filia Foundation Board

According to its statutes, the foundation board is to be (re)elected every three years. A search committee looks for suitable women and invites them to apply for vacant seats on the foundation board. Re-election is only permitted twice in total.

The women of the foundation board work on a voluntary basis and determine the policy and strategy of filia and decide twice a year on the allocation of grants. They are supported in this by working groups: the Advisory Board for Refugee Women* and filia’s Girls’ Advisory Board.

Born in Radebeul (East Germany)
Studied education in Moscow (Russia); doctorate in developmental psychology (Halle and Berlin); Freelance for 28 years, including 15 years as an intercultural trainer specializing in the CIS; since 2020, organizational developer in science, healthcare, and business; since 2013, supervisory board member at a renewable energy company
Focus areas: regeneration, sustainable management, leadership development, promoting women; lives with her wife in a housing project in northern Hamburg

For me, filia is an internationally active community of women and girls that has been sharing the vision of a just world for all living beings for 24 years. In light of the fierce attacks on the achievements of the feminist movement, the war in Ukraine, and the growing ecological crises, we must become more visible and effective. A livable future on this planet is only possible if we become even more involved in the processes of socio-ecological transformation. I am happy to commit myself to another three years on the filia Foundation Board to achieve this.

Born in Westallgäu
Studied English, German, and history in Heidelberg and Madison, Wisconsin, USA, and studied photo design in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, and Munich; long-standing feminist activist; co-founder and honorary chairwoman of LesMamas e.V. (lesbian and queer women with children and who want children); Co-founder of the Federal Interest Group for Rainbow Family Professionals; lives and works in Munich

I have known filia since its founding—and am thrilled with how it has developed and professionalized over the years. We are living in increasingly difficult times, which makes it all the more important to commit to a livable present and future for women, girls, and LBTIQ+ people. The organizations I have been involved with over the past years/decades have successfully passed the baton and undergone a generational change, so it seems appropriate to broaden my focus and no longer limit my support for filia to financial contributions.

Born in Cologne
Studied Chinese Studies, Sociology and Gender Studies in Hamburg, Beijing and Bristol with a focus on gender, migration and intersectionality. Since 2021 project officer for the decolonization of Hamburg at the Ministry of Culture and Media. From 2018 to 2021 curator for special projects and diversity at the Museum am Rothenbaum. Most recently curated the exhibition “Hey Hamburg, do you know Duala Manga Bell?”.

filia is undergoing change after more than 20 years. I would like to help it continue to develop its potential as Germany’s largest foundation with a clear focus on self-organization, empowerment and anti-discrimination in the next 20 years. With my knowledge, experience and expertise on institutional opening processes and diversity, I would like to accompany filia in this exciting phase and look forward to three years together – with a lot of humor and joy in all the ups and downs that change brings.

Born in Berlin
Lawyer (studied in Potsdam). Member and spokesperson of the filia girls’ advisory board since 2017, most recently also co-coordinator. Former member of the youth advisory board of the Kreuzberg Children’s Foundation

As a former member of the girls’ advisory board, I am very familiar with filia’s structures and mission statement. In a world often marked by inequality and discrimination, it is crucial that we work to promote empowerment and inclusion. I want to help support women who face the challenges of multiple discrimination. They are disadvantaged not only because of their gender, but also because of their origin, social status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
I bring experience in working with various committees and have a keen sense of how to conduct sensitive discussions on an equal footing and with mutual respect. I am ready to contribute my skills and commitment to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked.

Born in Hamburg
Studied in Development Policy and African Studies (BA, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London) and Tourism, Environment and Development Policy (Kings College, University of London). Seven years consultant for local economic development (GIZ) in South Africa (Eastern Cape), since 2016 with Lemonaid & Charitea e.V., meanwhile as board member. Volunteer founder of Community Kids, a parent-child initiative for Black people in Hamburg, freelance and volunteer author, trainer and speaker in anti-racism and empowerment work.

My involvement with filia is simply an expression of my belief that it is necessary to volunteer in order to bring about change in this world. It is also a way to share my own “time wealth” with society and especially with women*. I ask myself questions about power, who has it, who needs to give it up, and how it needs to be used to act a little more equitably. I admire the work that filia has been doing for many years and am honored to be able to accompany the organization in its own reflection. Most of all, I look forward to learning a lot from filia myself and getting a glimpse of the great work it does.

Born in Minsk (Belarus)
Studied philosophy and social and political sciences in Minsk and Bochum. Doctorate in Minsk. Teaching and research experience in Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany and USA. As well as activist and journalistic activity in Belarus. At the moment I live in exile.
Main topics: Political and feminist philosophy, philosophy of community, and justice.

In filia I am new. After the mass protests in Belarus in 2020, I want to have more to do not only with feminist philosophy, but also with feminist practice. Because the other women inspire me. And in the process I understand how much more we should do for gender equality. The additional task for me is to support the women who suffer from authoritarian repression, in the situation of migration and war. I am very happy to work on this in filia.