Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Max Binder]

Nice work, Maggie. That was a heck of a fill-in.

Welcome, Valerie! :-D

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:19 PM camelia boban 
wrote:

> Congratulations both and welcome Valerie. Wish you a wonderful work with
> the Wikimedians community.
>
> Camelia,
> on behalf of WikiDonne UG and AffCom
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 8:32 PM Philippe Beaudette  wrote:
>
> > Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and
> Maggie...
> > Take a break now. Good job.
> >
> > Philippe
> >
> > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis  wrote:
> >
> > > Hello, all.
> > >
> > > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hi everyone,
> > > >
> > > > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the
> > final
> > > > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1]
> > Today, I
> > > > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to
> > the
> > > > role.
> > >
> > > 
> > >
> > > I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> > > enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and
> > also
> > > to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the
> search
> > > panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an
> > interesting
> > > and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> > > different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed
> my
> > > first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced
> approach
> > to
> > > community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for
> the
> > > opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who
> haven’t
> > > yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
> > >
> > > Best,
> > >
> > > Maggie
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Maggie Dennis
> > > Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> > > Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> > > ___
> > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > 
> > ___
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> > 
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Isaac Olatunde]

Congratulations to Valerie and of course many thanks to Maggie for all the
good work.

Regards,

Isaac

On Dec 11, 2018 8:32 PM, "Philippe Beaudette"  wrote:

> Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and Maggie...
> Take a break now. Good job.
>
> Philippe
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis 
> > Hello, all.
> >
> > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi everyone,
> > >
> > > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the
> final
> > > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1]
> Today, I
> > > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to
> the
> > > role.
> >
> > 
> >
> > I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> > enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and
> also
> > to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the search
> > panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an
> interesting
> > and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> > different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed my
> > first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced approach
> to
> > community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for the
> > opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who haven’t
> > yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Maggie
> >
> >
> > --
> > Maggie Dennis
> > Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> > Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Kate Zimmerman]

Welcome, Valerie! I'm thrilled you're joining us and looking forward to
working with & learning from you!

Warm regards,
Kate

--

Kate Zimmerman (she/they)
Head of Product Analytics
Wikimedia Foundation


On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 10:32 AM Katherine Maher 
wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the final
> stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1] Today, I
> am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to the
> role. Born and raised a citizen of Singapore, Valerie speaks fluent Malay
> and Indonesian, in addition to English. She will join the Foundation
> starting January 22, 2019, working remotely from Washington, DC.
>
> Valerie joins us after a decade at the World Bank Group, where she was
> charged with leading international initiatives to support communities of
> entrepreneurs in emerging markets around the world. Most recently, she led
> the Bank’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, where she helped female
> entrepreneurs and women-led businesses in developing countries grow and
> gain access to new market opportunities. Previously, she was the program
> director of infoDev, a Bank program that supported innovation hubs and
> technology incubators for entrepreneurs in developing countries. Prior to
> the World Bank, Valerie spent 15 years working with the government of
> Singapore on issues of international information and communications
> technology (ICT) policy and trade.
>
> Valerie has worked her whole career in the intersection between technology
> and improving people's lives around the world. She brings a deep
> understanding of the importance of local ownership, collaboration and
> communication, and program sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of
> collaboration with local communities in designing programs and approaches,
> believing that local voices represent the best understanding of their own
> needs.
>
> We were looking for someone with a global perspective, international
> experience, fluency in technology, and a deep empathy for community. We
> wanted a diplomat: Valerie has struck the fine balance between being an
> advocate for the people and communicating their needs to governments and
> partners. We hoped for an ambassador: Valerie brings with her years of
> experience in creating meaningful conversations with communities around the
> world on behalf of those who have been traditionally excluded from
> development planning. We found a dedicated leader who is keen to work in
> service to our community and who understands the uniquely global,
> multicultural nature of collaboration in our movement. Valerie knows that
> we can not attempt achieve our 2030 strategic direction unless we bring
> everyone along, and so she will be charged with building on our approach to
> community engagement, and ensuring that we meet our aspirations for our
> community growth, health, diversity, values, and program outcomes.
>
> This means that Maggie Dennis, our current Chief of Community Engagement,
> will now transition to her role as Vice President of Support & Services,
> having set a (reluctant) personal best and Foundation record as the
> longest-serving CCE! I truly love working with Maggie and am so glad she is
> staying close by in such a critical position. After nearly three years (!)
> of collaboration and cooperation, I’d like to once again express my deep
> appreciation for Maggie’s understanding, friendship, support and dedication
> as she patiently curated this essential role in our movement.
>
> I am truly excited as we embark on this new journey. We are deeply
> fortunate to now have two community leaders who are purpose-driven and
> inspirational on a number of levels. Please join me in congratulating both
> of these phenomenal women!
>
> Katherine
>
> [1]
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimedia-l/2018-October/091259.html
> --
> Katherine Maher
>
> Executive Director
> Wikimedia Foundation
> 1 Montgomery Street, Suite 1600
> San Francisco, CA 94104
>
> +1 (415) 839-6885 ext. 6635
> +1 (415) 712 4873
> kma...@wikimedia.org
> https://annual.wikimedia.org
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Eileen Hershenov]

Dear Maggie,

Your talent, commitment, creativity, unflagging energy and love of all
things Wikimedia, combined with your incredible sense of justice (and sense
of humor!) made you one of my north starts while working at WMF.  I have
seldom had the chance to work with someone I so like and admire.

