LEADERS

NeEddra James

NeEddra is a writer, graphic designer and activist from Oakland, California. She earned a BA in Religion from Bowdoin College, and a MA in History of Consciousness from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

While working toward her doctorate degree and struggling with low self-esteem, NeEddra began to understand that personal transformation is at the heart of sustainable social change. So in order to take better care of herself so that she would ultimately be of greater service to others, she left graduate school and invested time in her spiritual practice, her art, and grassroots organizing. NeEddra now sits on the board of the Common Fire Foundation which supports the development of intentional communities that manifest more just, sustainable and loving communities in the here and now, and on the board of Planting Justice, an urban permaculture and food justice nonprofit.

As a Challenge Day Leader, NeEddra combines her love for teaching with her belief in the power of loving-kindness, forgiveness and compassion to transform our relationships. When she is not traveling for Challenge Day, she lives in a cooperative urban homestead in Oakland, California with three other people, four chickens and her dog, Lylah.

If you really knew me, you would know…

• I believe my life’s work is to infuse my public life with my spiritual practice in order to help others manifest their dreams.
• I am developing a San Francisco Bay Area eco-village with 20+ adults and children through the Common Fire Foundation.
• I have an eclectic cultural taste that ranges from a love of museums and fine art to kitschy diners.
• Discovering Buddhism and Science of Mind saved my life.
• I have an aerial imagination and would love to learn how to fly planes one day.
• I love hiking, camping and getting dirty outdoors.