2022 40 Under Forty Awards
James Rajotte, 36
Chief strategy officer, R.I. Executive Office of Health and Human Services
How has COVID-19 changed your industry? COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of improving the living conditions in our communities to avoid devastating rates of illness in our hardest-hit neighborhoods. Moving forward, my industry must ensure we address the root causes that inhibit our community members from achieving their highest potential and healthy living.
Unlock AI Potential with High-Speed Connectivity
The rise of AI is reshaping businesses across the country and transforming processes and workflows…
Learn More
What is the best advice you have ever received? Be positive. Start your day with a smile and use that saved energy to bring kindness to others.
What was your first job? My first jobs were during high school. I worked as an intern for an organization called Initiatives for Human Development and also worked at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? Paint your view of the future with enough detail that others can see themselves in it.
What moment changed your life more than any other? Losing my mom a few years ago has forever changed my life. For me, losing her in her young age is a constant reminder to live life to its fullest, not settle for anything less than happiness and always be my most authentic self.
What led you to pursuing a career in your current industry? While attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute during my undergraduate career, I realized at the time that biology research was not my calling. I then took an elective focused on bioterrorism. Soon after, I immersed myself in science and technology studies focused on public health in addition to my biology degree. I then interned at the R.I. Department of Health and the rest is history.
