We wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day and what better way than with our very own international women. We are extremely proud of our projects and the work that we do on the ground, but we’re also proud of the work that we do within our organisation. Over half of our Secretariat is made up of inspirational women, all doing an incredible job. So scroll down to find out more about some of the female faces behind Gold Standard.

MARION VERLES

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I am CEO, 5 weeks into the job!

How did you get into this line of work?

I have been concerned about environmental issues since I was young, I even wrote a letter to the French President, Jacques Chirac, to ask what he was doing to protect our environment :) I became aware of social inequalities later on, when I was a teenager. I was interested in fair trade and how this brings together social, environmental and financial considerations. I read a book by the founders of Max Havelaar (Nico Roozen and Frans Van Der Hof) – this was a game changer for me as I realized two things. It was possible to create a new organization from scratch and it was actually possible to challenge existing practices.

I decided to study business because I felt that we needed to change the way business is being done if we were to change the world. I took a gap year, fundraised for some months, and then went to about 11 countries to study triple bottom line business models. We met with Ashoka fellows, social entrepreneurs, we discovered CSR programs of large corporates and much more. This was a fantastic human experience. I met a lot of strong and inspiring women.

This is when I came to Cambodia for the first time and discovered that carbon finance could be transformational for development programs. I stayed in touch with the people I had met there and we started thinking about a concept to bring fairness and transparency to carbon markets. Three years later, I moved to Phnom Penh and started working full time on what would become Nexus.

What do you care about or believe in?

I care about people, I feel good every time I have a conversation with someone and I realise that we both took away positive things from the exchange.

I cannot stand injustice. It makes me feel angry.

I believe in empowerment. Empowerment is freedom. Empowering people to make their own decisions, that’s the ultimate goal.

Why are women important?

For a long time I felt that as a woman I had to justify why I was no different than a man. I believed that we were all the same, all equal. But actually we are not. Women and men are different. I found this out when I was pregnant, being a mum made me realise the strength we hold within ourselves, physically and emotionally. It also made me realise that we are a mystery to ourselves and to others.

“I believe women are change agents – they are the key to unlock change, that’s why they are important.”

Why are women important? We are all important. I would say that women are important because women and children are far too often the first victims of inequalities and injustice. But this isn’t the only reason they are important. I believe women are change agents – they are the key to unlock change, that’s why they are important.

I would like us, the Gold Standard, to think about ways to integrate more gender dimensions into our sustainable development assessment and work with other stakeholders to look into ways to reward interventions which positively impact women.

LISA ROSEN

What do you do for Gold Standard?

As Chief Operating Officer for The Gold Standard Foundation, I manage Legal, Compliance, Human Resources and Marketing & Communications.

How did you get into this line of work?

My academic background is in International Environmental Policy, specifically the Kyoto Protocol. The idea of using markets to incentivize positive behavior change fascinates me. In 2008 I was working for a big law firm doing environmental litigation and regulatory work. At the same time, I was helping them establish their carbon credits group. Someone flagged that The Gold Standard was looking for someone to help them establish a presence in the US. I applied for the job — it was the hardest interview process I had ever been through — and Jasmine Hyman and Michael Schlup hired me. I felt like the luckiest person in the world on that day in March 2009.

Did you come up against any challenges to get where you are today?

I faced several challenges in moving from a large, multinational law firm to a small NGO. The most difficult was realizing that there is conservative legal advice on the one hand, and the business objectives on the other. I had to learn how to balance the two so that I wasn’t saying “no” all the time! I have come to really enjoy untangling complex problems and finding pragmatic solutions.

What do you care about or get excited about?

I have had the privilege of visiting two Gold Standard projects over the last 6 years. It is incredibly motivating to talk to the local stakeholders on the ground who feel empowered by our process and whose lives are materially changed as a result of the project. Those conversations are priceless.

“Women often have a different perspective and approach than their male counterparts. It is important to have women leaders to provide this balance.”

Why are women important?

Women often have a different perspective and approach than their male counterparts. It is important to have women leaders to provide this balance.

