Hi all,
I wanted to share some news. I will be stepping down as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Wikimedia Foundation.
The past two years that I have served as COO have been a formative time in my life, both personally and professionally. My time at the Foundation has shaped me in many important ways, and I feel deeply connected to our shared global mission--there is so much to learn and there are endless possibilities to improve the world. Our movement is positioned on the cusp of a more diverse and equitable future and I am so proud of the part I had in that, and those of you I worked with to grow that vision.
I remain steadfast in my passion for sharing knowledge to any and everyone for free, and supporting those who’ve been left out of structures of power and privilege.
The weight of current US issues related to Black Lives Matter has had a life changing impact on me. I am compelled to use my leadership platform to address biases and injustices in technology. Closing the gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology within the US is a mountain that I want to have a greater impact in moving. After reflection on my strengths and contemplation of the action required to make change, I intend to find opportunities to focus solely on racial equity and technology in my next venture.
I’ve dedicated my career to breaking down barriers, particularly in technology, and you all gave me strength, stories and guidance on how to do that as part of this movement. I am grateful for the many moments we have shared, whether at community events from Wikimania in Sweden to Wikindaba in Abuja, or at online gatherings and on-wiki. I am not planning to travel far from this movement, and inviting more people to participate in our projects is a cause I will continue to champion. #WhoTellsYourStory will always be a part of my narrative.
My decision does not change the Foundation’s plans as we move into another fiscal year this July. With our ongoing search for a new CEO, we currently have a Transition Team in place to manage these changes, led by Amanda Keton, General Counsel, Jaime Villagomez, Chief Financial Officer, and Robyn Arville, Chief Talent and Culture Officer. Our new Executive Director will then be able to decide what they would like to do with the COO position.
I hope to see you all out in the world speaking on tech for good. We have a lot of work to do, but it’s worth it.
Janeen
