Joyce James, LMSW-AP, is the Associate Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Center for Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities (CEDD) / Texas State Office of Minority Health at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). She began her professional career as a Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker in 1980, and has served as the Assistant Commissioner for Texas Child Protective Services Program (2004-2009) and the Deputy Commissioner for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (2009-2010). Ms. James has been a strong advocate for children, youth, and families, and an influential voice in raising and increasing public awareness about disproportionality and disparities that affect vulnerable populations.