Lexie James is a dedicated community organizer, advocate, and leader committed to advancing the wellbeing of Indigenous youth and families. Drawing on her lived experience as a Tewa-Hopi woman from First Mesa, Arizona, she works to transform child welfare systems, strengthen mental health supports, and uplift the voices of tribal communities. Central to her approach is a deep belief in the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous youth and a commitment to culturally grounded solutions that foster healing, belonging, and opportunity.

Lexie’s leadership spans local, tribal, and national platforms. She serves on the National Advisory Board for the American Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law, working to address racial bias in mandated reporting decisions impacting Black and Indigenous families. As a member of the Youth Leadership Council for the Aspen Institute’s Opportunity Youth Forum, she helps shape strategies that improve outcomes for young people—particularly those in tribal communities—by sharing best practices and guiding equitable engagement efforts. She also serves on the National Youth Engagement Advisory Council for the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth, contributing her expertise to the development of welfare programming and curriculum for professionals working with foster and kinship care youth.In her role as Foster Care Coordinator for the Hopi Tribe Department of Social Services, Lexie recruited, trained, and supported foster parents while also assisting with emergency placements and community outreach. Her work reflects a holistic understanding of the child welfare system, as well as a dedication to both systemic reform and direct service. She is also the co-founder of Nurturing Indigenous Intelligence, an initiative that supports Indigenous scholars on their academic journeys.

Lexie’s leadership extends beyond formal roles. She is a passionate advocate for suicide prevention and mental health wellness, and she continues to champion the voices of young leaders in every space she occupies. Her public service and community engagement are complemented by her history as a cultural ambassador, holding titles such as Miss Hopi 2014–15, Miss Indian Arizona 1st and 2nd Attendant, and Miss Native American USA 2019–21.

Through every role, Lexie weaves together cultural pride, advocacy, and systems change, guided by the belief that Indigenous communities have the knowledge and strength to lead their own thriving futures.