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The Wikimedia Endowment is excited to introduce a new member to its Endowment Board with the appointment of Laura Duchâtelet, an important advocate for Wikimedia’s knowledge equity mission.
“Laura is a knowledgeable and passionate ambassador for the Wikimedia Endowment who brings strong facilitation skills to the board,” said Lisa Seitz Gruwell, President of the Wikimedia Endowment. “We are so fortunate that Laura has joined us.”
Laura Duchâtelet is a Belgian facilitator, philanthropist, and the owner of a small business that facilitates team building among professionals. She is a board member of Elex, leading their philanthropy committee. Laura studied Economics at the University of Antwerp, earning an undergraduate degree; she earned her Master’s degree at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Laura and her family have also been longtime financial supporters of the Wikimedia Foundation.
“I am incredibly excited to join Wikimedia’s mission of supporting accessible, equitable knowledge,” said Laura. The Wikimedia community encompasses thousands of volunteers worldwide who use their diverse viewpoints to help each other towards better insights and a more complete understanding of our world–and what a wonderful mission to be a part of!”
With Laura’s addition, the Endowment Board now has ten members who all serve as volunteers; Board members are appointed for three years and may serve up to three terms.
Laura was appointed during the February biannual Endowment Board Meeting hosted at the Sloan Foundation in New York City. In addition, the Board adopted a new investment policy and created an Audit Committee separate from the Finance Committee that had previously included audit responsibilities in its charter.
About the Wikimedia Endowment
Launched in 2016, the Wikimedia Endowment is a nonprofit charitable organization providing a permanent safekeeping fund to support the operations and activities of the Wikimedia projects in perpetuity. It aims to create a solid financial foundation for the future of the Wikimedia projects. As of December 31, 2023, the Wikimedia Endowment was valued at $130 million USD. Endowment Board members are selected based on active involvement in philanthropic endeavors, prior nonprofit board experience, fundraising and investment expertise, and a strong commitment to the Wikimedia Foundation’s mission. They serve as volunteers. The Wikimedia Endowment is a U.S.-based 501(c)3 charity (Tax ID: 87-3024488).
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