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EXPLORE HOW GOLDMAN PRIZE RANDALL ARAUZ IS

Protecting Costa Rica's Sharks

Melissa Eckert

March 10, 2022

Melissa joined the Prize in 2013 and manages the foundation’s finances, human resources, and office operations. She has worked in philanthropy, strategic planning, public health, and nonprofit administration for over 20 years, having held positions with the Koret Foundation, the Washington University School of Medicine, and the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. Melissa holds a BA in Psychology and a MPH in Community Health from Saint Louis University; she interned at the Carter Center and is a Coro Fellow.

Recent Posts

Prize Winners Today: Protecting Costa Rica’s Shark Biodiversity with Randall Arauz


September 17, 2025 – By Paige Smith

Randall Arauz knows what it takes to move the needle on marine conservation: a combination of effective policy change, shifting public opinion, and persistence. Randall, a passionate and seasoned conservationist famous for fighting against shark finning, has been advocating for critically endangered sea turtles and sharks—and improving Costa Rica’s environmental laws—for over 30 years.   We…

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Honoring Robert Redford: Environmentalist, Actor, and Decent Human Being


September 16, 2025

We mourn the passing of Robert Redford, whose artistry and integrity on screen were surpassed only by his decades of dedication to the environment. For nearly 20 years, he generously lent his voice as the narrator of Goldman Environmental Prize winner videos, elevating stories of grassroots leaders even further.  Robert Redford championed countless environmental causes…

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Environmental Leadership in Tunisia: A Q&A with Semia Gharbi


June 30, 2025

A lifelong environmental educator and scientist, Semia Gharbi is the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize winner for Africa. In our discussion, Semia digs into her work as an environmental advocate in Tunisia, starting with her Goldman Prize-winning campaign to reverse the illegal import of waste into her country. Semia also discusses her collaborative work to build…

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