Rebecca Darling

Rebecca Darling is a globally recognized sustainability executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovative social performance initiatives for multinational organizations. Known for fostering trust-based relationships, Rebecca delivers strategies that integrate sustainable development, risk mitigation, and business transformation.

Most recently, Rebecca served as Group Head of Social Performance at Newmont Corporation, where she shaped enterprise-wide social performance strategies, including human rights, Indigenous affairs, artisanal and small scale mining and land access. Through her leadership, Rebecca championed efforts that aligned corporate goals with social risk and impact management. Her professional experience and leadership include prior roles at Barrick Gold, Rio Tinto, the International Finance Corp, and The Asia Foundation.

Before joining the private sector, Rebecca served as a Legislative Aide for the California State Assembly, where she crafted environmental policies, guided legislation through committees, and built coalitions among environmental leaders and community advocates. This experience is foundational in her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and shape impactful policy frameworks across global regions and industries.

As an educator and Visiting Scholar at Cornell University for nearly a decade, Rebecca designed and taught a graduate-level course on stakeholder engagement strategies, equipping future leaders with tools to advance sustainable development. She also served as Executive in Residence, mentoring students and sharing practical insights on integrating sustainability into business operations.

Personally, Rebecca is deeply committed to fostering community resilience and empowerment through hands-on leadership and volunteerism. Over the years, she has led initiatives in diverse global settings, from coordinating youth education programs in refugee camps to supporting entrepreneur development in underserved communities. 

Rebecca holds a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from California State University, Sacramento.