Jerry’s mission is to support the people who support the students by ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
In 2024, he moved from Field Operations to the Tech Team, a move that might seem like a departure from his hands-on work in the field. But, for Jerry, it was a natural extension of his mission. “Everything we do on the Tech Team is about support,” he says. “If we can make the lives of Coaches, and other Field Operations staff easier, they can focus on the kids.” He views his role on the Tech Team as an extension of his commitment to empowering others. By addressing technical issues and improving systems, he helps create an environment where Coaches and program managers can thrive. He believes that even small acts of support can have a ripple effect, ultimately benefiting the students Elevo serves.
Jerry’s dedication to supporting others is rooted in his own experiences as a child. Born in Honduras, Jerry moved to the United States with his family at the age of four. As first-generation immigrants, his parents sought better opportunities for their children, prioritizing education and a brighter future. Growing up in Los Angeles, Jerry faced challenges, particularly after his parents separated when he was 14. However, it was during this difficult time that the power of community became evident.
“They saw this kid going through a tough time and said, ‘We’ve got your back,’” he recalls. From teaching him carpentry and music to simply spending time with him, these mentors became a second family. “It wasn’t just what they did—it was the example they set. That kind of support changes lives.”
Jerry also credits two high school teachers—a history teacher and an English teacher—for shaping his path. His English teacher, noticing Jerry’s gift for communication, encouraged him to join the speech and debate team. That experience not only gave him a voice but also a vision: to become a teacher and pay forward the mentorship he had received.
Jerry’s personal experiences have deeply informed his commitment to Elevo’s mission. He understands the challenges faced by children, particularly those from underserved communities, and the critical role that mentors and educators play in their lives. As he puts it, “None of what I’ve been able to accomplish in my educational and professional career would have been possible without the positive role models that I had as a child.”
When asked about the future, Jerry doesn’t offer a five-year plan. Instead, he embraces the unknown with optimism. “I’ve gotten to an age where I’m just hoping to be surprised—in a good way,” he says with a smile. “The universe has surprised me in a lot of cool ways. Elevo being one of them.”
For now, Jerry is focused on continuing to support his colleagues, improve systems, and make life a little easier for those working directly with students. For him, it’s about making a difference, one thoughtful action at a time.
Jerry’s journey is evidence that careers aren’t always linear, and impact doesn’t always come from the spotlight. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, consistent support behind the scenes that makes the biggest difference. From hospitality to education, from the field to tech, Jerry has followed a path guided by purpose and shaped by community. And in doing so, he’s become exactly the kind of role model he once needed.
