Meet the Forum Team: Shira Lyss-Loren

Could you introduce yourself and your program and share what drew you to writing for the Forum? 

I'm at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) in the Master’s in Environmental Management program, specializing in Business and the Environment, and possibly Climate Change Science and Solutions. We’ll see where the world takes me. 

I come from a background in conservation science and strategy. I worked at Conservation International on the climate strategy team for two years. Coming from that very nature-focused role, I wanted to broaden my horizons into parts of the environmental world I was less familiar with. Energy is one of those areas, and that’s what pulled me to this role — I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone and learn something new. 

I’ve never taken a class on energy or studied it formally, so the opportunity to dive into it while also contributing to the Forum felt like a win-win. Beyond that, I think it’s very applicable to my future career aspirations. I’m interested in where business resilience meets community resilience to climate change. Energy, the grid, electrification, and reliability are all integral to corporate business models, as well as to a community’s ability to continue to develop. That’s what really drew me here. 

What are some things you’re most excited to bring into your role as a writer here? 

I’m a people person, and that’s one of the strongest things I bring to this role — my love for engaging with people across political spectrums, sectors, industries, and beliefs. Often, the climate and clean energy world can feel like an echo chamber. I’m excited to step outside of that, to talk to people who may not fully buy into clean energy yet, or who are still heavily invested in fossil fuels but are weighing their options. Interviewing those voices and bringing them into the conversation really excites me. 

I studied sociology in undergrad and worked in conservation and climate strategy, so I bring an interdisciplinary perspective. I’m always asking: “What’s not being talked about?” “Who’s not in the room?” “What questions aren’t being asked?” My sociology background pushes me to think about issues of socioeconomic diversity and equity. For example, solar has often benefited wealthier households who can afford rooftop installations. I want to explore how clean energy and electrification can be advanced in a more equitable way, not just in terms of transition. 

Career-wise, after this role or after your program, what are you hoping to do? 

That’s the million-dollar question. I have two years here, so I have some time to figure it out. I see my past experiences at Conservation International and my time at YSE coming together as an opportunity to pivot from a nonprofit focus to a for-profit focus. The imperative to adapt to climate change and build resilience is only growing stronger for companies. I’m especially interested in how companies can build supply chain resilience in ways that also strengthen community resilience. 

Take food and beverage companies, for example. They rely heavily on communities throughout their supply chains. To strengthen their own resilience, they have to invest in those communities. Being part of shaping what “good” looks like in that space excites me. I also want to integrate energy into that — understanding how energy reliability impacts supply chains, and how laws and policies shape corporate decision-making. 

What are some hobbies, or parts of New Haven you’ve explored? 

I’m a big outdoors person, which isn’t surprising coming from the School of the Environment. I grew up in Seattle, surrounded by mountains and water. On weekends I might be hiking, kayaking, sailing, or swimming. I also ski — though I’d call myself a blue-run skier, nothing extreme! 

A few weeks ago, I did a hike in the northwest corner of Connecticut where we summited mountains in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York all in one 5.5-mile loop. It was so cool to finish the day having been in three states. I’d recommend it to anyone adventurous with a car — though be ready for some uphill bushwhacking. 

I also love cooking and baking. Meal prepping is something I find comforting. And one of my prized possessions is a little tree I’ve kept alive for years, through multiple moves across states. I usually kill plants, but this one has grown nearly as tall as I am — I’m really proud of that. 

I’m also a big reader. I just finished Jacinda Ardern’s memoir, which really inspired me. The idea of leading with kindness and empathy is something I think is missing right now, and it’s a value I want to carry forward as I think about my career.