Lorena James

Focus Areas

Invasive Impact Initiatives is a global collective of invasive upcyclers reimagining humanity’s relationship with nature, transforming invasive species into new materials and honoring their origins by learning where they come from and how they’re valued in their native regions. James serves as Founder & Executive Director, building bridges between makers, artists, and innovators worldwide who are turning ecological problems into creative solutions.

James began this work in high school, developing 3D-printing filament from the shells of invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Lake Erie. She is a Schwarzman Scholar and an active member of the Global Shapers Community, experiences that shaped her cross-cultural, community-driven approach to leadership.

“As a visionary leader, I build bridges between people turning ecological problems into creative solutions, helping a global community see invasive species as teachers that invite us to reimagine our connection within the natural world.”