About James Zanghi
The Waltham Way
As a Waltham Public Schools Alum (Plympton, Kennedy, Waltham High School Class of 2016) & 4th generation Waltham resident, James is the first in his family to graduate from college with a bachelors and masters degree from American University in Washington, D.C.
Raised by a single mother and his grandmother, the core values of kindness, hard work and public service were instilled in his life. James continues these life lessons each day in his work for the city of Waltham.
As an elementary student at Plympton, James attended the after school program until 6-6:30PM each day, often at the school for up to ten hours a day . He relied on the program to have a place to go to until he was picked-up to go home. These formative after-school programs are essential for children, and need to have continuous funding and support across the school system.
During his time at Waltham High, he was elected President for the class of 2016 and encouraged classmates to register to vote in the national Presidential election, and also attended Waltham School Committee meetings as a student representative, advocating for the student perspective in decision-making.
James' time as a teacher in Nairobi, Kenya
In 2018, James was a teacher at the non-profit Real Hope Youth Community Organization (RHYCO) in the neighborhood of Kawangware, Nairobi, Kenya where he taught english, math and reading comprehension to over 40 children who did not have a place to call home. He still keeps in touch with RHYCO, having recently raised over $500 during the COVID-19 pandemic for classroom materials and food supplies.
From Nairobi to Waltham, education builds the formative pathways for students across each nation and every continent. James will bring his classroom experience as a teacher to ensure all the necessary tools & resources are provided for student and educator success.
Legislative Experience for Waltham
James currently works full-time as a legislative staffer for Waltham State Representative Tom Stanley at the Massachusetts State House.
His role includes assisting to respond to thousands of Waltham residents who call and write into the office each year, who may need help connecting with state resources such as
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), emergency housing, and unemployment benefits; draft research and policy briefs on topics that range from education, environment and healthcare; and collaborate with local Waltham nonprofits and community organizations.
As a Waltham Youth Hockey alum for 12 years, James' grandmother would often watch his hockey games at Veterans memorial rink. Hockey taught him the importance of always being there for your teammates and working together in a positive atmosphere.