Get some rest now!

xx,
Eileen

Eileen B. Hershenov
Of Counsel
Wikimedia Foundation
1 Montgomery Street, Suite 1600

San Francisco, CA 94104

Registered In-House Counsel, State Bar of CA
Licensed in NY State
ehershe...@wikimedia.org
(US) 415-483-6676

*NOTICE: This message may be confidential or legally privileged. If you
have received it by accident, please delete it and let us know about the
mistake. As an attorney for the Wikimedia Foundation and for legal/ethical
reasons, I cannot give legal advice to, or serve as a lawyer for, community
members, volunteers, or staff members in their personal capacity. For more
on what this means, please see our legal disclaimer
.*



On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 5:53 PM Samuel Klein  wrote:

> Superb.  Thank you Katherine, Maggie + all;  and a warm welcome, Valerie!
> :)
>
> MS: and ID: remain excellent areas for language outreach; we're privileged
> to have a strong community network there.
>
> SJ
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 4:19 PM camelia boban 
> wrote:
>
> > Congratulations both and welcome Valerie. Wish you a wonderful work with
> > the Wikimedians community.
> >
> > Camelia,
> > on behalf of WikiDonne UG and AffCom
> >
> > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 8:32 PM Philippe Beaudette  > wrote:
> >
> > > Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and
> > Maggie...
> > > Take a break now. Good job.
> > >
> > > Philippe
> > >
> > > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis  > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hello, all.
> > > >
> > > > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher <
> kma...@wikimedia.org>
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Hi everyone,
> > > > >
> > > > > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the
> > > final
> > > > > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1]
> > > Today, I
> > > > > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa
> to
> > > the
> > > > > role.
> > > >
> > > > 
> > > >
> > > > I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> > > > enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and
> > > also
> > > > to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the
> > search
> > > > panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an
> > > interesting
> > > > and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> > > > different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed
> > my
> > > > first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced
> > approach
> > > to
> > > > community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for
> > the
> > > > opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who
> > haven’t
> > > > yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
> > > >
> > > > Best,
> > > >
> > > > Maggie
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Maggie Dennis
> > > > Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> > > > Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> > > > ___
> > > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > > Unsubscribe:
> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > > 
> > > ___
> > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > 
> > ___
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> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
>
>
>
> --
> Samuel Klein  @metasj   w:user:sj  +1 617 529 4266
> ___
> Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> h

Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Samuel Klein]

Superb.  Thank you Katherine, Maggie + all;  and a warm welcome, Valerie!
:)

MS: and ID: remain excellent areas for language outreach; we're privileged
to have a strong community network there.

SJ

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 4:19 PM camelia boban 
wrote:

> Congratulations both and welcome Valerie. Wish you a wonderful work with
> the Wikimedians community.
>
> Camelia,
> on behalf of WikiDonne UG and AffCom
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 8:32 PM Philippe Beaudette  wrote:
>
> > Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and
> Maggie...
> > Take a break now. Good job.
> >
> > Philippe
> >
> > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis  wrote:
> >
> > > Hello, all.
> > >
> > > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hi everyone,
> > > >
> > > > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the
> > final
> > > > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1]
> > Today, I
> > > > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to
> > the
> > > > role.
> > >
> > > 
> > >
> > > I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> > > enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and
> > also
> > > to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the
> search
> > > panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an
> > interesting
> > > and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> > > different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed
> my
> > > first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced
> approach
> > to
> > > community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for
> the
> > > opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who
> haven’t
> > > yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
> > >
> > > Best,
> > >
> > > Maggie
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Maggie Dennis
> > > Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> > > Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> > > ___
> > > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > > 
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
> ___
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> 



-- 
Samuel Klein  @metasj   w:user:sj  +1 617 529 4266
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[camelia boban]

Congratulations both and welcome Valerie. Wish you a wonderful work with
the Wikimedians community.

