Sarah learned that persistence must be rooted not only in endurance but also in sustainability—knowing when to pause, adapt, and keep moving forward without compromising values.

Sarah Backstrand is currently pursuing a master of science in environment and sustainability at the University of Michigan, where she works to build more just and sustainable resource systems. On campus, she has taken action by co-founding the Campus E-Cycling Initiative and working with Trash Club to promote equity in circular economies. Both efforts reflect her commitment to turning sustainability goals into tangible change.

Sarah’s passion for advocacy was shaped during nearly five years at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), where she advanced programming on equitable energy transitions, anti-corruption in mineral supply chains, and critical mineral governance across 19 countries. Sarah played a central role in raising and managing more than $2 million in grant-funded projects while also leading the organization’s global DEI committee. These experiences taught her how to drive collaboration across teams and cultures while holding equity at the center of decision-making. Earlier, she worked with Bioversity International in Malaysia, focusing on issues of biodiversity and sustainable development.

While the work at NRGI was meaningful, it was also high-pressure and revealed the challenges of sustaining impact in demanding environments. Through this, Sarah learned that persistence must be rooted not only in endurance but also in sustainability—knowing when to pause, adapt, and keep moving forward without compromising values. That lesson continues to guide her as she builds a career at the intersection of research, advocacy, and policy.

Looking ahead, Sarah plans to pursue a PhD and continue shaping governance frameworks that safeguard human rights, labor protections, and equity in the global energy transition. As the world turns to mining to fuel climate goals, she is committed to ensuring these industries are held accountable to people and the planet alike.

CEW+ applauds Sarah’s commitment to a sustainable future and names her a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.