Natalie Mebane
Natalie Mebane is a sustainability and policy leader serving as Vice President of Government Affairs at Rise to Thrive, where she leads federal strategy, legislative engagement, and coalition partnerships to advance climate and environmental justice. With a career rooted in both grassroots organizing and high-level policy advocacy, she is known for building the political will needed to accelerate a just transition away from fossil fuels. Her work centers on creating an economy powered by clean, sustainable energy while ensuring frontline communities are not left behind.
In addition to her executive leadership, Natalie plays a significant role in shaping the broader environmental movement. She serves on the boards of The Partnership Project and the Student Conservation Association and is Chief Program Officer at Zero Hour, a youth-led climate justice organization. Across these roles, she helps guide campaign strategy, organizational growth, fundraising, and cross-movement collaboration, consistently working to strengthen the leadership of historically underrepresented voices in climate advocacy.
Natalie’s expertise and impact have earned national recognition. She was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists for three consecutive years (2019, 2020, and 2021). She also co-hosts the podcast Our Future Now, which explores critical policy, justice, and environmental issues of our time. Natalie holds a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability from the Blekinge Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland.
• The Management Center: Two Day Crash Course
• State of Maryland Insurance License
• Blekinge Institute of Technology
• University of Maryland
• The Hill's Magazine Top Lobbyist 2019,2020,2021
• Black Hive
• Partnership Project
• Student Conservation Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to an early and deeply rooted commitment to climate and sustainability, which has guided both my career choices and my sense of purpose. I’ve always paired that passion with persistence and clear goal-setting — including setting a specific goal to be recognized among top lobbyists and working steadily until I achieved it. Just as importantly, hands-on experience through volunteer programs, organizing, and sustained policy work has grounded my leadership in real-world impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is the aggressive expansion of fossil fuel development, alongside sustained attacks on environmental laws and regulations. Bipartisan policy decisions have, in many cases, led to increased fossil fuel production and the approval of large-scale projects on public lands, making it harder to meet climate goals and protect frontline communities. At the same time, there is a powerful opportunity in building and organizing people power. Through strong coalitions and grassroots mobilization, communities can influence policy, hold decision-makers accountable, and push for systemic changes that move us toward a more just and sustainable future.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are a deep commitment to environmental protection and long-term sustainability. That commitment guides the choices I make and the causes I dedicate my time and energy to. I also strongly value collaboration — working across organizations, sectors, and cultures to build shared understanding and collective impact. Finally, I believe in the power of community. Building people power through grassroots organizing and supporting others to take action is at the heart of how I approach leadership and change.