Her Story
About Natalie
Natalie is a sustainability and policy expert with extensive grassroots organizing, fundraising and campaign experience. She has been named as one of The Hill's Top Lobbyists in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Natalie has served on the board of directors of the Power Shift Network, Young Voices for the Planet, and Care About Climate and currently serves on the boards of the Partnership Project and the Student Conservation Association. She has a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability from the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Karlskrona Sweden and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland College Park. Natalie has worked at some of the largest and most influential environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club as the National Dirty Fuels Lobbyist, as the Policy Director at 350.org, as the Senior Director of Climate Solutions at the Wilderness Society and as the Climate Campaign Director at Greenpeace USA. Today Natalie serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Pelea Movement, an organization dedicated to fighting for justice and liberation for all oppressed people and as the Executive Vice President of the Global Climate Cooperative, working to accelerate the economic transition off fossil fuels and towards sustainability.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalie
01What 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.
02What 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.
03What 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.
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