Stone Soup Leadership Institute

Connecting Islands Virtually for Climate Action

James Ellsmoor is a renewable energy advocate, digital nomad, and serial green entrepreneur. He is cofounder of Solar Head of State (SHOS), a nonprofit organization whose mission is “To help world leaders become green leaders.” SHOS installed solar panels on the White House during Barack Obama’s presidency to raise awareness about renewable energy alternatives. They have also completed solar installations for the President of the Maldives, the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, and the Government House in St. Lucia. James went on to create Island Innovation, a green consultancy and advisory firm focused on small island developing states (SIDS). Out of this, the Virtual Island Summit, a free online event aimed at connecting global island communities on a common digital platform, was created. More than a hundred island communities were involved in the 2019 Summit. In 2017, James was recognized on Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 List.