About Us

Meet Green Philly’s new team members!

We’re excited to continue to grow.

Green Philly has new faces on the team, and we want to introduce them to you. As we continue to connect people to sustainable solutions, we’re excited to expand our events and communications to help you find resources, organizations, and the people who are actually making a difference toward a more sustainable region. 

Melvin Powell – Events & Membership Manager

Melvin is the Events and Membership Manager for Green Philly. Melvin previously served as the Executive Director for two years and helped with the execution of over 200 community events. During this time, he co-founded Sync Production Group, a project management agency responsible for Black Soul Summer.

Lauren Belcher – Marketing & Social Media Manager

Lauren is the Marketing and Social Media Manager for Green Philly. Lauren resides in West Philly and is passionate about utilizing social media and marketing as an educational tool to connect people to our natural world. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters degree in Biology through the University of Miami. When she is not studying, Lauren loves to go on long walks with her dogs, pick up a different hobby monthly, and find new green spaces throughout Philadelphia.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Recent Posts

Here are the SustainPHL 2026 Award Recipients

Meet the latest changemakers to take home the awards At a time when sustainability is…

3 days ago

Vigil for Academy, Indigenous garden restoration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Activists hold march and vigil for Academy of…

7 days ago

Energy and restoration grants, bird migration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Temporary bike lane closer to permanent status. Councilmember…

2 weeks ago

Op-ed: Dinosaurs may be extinct. But the Academy of Natural Sciences doesn’t have to be.

The Academy of Natural Sciences survived for more than two centuries. Now, its future depends…

2 weeks ago

Washington Avenue Connector, trash pickup contest, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: New Washington Avenue Connector completed. The City of…

3 weeks ago

Meet 5 people building Philly’s green workforce

From a solar-powered shed in East Parkside to an orchard on State Road, these SustainPHL…

3 weeks ago