Wikimedia Foundation elections/2025/Candidates/Ravan J Al-Taie
Ravan J Al-Taie (Ravan)
Ravan (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA • AE)
| Candidate details | 
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| Candidate video statement | ||
| Total word count for the whole application (required + optional questions) is 2500 words. | ||
| Have you read the minimum candidate requirements and verified you meet the minimum qualifications and the candidate eligibility requirements? | Yes | |
| Have you read the candidate guidelines and agree to abide by the guidelines? | Yes | |
| Required questions | ||
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| Why are you running for the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees? What would you contribute? What would you like to learn more about? | I’m running for the WMF BOT mainly because I care deeply about the future of our movement, and I believe it’s time for more voices from underrepresented communities to be part of shaping that future. Having been part of this movement since 2008, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and the triumphs, especially for contributors from the Global South. I want to bring that lived experience to the table and help ensure that decisions reflect the diversity of our global community.
Over the years, I’ve worked on the ground with editors, affiliates, and newcomers across the MENA region, helping them find their voice in a system that wasn’t always designed with them in mind. I’ve also been part of strategic and governance roles like the Movement Charter Drafting Committee and the Affiliations Committee, and I understand the importance of balancing vision with structure. I believe I can contribute a strong bridge between communities and governance, ensuring that policies and priorities stay connected to the realities of volunteers on the ground. Ultimately, I’m here because I believe in the power of collective knowledge, and in the people behind it. This movement changed my life. Now, I want to help make it even more inclusive, more equitable, and more resilient for the generations to come. | |
| Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, memberships in Wikimedia organizations or affiliates, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or participation with a Wikimedia movement ally organization). | My Wikimedia journey began in 2008 when I created my first article on Arabic Wikipedia, and I haven’t stopped since. Over the past 16 years, I’ve made more than 22,000 edits and created over 1,000 articles, with a strong focus on bridging content gaps in topics related to Iraqi culture, women’s biographies, and underrepresented communities. My goal has always been to make knowledge accessible, relevant, and reflective of the diversity in our region.
I was one of the early female admins in the Arabic community, and that experience deepened my understanding of both the challenges and opportunities our movement holds, especially in regions where contributing to free knowledge can be a courageous act. In 2015, I founded the Iraqi Wikimedians User Group, which gave me the opportunity to build and lead outreach efforts across Iraq. Through initiatives like Wiki Loves Monuments, I helped highlight our cultural heritage. I’ve conducted more than a dozen Wikipedia workshops and edit-a-thons across the MENA region. I’ve also had the honor of serving in various movement roles: I was a Board Governance Facilitator for MENA in 2021, a member of the Affiliations Committee (2020–2021), and part of the Movement Charter Drafting Committee. In 2024, I co-founded Wiki for She, a safe and empowering space for female contributors to Arabic Wikipedia, and Wiki for Minorities, which works to elevate content about Middle Eastern minority communities with cultural sensitivity and respect. | |
| From your perspective, what should the Wikimedia Foundation be prioritizing over the next 3-5 years, and why do you see these as the most important priorities? | The next few years are critical for shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready movement. I believe the Wikimedia Foundation should focus on three interconnected priorities: equity in participation, technological innovation rooted in community needs, and long-term sustainability.
First, equity in participation. Despite being a global movement, we still see significant disparities in who contributes, who gets heard, and whose knowledge is considered “notable”. The Foundation needs to continue supporting regional communities, not just through funding, but also by building local leadership, language-specific tools, and culturally relevant outreach. Second, technology must evolve hand-in-hand with the community. We’re in a time of rapid technological change, especially with AI and machine learning. The Foundation should focus on building tools that genuinely support contributors, not replace them. Finally, sustainability, both financial and human. We need to secure the future of free knowledge through diversified, ethical fundraising and transparent resource allocation. | |
| Please describe your experience with governing bodies of organizations (nonprofit or for-profit), mentioning the scope of your responsibilities, as well as the complexity of the organization (in terms of scale of operations, budget, number of people involved, or other meaningful measures) and the size of the board or body. | Throughout my journey in the Wikimedia movement, I’ve had the privilege of serving in several governance roles that helped me grow a deep understanding of how complex, community-centered organizations function.
One of my most formative experiences was as a member of the Affiliations Committee (2020–2021), which supports and approves user groups, chapters, and thematic organizations across the world. This role involved reviewing applications, assessing organizational capacity, ensuring alignment with Wikimedia values, and making recommendations that directly impacted the growth and legitimacy of affiliates. In 2021, I served as a Board Governance Facilitator for the MENA region, helping communities engage in conversations around Wikimedia Foundation Board elections. Currently, I serve on the Regional Funds Committee for the Middle East and North Africa, where we review and make recommendations on funding proposals that directly affect how local communities grow and sustain themselves. This committee operates at the intersection of movement strategy, financial governance, and regional expertise. | |
| Questions from the Community (required) | ||
| These questions were sourced from the community. These questions are required to consider your application complete. If this section is not complete by 23:59 AoE, July 8 (11:59 UTC, July 9), your application will not be considered. | ||
| How do you plan to ensure transparency and accountability in your decision-making processes as a member of the Board of Trustees? | I believe transparency starts with clear, honest communication, not just about what decisions are made, but why. If elected, I’ll prioritize sharing context and reasoning behind Board actions, especially when they impact communities.
