April 12, 2012
The Goldman Prize staff and the 2012 Prize winners met for the first time today at a casual welcome lunch to introduce themselves and hear each other’s stories. After months of careful planning, this is always a very special meeting for the Prize staff.
Having so many environmental heroes in the same room is deeply humbling and inspiring. The atmosphere is one of support and encouragement as instant friendships are forged and excitement grows for the ceremony.
Below, staff members reflect on meeting the Prize winners for the first time:
“This is one of my most humbling days of the year. When I sit in the same room with the Goldman Prize winners knowing what they have done to protect the environment, I look at myself and think, what the hell have you done? They make me seem really small in comparison.”
-Lorrae Rominger, Deputy Director
“Meeting the Prize winners and being able to put a face to the names I’ve been working with for so long is a wonderful feeling. It makes the stories real and puts everything we do into perspective. This is why we show up to work everyday- to honor these amazing people”
-Liz Lutton, Administrative Assistant
“Meeting the 2012 Goldman Prize recipients has been an enormous honor…and so much fun to meet them in person, after working with them for six months by phone and email! Meeting them and talking with them is a huge reminder to me why I love my job. Supporting courageous leaders like the Goldman Prize recipients is a privilege.”
-Lani Alo, Program Officer
