I’ve always sought the intersection where big ideas spark local action—whether launching one of the first Social-Emotional Learning programs in DC-area schools, running women’s self-defense programs for the DC Rape Crisis Center, or producing social-issue documentaries for the Smithsonian Museums. Yet as my career progressed, I hit a wall: local impacts weren’t scaling up, and solutions from NGOs and policymakers often lacked deep systems thinking aligned with nature’s patterns. I saw it, but realized that lasting change required knowledge I didn’t yet have.
Searching for a place to gain this wisdom, I found few options. Permaculture certification was inspiring, but its 80-hour curriculum didn’t provide the depth I craved. Traditional graduate schools seemed too conventional for someone used to learning on the front lines. As a seasoned professional, I couldn’t imagine sitting in a classroom every day—then I discovered Gaia U.
From day one, Gaia U was different. It allowed me to focus on the issues I cared about most, guided by experts who kept me accountable and diligent while grounding my work in leading-edge thought. My projects for Gaia U served real clients, earned me credit and income, and aligned with my vision for world-changing work. I was able to study and work simultaneously, making my learning both practical and impactful.
Now, five years after graduating, I use what I learned at Gaia U every day. Action learning gave me evergreen skills: the ability to understand how the world works—even as it changes—and to work with it. Whether supporting organizations with sustainability and healthy culture, coaching leaders, or collaborating with educators to build 21st-century schools, I wake up confident in my ability to make a difference. One of my most recent initiatives is a blog series introducing the principles of regenerative education to mainstream educators, aiming to spark a conversation about how we can best prepare today’s learners for a rapidly changing world.
James M. Edwards is a Regenerative Design educator and practitioner who helps organizations, communities, and individuals thrive by applying nature-based solutions to human challenges. Over three decades, he has focused on crafting strategies that support social and environmental wellbeing while achieving operational efficiency and profitability. By prioritizing stakeholder needs and asking, “what would nature do?” James helps clients design ethical, enduring solutions.
James is bi-cultural and bilingual (Spanish-American). He holds an M.Sc. in Eco-Social Design from Gaia U, a B.A. in Diplomacy and Political History from Occidental College, and is a certified Permaculture Designer and Teacher. Most recently, he served as Executive Director at Drylands Agroecology Research, a pioneer in water-wise regenerative agriculture for arid environments. His expertise in ecological and social systems design, education, and facilitation enables him to drive impactful, regenerative solutions across diverse sectors.