I’ll also stay actively engaged with volunteers and affiliates, listening to concerns and feedback to ensure decisions reflect real community needs. For me, accountability means being open to dialogue, willing to adjust, and always remembering that this role is about service — not power. | |
| What will be the first new issue you would like to bring to the attention of the Board for discussion, and how would you approach it? | One of the first issues I’d like to raise is the need for stronger long-term support for emerging and underrepresented communities — not just through grants, but through infrastructure, capacity building, and leadership development.
Many communities in the Global South still face systemic barriers that limit their growth, despite their potential and commitment. I’d like the Board to explore how we can shift from short-term support to more sustainable, equity-focused strategies. | |
| How should decisions about trade-offs and prioritisation in Wikimedia technology or product areas be approached? Please explain what the trade-off is in your view. | To me, the key trade-off in Wikimedia technology is often between innovation and inclusion. We want to build exciting new tools and experiences, but we must also ensure that these developments don’t leave behind communities with limited resources, slower internet, or less technical.
It’s not just about choosing what’s most efficient, but what’s most meaningful for the long-term health of the movement. | |
| The number of Wikimedia affiliates has grown significantly over the past few years, but ensuring adequate resourcing can be a challenge. Given this, how might we rethink the movement ecosystem, including how affiliates are evaluated, engaged, and resourced? | As someone who founded an affiliate and worked closely with many others across regions, I’ve seen the passion, creativity, and dedication that local groups bring, even with limited resources.
To rethink the ecosystem, I believe we need a more context-aware and trust-based approach. Affiliates shouldn’t be evaluated solely by metrics like event counts or edit numbers, we should also value community impact, innovation, inclusion, and the challenges they face in their local environments. Finally, engagement is key. Affiliates need to feel heard and meaningfully involved in shaping the movement — not just as recipients of support, but as equal partners in governance and strategy. The strength of our movement lies in its diversity, and our systems should reflect that. | |
| As the Wikimedia Foundation's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position transitions, what qualities do you believe the incoming leader should embody, and how would these contribute to the advancement of the Wikimedia movement? | The next CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation will step into a unique role, one that requires not just executive leadership, but a deep understanding of the heart of this movement: its volunteers, communities, and values.
They should also be strategically bold yet community-rooted, someone who can navigate complex global challenges like misinformation, AI, and access to knowledge, while still prioritizing equity and inclusion. Lastly, they should be transparent and collaborative, ensuring that decision-making is clear, inclusive, and aligned with the movement’s long-term vision. A leader who builds bridges between staff, affiliates, and volunteers will help create the unity we need to thrive. | |
| Optional questions - Professional Experience, Skills and Education | ||
| These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information). | ||
| Please describe your professional career experience and relevance to board work. | With over 17 years of experience in the Energy industries, I’ve built a career that blends deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen. I’ve led cross-functional teams, managed high-impact projects, and consistently delivered results in challenging environments, both in Iraq and internationally.
At SLB (formerly Schlumberger), I work as a Reservoir Performance Wireline Account Manager, driving sales growth and client success across key markets. My role is not just about numbers, it’s about understanding complex client needs, identifying opportunities, and building lasting partnerships that fuel innovation and business expansion. Outside my core role, I’m passionate about open knowledge and community empowerment. I’ve initiated and led multiple knowledge-sharing projects, particularly focused on underrepresented communities and inclusive digital content. My entrepreneurial spirit has also led me to co-found startups and mentor early stage projects experiences that have sharpened my agility, creativity, and leadership. Whether in the field, the boardroom, or the digital sphere, I bring a mindset of curiosity, ownership, and long-term value creation. I’m always looking for ways to bridge industries, connect people, and contribute to purpose-driven growth. | |
| Please describe how you handled, or advised others on, a complex problem in an organization. How did you work with others to address the situation? What was the change that resulted from your efforts? | One situation that stands out was during my time supporting a Wikimedia affiliate in the MENA region. The group was facing internal conflict — misalignment on roles, communication breakdowns, and growing frustration among volunteers. It was impacting not only their ability to function but also the trust they had built with their community.
Rather than stepping in with quick solutions, I started by listening. I spoke to different members individually to understand their perspectives, concerns, and hopes. It became clear that the root of the problem wasn’t just about tasks or roles, it was about feeling heard, respected, and valued. Together, we co-designed a simple, clear internal structure with defined responsibilities, a shared calendar, and regular check-ins. I also encouraged them to adopt a more collaborative decision-making process that gave everyone a voice, not just the most active members. The change wasn’t immediate, but over time, communication improved, tensions eased, and the group regained momentum. What made the difference wasn’t just the structure we put in place — it was the sense of ownership and mutual respect that came from solving it. | |
| Please describe your educational background, including degrees, certificates, and courses of study finished, and their relevance to board work. | I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, which provided me with a solid foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving—skills I’ve applied extensively throughout my career.
