Clara Rowe, CEO Of Restor, Named Google.Org Leader To Watch

Today, Google.org announced that Clara Rowe, CEO of Restor, is one of seven “Leaders to Watch” from nonprofits around the world. Clara has more than a decade of experience in natural resource management, international development, and sustainable agriculture. This expertise in bridging the gap between global sustainability solutions and on-the-ground challenges has prepared her for the work she’s doing today as the CEO of Restor, a science-based open data platform that supports and connects restoration projects of all sizes around the world.

“I am honored to be recognized as one of Google.org’s nonprofit Leaders to Watch for 2022,” says Clara Rowe. “I have been working for nonprofits my whole career — in Mexico, Costa Rica, Cameroon, the U.S.A, and now in Switzerland. I feel very lucky to have been able to seek out and dedicate myself to the things I care about. But it can also be lonely and challenging. What Leaders to Watch is offering is such a gift: the recognition, the network, the mentorship, and the funding...it means a great deal.”  

Recognition for unique leadership

Each awardee will receive an unrestricted financial award of USD 30,000 for personal or professional development and mentorship from senior leaders at Google. The support and funding come at a critical time in global efforts to conserve and restore ecosystems and will support Restor’s mission to accelerate restoration that’s rooted in science and centered around people.“

Clara’s kind and approachable demeanor paired with her vision, persistence, and rigor make her leadership style unique,” says Gill Einhorn, Head, 1t.org at the World Economic Forum. “She is a beautiful example of an awakened spirit embodying trust and transparency not just in the product she is creating, but in her everyday interactions too.”

Rising changemakers

This year’s Leaders to Watch list recognizes rising changemakers from recent Google.org grantees who are striving to build a better future for everyone. Many are solving problems with innovative tech, while others are making the technology industry more accessible and inclusive. All seven leaders will be recognized on the Google Search page on February 22, 2022. 

“At a time when health, climate change, equity, and economic challenges are coming to a head it’s vital that we support and recognize the people leading the organizations that are tackling these challenges head on,” says Jacquelline Fuller, President, Google.org.  “In our eyes, these leaders represent the next generation of philanthropic innovation.”

Under Clara’s leadership, Restor has grown into an organization that connects more than 76,700 restoration and conservation sites globally. The growth of the community on the platform is reflected in Restor’s expanding core team, which has increased from two to 18 in under a year and is supported by 13 regional local leads across the world. Restor was founded by ETH Zurich’s Crowther Lab and developed in collaboration with Google.

Join the global restoration movement and use Restor to showcase your existing restoration and conservation work, learn about biodiversity in your own backyard, or find opportunities to volunteer and donate.