James Miles

James Miles is an Assistant Professor at Seattle University’s College of Arts & Sciences and Affiliated Faculty in the MBA Sport and Entertainment Management program at the Albers School of Business & Economics. He holds roles as Creative Economy Manager at the Seattle Office of Economic Development and Chief Strategic Officer at Path with Art. A graduate of Morehouse College and Brandeis University, Miles focuses on educational equity through arts integration, particularly using hip-hop as a pedagogical tool. His work emphasizes narrowing achievement gaps and empowering marginalized youth. Miles is a Mayoral Appointee to the Seattle Arts Commission, a Trustee at the Frye Museum and MoPOP, and serves on SXSW EDU’s Advisory Board.

His research and leadership span arts-based curriculum design, transformative education strategies, and community engagement. Notable contributions include co-founding LeadersDontLead.com for leadership coaching and authoring Gotta Stay Fresh. Presented globally at institutions like Harvard and SXSW EDU, Miles advocates for reimagining education through culturally responsive practices.

He has designed programs such as the Fresh Education initiative, blending hip-hop and theater to improve academic outcomes. Miles’ TEDx Talk highlights his mission to disrupt inequitable systems through the arts. His professional development workshops and keynotes address topics like political dialogue in education and culturally relevant teaching methods.

Awards and recognitions include media features in Complex, NPR, and the Seattle Times. Miles’ work extends to nonprofit leadership, including roles at MENTOR Washington and Arts Corps, and strategic advising for the Bumbershoot Festival through Third Stone.