In addition to my formal education, I have completed extensive professional trainings in management, sales, and technical skills across several countries, including the United States (OK & TX), the UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai), Norway (Stavanger), and France (Paris). These international experiences have broadened my perspective, enhanced my leadership abilities, and sharpened my capacity to work effectively across cultures and disciplines. These trainings have been invaluable in preparing me for board work, as they equipped me with skills in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication. More importantly, they taught me how to lead with empathy and adapt to complex, fast-changing environments—qualities that are essential for serving a diverse, global community like Wikimedia. | |
| Please add any relevant links describing your professional background, experience, profile (such as LinkedIn, staff page, etc.). | My LinkedIn Profile | |
| Optional questions - Leadership Experience | ||
| These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information). | ||
| Please describe ways in which you have helped to form a bridge between multiple communities (such as by working on projects outside your home wiki, or working on a collaboration between multiple affiliates). | I’ve always believed that building bridges between communities is vital to the strength and inclusivity of the Wikimedia movement. Early on, I helped to create the Kurdish Wikimedians User Group, which opened new pathways for Kurdish contributors to connect with the broader Wikimedia community and share their unique perspectives.
In my current work with Wiki for Minorities, I’ve been actively involved in enhancing content and fostering communication with various minority groups in the Middle East, including the Baháʼís, Yazidis, Druze, and many other ethnic and religious minorities. Right now, I’m supporting a significant project aimed at bridging the gap between Kurdish and Arabic communities. We’re working together to share resources and collaborate on enriching free knowledge across Wikipedia, Commons, and Wikidata. This project embodies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that I believe is essential to our movement’s future. Through these efforts, I’ve seen how connecting diverse communities not only improves the quality of our shared knowledge but also strengthens the sense of belonging and shared purpose across Wikimedia. | |
| Can you describe a policy, on wiki or off, that you helped to create or change? What did you learn from this experience? | One of the most meaningful policy projects I’ve been involved in was contributing to the creation of the Wikimedia Movement’s new proposed Charter as a member of the Movement Charter Drafting Committee (MCDC). This was a complex and deeply collaborative process aimed at shaping the future governance of our global movement in a way that’s more inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
Additionally, I contributed to discussions around the Wikimedia Code of Conduct, which sets the tone for respectful and welcoming behavior across our projects. This experience strengthened my belief that good governance relies on both structure and human connection — and that those of us who help shape policies carry a responsibility to be both thoughtful and inclusive. | |
| How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard? | Recently, I hosted a podcast featuring, for the first time ever, a member of the Baháʼí community. This was a meaningful step toward making their culture and experiences more visible to Wikipedians, especially since the Baháʼís are a minority facing various pressures in the region.
By giving them a platform to speak openly, I aimed to amplify their voices and encourage greater understanding and respect within the Wikimedia community. It’s not just about adding content — it’s about humanizing these communities, breaking down misconceptions, and creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. Empowering people means listening, providing tools, and most importantly, making space for their stories to be heard and valued. That podcast was a reminder to me of how impactful even one conversation can be in shifting perspectives and fostering empathy. | |
| Can you describe how you have demonstrated the ability to guide others in solving problems, adapting to change or achieving goals, particularly at a leadership or management level? | Throughout my work in the Wikimedia movement and my professional career, I’ve often found that leadership means guiding others with patience, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose. One example that stands out is when I helped an affiliate community navigate internal conflicts that threatened their progress. Instead of imposing solutions, I listened carefully to everyone’s concerns and helped them co-create a structure that clarified roles and improved communication. This collaborative approach helped the group adapt to their challenges and regain momentum toward their shared goals.
Whether in technical sales or Wikimedia community projects, I try to lead by example: staying calm during change, encouraging open dialogue, and always keeping the bigger mission in sight. This mindset helps teams move forward even when the path isn’t always clear. | |
| Optional questions - Strategic Thinking | ||
| These questions are optional. Responses will count towards the total word limit on your application. (Reminder: You will not have other opportunities to provide this information). | ||
| Please describe your experience participating in or leading an organization in planning for its future. How did your work contribute to picking the right path for the organization? | I have been fortunate to be involved in several strategic planning efforts within the Wikimedia movement that shaped how communities envision their future. For example, as a member of the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, I worked alongside a diverse group of volunteers to design a governance framework that would better serve our global community’s evolving needs. This process required listening to many perspectives and balancing long-term vision with practical realities.
My contribution was rooted in bridging gaps between different communities and advocating for inclusivity and transparency. By bringing voices from underrepresented regions into the conversation, I helped ensure that the resulting charter would not only guide the organization’s structure but also empower those communities to thrive. I believe my collaborative and empathetic approach helped the committee choose a path that reflects both the values and the diversity of the movement, laying a foundation for Wikimedia’s continued growth and resilience. | |
| Verification | Identity verification performed by Wikimedia Foundation staff and eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
Eligibility:  Verified
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Identification: Verified Verified by: – NahidSultan (WMF) (talk) 08:41, 3 July 2025 (UTC) | |