With more than 13 years of hands-on humanitarian work in rural communities and a lifelong passion for gender equity, Kaprece James leads Stella’s Girls with bold vision, empathy, and relentless dedication. Her leadership has fueled a 65% alumni success rate in higher education and careers, established thriving chapters in Maryland, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, and driven the creation of culturally-responsive, data-driven programs for youth and young women.

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A trailblazer in global youth advocacy, Kaprece serves as the United Nations Representative for Stella’s Girls, Chair of the Charles County Commission for Women, Board Director for the UN Working Group on Girls, and Secretary of the Board for the University System of Maryland Southern Maryland Campus. Her accolades include the prestigious 2008 Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award—personally presented by President George W. Bush, Jr.—and recognition as one of the Top 100 Women in the Global South. She is also a best-selling co-author of The Nonprofit Legacy.

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In 2025, Kaprece made history by leading the first all-Black female student delegation from Charles County to the United Nations’ CSW69, where she empowered youth to champion global conversations on gender-based violence and trauma-informed care. Affectionately known as “Little Oprah” by her network, Kaprece’s core belief is unwavering: when you invest in youth—especially girls and young women—you spark transformation that uplifts entire communities and creates lasting social change.

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