About UMI FUND

Steve worked at the Oak Foundation from 2015-19 as Campaigns Leader for the Environment Programme focused on strategy development and movement building in the climate and marine programs. Steve has led several international organizations including as Director of the Antarctic Ocean Alliance and Campaigns Director at Greenpeace Australia- Pacific. Steve was the founding chair of the the U.S. based Plastic Solutions Fund, has served on the board of 350.org/ Australia, the general assembly of Greenpeace China and the advisory board of Oceans 5.

Himali is a firm believer in the power of MEL to serve as a community, capacity and movement building tool. She has worked with grassroots organisations across Asia, Africa and Latin America to design, evaluate and develop more impactful strategies across child protection, youth rights and community development programmes over the past 8 years.

Jessica worked in office administration roles in London before going on to work in Switzerland and Peru. In Lima she joined Foro Ciudades Para la Vida, a sustainable urban development NGO whose work focuses on water resource management and urban innovations in the context of climate change. She continues to develop an interest in urban planning.

Kristie is a fundraising consultant and organizational strategists with a 15 year career in the international development sector. Having worked across a variety of philanthropic giving channels in more than 15 countries, she is committed to driving greater investments and resources to elevate the visibility and investments made to local organizations across the globe.

Kudzayi’s most excited about the ability to harness the power of storytelling and co-creation anchored in equity and justice to achieve breakthroughs. She joins UMI Fund from Greenpeace where she focused on building strategies for communications and creative partnerships as well as advocating for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in campaign design and delivery.

Marisa worked as a facilitator in the field of conflict transformation and equity, inclusion, and diversity while also leading a youth empowerment program for environmental educators. She has been an environmental educator in the Marin Headlands National Park for 15 years and a bilingual performer.

Robin worked across Greenpeace globally in the last 20 years with leadership roles in Greenpeace International’s forest campaign and as Greenpeace UK Programme Director. He supported projects in Indonesia and Congo and oversaw successful campaigns against new UK coal plants, Heathrow expansion, and Arctic Oil. Robin has worked in human rights, free speech and peace NGOs, in campaigns, media and fundraising.

Melissa is an experienced bilingual administrative specialist. She worked for 9 years in the US as an Interpreter, mostly helping immigrants. Then worked as an office manager for international law firms in Lima and London. Prior to joining UMIF, she worked for 3 years in Paris, for the World Organization for Animal Health. She strives to build a positive and collaborative team culture and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Coaching.

Aslihan worked as Head of Global Campaigns for WWF International before joining UMI Fund. She led several successful campaigns for WWF International including overseeing the post COVID-19 response focusing on One-Health. She empowered several national and regional offices to lead their own campaign and together to create a campaigning culture in the organisation. She has 15 years of experience in campaigning and public engagement on national, regional and international levels on a range of environmental issues including climate & energy, conservation and disarmament.

Reesha seeks to create a more beautiful and equitable world by cultivating connections to nature. She is a teacher, leadership coach, garden education manager, and artist. Reesha specialises in combining outdoor learning, team-building, and meaningful play outside. She is a Coro “Women In Leadership” cohort alumna, a certified Outdoor Educator through the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education, and an accredited Climate Change Teacher through the National Geographic Society. Reesha loves to grow, share, and learn about food as a medium for empowerment and celebration.

Email: reeshadkatcher@gmail.com LinkedIn: Reesha D. Katcher