Any additional words of advice?

Not really advice, but I do feel lucky to work at an organization with such great gender and cultural diversity. Not only does this improve the organization, it has also been enriching for me as a person.

SHIRLEY SHEN

What do you do for Gold Standard?

Regional Manager of China and East Asia.

How did you get into this line of work?

I was inspired by one of my professors when he had a class on climate change back in 2006. From then, I decided that working in climate change was where I wanted to be. I applied for my first internship in this field…and so here I am today.

What makes you feel good?

When our projects reach registration or issuance – it’s the most exciting moments for me, it’s like your own baby.

Why are women important?

Men and women are equally important, but I think women face more difficulties in terms of getting the right work-life balance. It makes it even more valuable for woman to stay on the stage.

Any additional words of advice?

I think for next year we should ask our male colleagues for their thoughts :)

ELLEN MAY REYNES

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I take care of the needs of high-value high-impact project developers. I also work on business development and stakeholder engagement and I’m currently learning more and more about our Land Use & Forest Framework.

How did you get into this line of work?

I remember when I was 10 years old and I saw a CFC-Ozone information poster that my dad brought home from work. I was really fascinated by it. Growing up, I became much more aware about sustainable development and even memorised the Millennium Development Goals relevant for my country.

Back in 2006, I was with a biogas and renewable energy developer in the Philippines when Gold Standard came and hosted two workshops. I was inspired and a few years later, I joined Gold Standard as the South East Asia Regional Manager. Six years later, I am still championing our principles.

What do you care about?

I care about conscious action and conscientious consumerism. Nature must be able to nourish itself back before human kind gets more out. We don’t really need a lot to survive and be comfortable, this translates to minimalism in all aspects of life. I also care about endangered species, informed and environment-friendly tourism, buying local, and not introducing too much synthetic chemicals into the environment in our day-to-day lives (I want to say organic but I can’t really impose organic product use for practical reasons).

I care about conscious action and conscientious consumerism.

Why are women important?

Women are generally more nurturing, fluid, and have a welcoming aura. There are instances when project beneficiaries are more open to speak out to a woman facilitator, and there are situations when women project managers or auditors, or evaluators have an easier time empathising or understanding the nuances in the baseline and project situation.

SARAH LEUGERS

What do you do for Gold Standard?

My title is Marketing and Communications Manager. But what I do is tell the Gold Standard story to as many people as possible so that we may turn our vision into a reality.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’ve been a word nerd since childhood. But I arrived at Gold Standard by means of simultaneous life changes — both geographical and philosophical. Family changes brought me to Geneva from the United States, where I had spent most of my career in branding and advertising. This physical move was an opportunity to reflect on the path I wanted to pursue. The experience I’d gained by working in an agency—strategy, agility, and creativity—were tools I could apply almost anywhere. Taking an ‘interior inventory’ told me that I wanted to put those tools to work for a greater good. I was fortunate to connect with Gold Standard at that time. So a general interest in sustainability, merely that of an engaged citizen of the world, became a career. A chance to contribute something meaningful beyond selling a product or service.

Did you come up against any challenges to get where you are today?

I was set up for success by my parents and the education they provided me. My only real challenges were of my own creation. My approach to overcome these was to say ‘yes’ to opportunities that cross my path and to do any job, big or small, as best I can.

What do you get excited about?

I get excited about things done well. Because excellence is inspiring! In my field, that means making someone care. This requires clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. The work everyone at Gold Standard does is excellent, it’s inspiring, and the organisation is poised to make an even bigger impact than ever. I have the lucky task of communicating this to the world. It’s requiring a lot of work behind the scenes at the moment, but our story is only going to get brighter and more compelling. Stay tuned…

“Why are men important? Women are important for the same reasons – we’re all humans who deserve equal opportunities and respect.”

Why are women important?

