James Paul Hensley

James Paul Hensley is a language advocate and educator with experience across four continents. Originally from Ohio, USA, he began his international career in Masan, South Korea, where he managed the foreign teaching team at a language. academy, overseeing operations and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

After South Korea, Paul moved to Madrid, Spain, where he contributed as a translator for the Community of Madrid´s regional government and the University of Carlos III. His work there deepened his engagement with linguistic and cultural preservation, reinforcing his dedication to language advocacy.

Now based in Bilbao, Spain—a region renowned for its success in revitalizing Euskara (Basque), Europe’s oldest and only non-Indo-European language—Paul continues his commitment to linguistic diversity. For the past year, he has been a volunteer with Indigenous Hands and Voices (IHAV), focusing on Advocacy and Outreach while also moderating international conferences. Recently stepping into the role of Operations Coordinator, he now leads a team of dedicated volunteers, furthering IHAV’s mission to amplify Indigenous voices worldwide.

Paul believes that every language represents a unique worldview, a bridge to understanding, and a cultural legacy worth protecting. With many languages at risk of extinction, he is passionate about working toward their preservation and celebrating the heritage of all endangered or minoritized languages.

He can be reached via email at phensley@i-hav.org or on LinkedIn.

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