Camelia,
on behalf of WikiDonne UG and AffCom

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 8:32 PM Philippe Beaudette  Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and Maggie...
> Take a break now. Good job.
>
> Philippe
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis 
> > Hello, all.
> >
> > On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
> > wrote:
> >
> > > Hi everyone,
> > >
> > > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the
> final
> > > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1]
> Today, I
> > > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to
> the
> > > role.
> >
> > 
> >
> > I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> > enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and
> also
> > to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the search
> > panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an
> interesting
> > and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> > different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed my
> > first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced approach
> to
> > community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for the
> > opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who haven’t
> > yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Maggie
> >
> >
> > --
> > Maggie Dennis
> > Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> > Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> > ___
> > Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at:
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines and
> > https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia-l
> > New messages to: Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
> > Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l,
> > 
> ___
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Philippe Beaudette]

Sounds like an amazing fit for the Wmf. Congrats to you all, and Maggie...
Take a break now. Good job.

Philippe

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018, 10:36 AM Maggie Dennis  Hello, all.
>
> On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
> wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the final
> > stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1] Today, I
> > am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to the
> > role.
>
> 
>
> I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
> enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and also
> to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the search
> panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an interesting
> and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
> different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed my
> first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced approach to
> community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for the
> opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who haven’t
> yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)
>
> Best,
>
> Maggie
>
>
> --
> Maggie Dennis
> Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
> Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
> ___
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Re: [Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Maggie Dennis]

Hello, all.

On Tue, Dec 11, 2018 at 1:32 PM Katherine Maher 
wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the final
> stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1] Today, I
> am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to the
> role.



I just wanted to follow up myself on Katherine’s note to voice my
enthusiastic and excited congratulations to Valerie on joining us and also
to congratulate *us* on being joined by Valerie. Being part of the search
panel looking for our next Chief of Community Engagement was an interesting
and illuminating experience; so many people with so many new...and
different...approaches. I was absolutely electrified when I completed my
first interview with Valerie, whose considerate and experienced approach to
community resonated with me immediately and deeply. I cannot wait for the
opportunity to work with her in her new role. To those of you who haven’t
yet: you’ll see what I mean when you meet her. :)

Best,

Maggie


-- 
Maggie Dennis
Chief of Community Engagement (for just a little while longer!)
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
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[Wikimedia-l] Announcement: Wikimedia's new Chief of Community Engagement

[Katherine Maher]

Hi everyone,

Just over a month ago, we let you know that we had the reached the final
stages of our search for a new Chief of Community Engagement.[1] Today, I
am thrilled to let you know that we have appointed Valerie D’Costa to the
role. Born and raised a citizen of Singapore, Valerie speaks fluent Malay
and Indonesian, in addition to English. She will join the Foundation
starting January 22, 2019, working remotely from Washington, DC.

Valerie joins us after a decade at the World Bank Group, where she was
charged with leading international initiatives to support communities of
entrepreneurs in emerging markets around the world. Most recently, she led
the Bank’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, where she helped female
entrepreneurs and women-led businesses in developing countries grow and
gain access to new market opportunities. Previously, she was the program
director of infoDev, a Bank program that supported innovation hubs and
technology incubators for entrepreneurs in developing countries. Prior to
the World Bank, Valerie spent 15 years working with the government of
Singapore on issues of international information and communications
technology (ICT) policy and trade.

Valerie has worked her whole career in the intersection between technology
and improving people's lives around the world. She brings a deep
understanding of the importance of local ownership, collaboration and
communication, and program sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of
collaboration with local communities in designing programs and approaches,
believing that local voices represent the best understanding of their own
needs.

We were looking for someone with a global perspective, international
experience, fluency in technology, and a deep empathy for community. We
wanted a diplomat: Valerie has struck the fine balance between being an
advocate for the people and communicating their needs to governments and
partners. We hoped for an ambassador: Valerie brings with her years of
experience in creating meaningful conversations with communities around the
world on behalf of those who have been traditionally excluded from
development planning. We found a dedicated leader who is keen to work in
service to our community and who understands the uniquely global,
multicultural nature of collaboration in our movement. Valerie knows that
we can not attempt achieve our 2030 strategic direction unless we bring
everyone along, and so she will be charged with building on our approach to
community engagement, and ensuring that we meet our aspirations for our
community growth, health, diversity, values, and program outcomes.

This means that Maggie Dennis, our current Chief of Community Engagement,
will now transition to her role as Vice President of Support & Services,
having set a (reluctant) personal best and Foundation record as the
longest-serving CCE! I truly love working with Maggie and am so glad she is
staying close by in such a critical position. After nearly three years (!)
of collaboration and cooperation, I’d like to once again express my deep
appreciation for Maggie’s understanding, friendship, support and dedication
as she patiently curated this essential role in our movement.

I am truly excited as we embark on this new journey. We are deeply
fortunate to now have two community leaders who are purpose-driven and
inspirational on a number of levels. Please join me in congratulating both
of these phenomenal women!

Katherine

[1]
https://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimedia-l/2018-October/091259.html
-- 
Katherine Maher

Executive Director
Wikimedia Foundation
1 Montgomery Street, Suite 1600
San Francisco, CA 94104

+1 (415) 839-6885 ext. 6635
+1 (415) 712 4873
kma...@wikimedia.org
https://annual.wikimedia.org
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