Lena Selzer

As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Lena is dedicated to creating a mission-driven organization that enables each team member to do their best work. Sometimes referred to as Civilla’s ‘air traffic controller,' she guides operations, design, storytelling, and teaching efforts, ensuring all aspects of the organization align with a shared vision. She also plays an integral role in expanding Civilla’s impact through strategic partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Before launching Civilla, Lena began her career in environmental science and research. Her time in the field highlighted the importance of understanding human behavior when solving complex challenges. This led her to the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (the d.school), where she studied human-centered design and met Civilla co-founders Adam and Michael. Together, they started dreaming up the organization that exists today.

Lena holds a BS and MS in Environmental Science from Stanford University and brings over 15 years of experience in social impact design. Prior to Civilla, she led a consulting practice that guided projects across the U.S. and abroad.

Lena was raised in the Pacific Northwest where she spent as much time in the outdoors as possible. She laughs (a lot) and has completed three coast-to-coast trips across the United States – once by bike, once by car, and once living out of a vintage Airstream trailer named Milly.