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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

How Women Past and Present Drive the Environmental Movement


June 9, 2026

This year, for the first time ever, all six recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize are women. The 2026 Goldman Prize winners—Iroro Tanshi (Nigeria), Borim Kim (South Korea), Sarah Finch (United Kingdom), Theonila Roka Matbob (Papua New Guinea), Alannah Acaq Hurley (United States), and Yuvelis Morales Blanco (Colombia)—represent a powerful group of environmental leaders. Their…

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A Q&A with Sarah Finch on Reshaping Climate Policy in the UK


May 19, 2026

When asked what it’s like to have a major climate ruling named after her, Sarah Finch responded, “It’s really cool!” A writer and editor from southeastern England, Sarah is now a well-known name in environmental circles thanks to the “Finch ruling,” a 2024 decision by the UK Supreme Court that requires environmental assessments to consider the downstream impacts that fossil fuels will have on the global climate, in addition to local…

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Reflecting on a Week with the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize Winners


April 28, 2026

Take a look back at a whirlwind week of connection and celebration of our planet’s defenders! Over the past week, the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize winners explored San Francisco and enjoyed the California coast. They also networked with past Prize winners, funders, and nonprofit colleagues and shared their stories with media outlets and local students. Join us in reflecting on a busy and fulfilling…

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