Why are men important? Women are important for the same reasons – we’re all humans who deserve equal opportunities and respect. But because women are marginalised in some industries and cultures, it’s worth looking at some statistics that demonstrate the importance – and the VALUE – of levelling the playing field. Just from a recent W+ white paper: The World Bank announced that addressing gender inequalities leads to economic growth and is ‘smart economics’. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showed that women’s access to decision-making and assets leads to 20-30 percent increases in agricultural productivity. Goldman Sachs’ analysis of the Japanese economy indicated that closing the gender gap in employment and focusing on gender diversity could help companies and the country itself significantly boosts the economy. And US Fortune 500 companies with the highest representation of women on their Boards (19 to 44 percent women) were found to enjoy 16 percent higher net income as a percentage of revenue than companies with no women on their Boards.

That’s just data. Exclude us at your peril.

Any additional words of advice?

Be honest. Stay curious. Get inspired. And have fun.

SUBUDDHI BANTHIA

What do you do for Gold Standard?

My major contribution to Gold Standard is through the technical team. I head up our micro-scale programme, which is of huge importance to our organisation. These smaller projects – which in the past have been deemed unviable – are the ones that generally have the biggest impact to local communities. Our programme reduces the barriers for such projects, enabling successful implementation and the delivery of life-changing benefits to those that need it the most.

How did you get into this line of work?

I have always had an interest in climate and the environment and it was this interest which led me to do my Masters in the environmental sector and subsequently brought me to this industry and to Gold Standard.

What do you care about?

I believe that as individuals each one of us must contribute back to the society in whatever way possible and help nurture a better society. Working in the climate sciences sector not only ensures that you grow academically but, the sustainability quotient attached here gives a sense of fulfillment and motivates further.

LINDSEY CHEW

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I just recently began working as a Communications & Marketing Intern at the Gold Standard Geneva office. I help to further build the profile and brand of Gold Standard by producing feature stories and media materials for the website/newsletter, analyzing industry trends and contributing to social media.

How did you get into this line of work?

I’m currently a junior studying abroad with Boston University’s Geneva Public Health Internship program and excited for the opportunity to contribute to Gold Standard’s environmental and sustainable development progress. I have long been an advocate for sustainability, establishing an environmental club in high school and coordinating student outreach and events as a sustainability@BU Intern in college. From this internship experience, I hope to learn more about the direct health benefits of sustainable development projects funded through climate finance.

Did you come up against any challenges to get where you are today?

One of the greatest personal challenges I’ve faced is the fear of failure upon trying something new. It’s a common struggle for many of us, but I’ve realized with time and experience that branching out of our comfort zones is the only way to grow, and the only failure is if we don’t try in the first place.

What do you care about?

I love people and nature! Many of my favorite memories growing up are from hiking, biking, gardening and exploring the outdoors with family and friends. The sense of curiosity and freedom I gained from these experiences empowered me to advocate for the foundation of our well-being, the environment. Everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy place – it’s necessary that we protect this right for future generations in any way we can.

“The most influential role models in my life – my mother, mentors, and friends – are women whose leadership has inspired the confidence and motivation I carry with me everyday. ”

Any additional words of advice?

The most influential role models in my life – my mother, mentors, and friends – are women whose leadership has inspired the confidence and motivation I carry with me everyday. Without their invaluable guidance and support, I wouldn’t be here helping to make a difference in the lives of others and our environment.

I am glad that half of our Secretariat are women who do great work on behalf of Gold Standard. I think that every organization needs diverse leadership reflecting the true make-up of society – sustaining equal rates of progress for everyone is the only way to achieve true success.

DEEPIKA PROOTHI

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I work as an Information Assistant to The Gold Standard Foundation, which includes working behind the scenes on our registry and answering any registry related questions.

How did you get into this line of work?

Since doing my Masters in Business Administration, I’ve been looking for an organization where I can put my theoretical knowledge to good use. Gold Standard is the best place for this; I am able to provide my services to an organization that is making a difference in the world.

Did you come up against any challenges to get where you are today?

