Today we’d like to introduce you to James Kyles.
James, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was raised in Milwaukee, WI, and from an early age, I stayed active in school, youth programs, and extracurricular activities. Whether it was student leadership, community service, or mentoring, I was always drawn to roles where I could make a difference. Those early experiences taught me the value of service, teamwork, and stepping up when it matters.
As I transitioned into adulthood, that sense of responsibility stayed with me. I’ve always believed in the importance of reaching back to help the next generation rise. My passion lies in giving youth the same kind of encouragement, structure, and opportunity that guided me. Over the years, I’ve continued to work in spaces where I can lead, mentor, and uplift young people because I know firsthand how life-changing that support can be.
My journey hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge helped shape my purpose. Today, I’m focused on being a consistent, positive presence in the lives of youth, helping them realize their potential and know they’re not alone on the journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but I’ve been blessed with several role models who helped shape me and poured wisdom, support, and guidance into my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc.?
Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving elementary, middle, and high school students across the Greater Atlanta Metro area. Since our founding on June 10, 2010, we’ve provided consistent mentoring and tutoring programs, with a strong focus on supporting youth from single-parent households which many of whom are growing up without a father figure.
What sets us apart is the strength and diversity of our mentorship team. Our mentors are college students from respected institutions such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Clayton State University, and Oglethorpe University. These mentors don’t just offer academic support, but they serve as relatable, inspiring role models.
Over the past 15 years, we’re most proud of the lasting impact we’ve made in the lives of young people. From awarding scholarships to securing internships and creating safe spaces where youth can grow in confidence and character, we’re building more than programs but we’re building futures.
At Destined for Greatness, we believe every young person deserves the chance to succeed, and we’re committed to helping them reach their full potential.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success is measured by impact and not titles, income, or recognition. It’s about how many lives you’ve touched, how much growth you’ve sparked in others, and how well you’ve stayed true to your purpose.
Success is watching a young person you’ve mentored gain confidence, graduate, or step into leadership. It’s creating opportunities where there were none, and being a consistent, positive force in someone’s life. If I can help others realize their potential and believe in their worth, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dfgyouth.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfgyouth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfgoyc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfgoyc/
Image Credits
Image Credits: Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center, Inc. and Mayweather Images
