About
James Ladi Williams
I write create art solve problems have fun serve lead love everyday
James Ladi Williams is an artist born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, with deep family roots in Lafiaji, Lagos Island, where his early years shaped his understanding of the crucial role government plays in building societies that work for everyone.
He discovered his love for creative expression at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Broad Street, where he immersed himself in poetry, plays, music, and visual art. The school’s guiding philosophy—“example, not precepts”—left a lasting impression, instilling in him the belief that real change starts with living one’s values, not just preaching them.
Ladi carried that spirit into King’s College Lagos, where he served as a news reader, debater, and choir member (Rumor had it he joined the choir mainly to avoid being bullied by seniors —he can now confirm: it’s absolutely true). It was at King’s College that Mr. Ogbadu, his government teacher, sparked his passion for public service by helping students understand why life in Nigeria was so difficult for many children and their parents. Mr. Ogbadu later appointed Ladi to student leadership roles in the school’s Democrats Club and as Social Prefect, further shaping his civic identity.
Words power everything.
James Ladi Williams
At King’s College, Ladi’s American Dream was born, inspired by his older brother’s journey through higher education abroad. At his student visa interview, Ladi spoke openly about his dream of returning to Nigeria after his studies to contribute to its development through public service.
He arrived in New York City in July 2011 with his father and began a new chapter in Rosedale, Queens, under the care of his aunt. Ladi attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he studied Public Administration and minored in economics. There, he founded the International Students Association and worked his first job as a writing tutor. In 2015, he was named a New York City Urban Fellow, serving in the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity on anti-poverty programs.
Ladi went on to earn a Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, where he deepened his understanding of why some countries are rich, others remain poor—and what governments can do to change that.
He later advised US leaders on urban programming and supported Emerging Public Leaders in strengthening public service fellowships in Liberia and Ghana. At the Urban Institute, he researched how cities can mobilize revenue and serve residents better. His journey then led to management consulting, where he learned to channel private sector tools for public good.
Expertise can be bought—but character must be earned.
James Ladi Williams
In 2025, Ladi “retired” from a political career that never quite began and returned to his first love: art.
Drawing on years of writing and cross-sector experience, Ladi founded Akadá, a global journaling practice powered by a simple conviction: that words drive both leadership and personal fulfillment.
By the absolute power vested in him by absolutely no one, he named himself “President” of Akadá. Now, his mission is simple: to listen well, help others grow, and give his best to the work God has placed in his hands.
He lives in Washington, DC with his wife. Outside of work, he’s an Arsenal fan, FIFA enthusiast, and loves dancing to afrobeat and hosting game nights with friends.
Copyright © 2025 James Ladi Williams (“JLW”). All rights reserved.