Yes, challenges are always there…there were challenges through my higher studies, but my most recent challenge is with working. Here, in India, people still think that a girl should get married immediately after she completes her higher education. I overcame these challenges by taking a lead and a stand. I said that I would not go and live a life like a traditional Indian housewife. I made my parents understand that going for higher studies and then for a job will make me more independent and I want to learn from a world outside my house.

What do you get excited about or makes you feel good?

Travelling and exploring new locations makes me excited and feel good. If I’ve learnt a new thing or have helped someone – I know that I have utilized my day in a proper way. Also shopping makes me feel happy and I love reading novels so whenever I’ve got time I spend it reading books.

Why are women important?

Women, women and women play a vital role in life. From baby girl to teenage girl to spouse to mother… women will come up against many different challenges. In the today’s scenario, I believe that women should be given equal opportunity to men as we are just as gifted. Women are superb…

“It’s not so easy to be a woman, and at all states we are faced with new challenges, we constantly have to play different roles and deal with different expectations of us – but we do it and we do it well.”

Any additional words of advice?

On this great event, I would like to take an opportunity to congratulate all the women in the world. It is not so easy to be a women, and at all stages we are faced with new challenges, we constantly have to play different roles, and deal with different expectations of us, but we do it, and we do it well…

ANNYTA LUO

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I work as a Technical Expert and I’m the focal contact for Gold Standard projects located in South East Asia. I take part in the further development of our rules and procedures and the review and development of new Gold Standard methodologies for the voluntary market.

I also contribute to the quality assurance process with the review of project activities submitted to the Gold Standard for certification – for example, pre-feasibility assessments, internal validations, registration reviews and verification reviews. I am involved in capacity building activities, requiring interactions with project developers, NGOs and accredited auditors.

How did you get into this line of work?

In 2005, I co-founded a CDM consultant company with my friend. That was the start of my low carbon career.

Why are women important?

Women are irreplaceable for the world. We can get pregnant and give birth to a baby. Men cannot. :-)

CLAIRE WILLERS

What do you do for Gold Standard?

I work in Marketing & Communications. Through good communication, I try and do justice to the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes at Gold Standard.

How did you get into this line of work?

When I was growing up I always thought I’d follow my father’s footsteps and become an engineer. I studied science and maths, but I also studied literature. The words, the stories and the way they made me feel – I loved it! I ended up working in marketing and communications but always for organisations or clients that had an engineering or technical background. Technical innovations are incredible – it’s why the world is where it is today and it’s part of the reason why our projects can do what they do – but taking that technical element and trying to explain it in simple terms is no easy task. My background goes a long way in helping me try and do just that.

How I ended up in environmental markets is a slightly different story. I grew up in Cornwall in a ‘good life’ type scenario – we grew our own veggies, the local farm gave us our meat. So I’ve always been quite conscious about the environment and sustainability. However, I was lucky enough to spend time volunteering in South America. As part of this experience, I lived with a tribe in the Amazon, it was this and seeing for myself the struggles and the worries they have about land rights, oil, logging and the effect that this was having on the environment, that made me want to do more for this issue and our planet. Fast-forward seven years and I’m working for Gold Standard, doing the most amazing work everyday.

Did you come up against any challenges to get where you are today?

Everyone faces challenges in life…it’s what makes you better and stronger. I studied engineering in Italy, which, at the time, was a real male dominated world where women weren’t really taken seriously. You had to work doubly hard to get the same result. I still sometimes get that today, but I’m not sure if that’s because I’m a woman or because I still look quite young. It can be frustrating, but as I say challenges make you stronger!

What do you care about?

I care about a lot of things. I care about people…my family and friends are foremost – they are my rocks! – but I care about everyone, it was one of my reasons for joining Gold Standard. I also love the outdoors – always have and always will…we live in a beautiful world that’s why we need to protect it!

“Men and women, ying and yang, we need each other. One can’t survive without the other. It’s just about making sure that this is equal and that the world knows and respects this.”

Why are women important?

Men and women, ying and yang, we need each other. One can’t survive without the other. It’s just about making sure that this is equal and that the world knows and respects this.

Any additional words of advice?

Stay strong and stay smiling!!!