This year, as FRIDA turned thirteen, and we reflected on our growth and what it has meant for the ways in which FRIDA carries out its vision, we decided to begin a process of deep reflection and planning. As part of this intentional moment of pause and transformation, we also announced that Co-Executive Directors Majandra and Anahita had made the decision to transition out of FRIDA by the end of October 2023. We want to express our gratitude to Majandra and Anahita, for their care, love, commitment, and dedication as FRIDA’s Co-Executive directors, as well as their contributions and roles across different social movements.
Majandra has been engaged with FRIDA in myriad roles since 2016. She first worked with FRIDA as Young Feminist Fellow for Climate Justice and also supported the development of the current strategic plan. She joined the Board in 2017 and took on the role of Executive Director in 2019. As Co-Executive Director, she has anchored immense institutional strengthening and the development of new feminist policies and systems. Majandra has supported FRIDA to grow in a range of ways – a larger global team, more support and grants to activists and the resources to meet FRIDA’s growing budget. She held the space through the formation and stabilization of a new Board and led with full-bodied care through three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We see and acknowledge her loving engagement and meaningful contribution to FRIDA’s development and growth across all these years.
Anahita joined the FRIDA community in 2016 as a FRIDA grantee partner. In January 2022 they joined Majandra as Co-Executive Director. They stepped into this role at a deeply complex time organizationally, but have consistently approached their work with wisdom and honesty. Along with Majandra, Anahita has fed into a creative and supportive environment that encourages innovation through its feminist systems and organizational culture. Anahita played an instrumental role in building and feeding into a stronger and more cohesive management structure which will serve FRIDA well in this period of pause, reflection, intention and growth. They have led by example, bringing humor, thoughtfulness and centering care in their interactions and decision-making.
Leadership transitions serve as an opportunity for leaders and organizations to grow and embark on new journeys. They are essential for the well-being of movements and the sustainability of organizations. FRIDA wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to Anahita and Majandra not only for the love, care, consideration and compassion they have extended to us all in the months leading up to their transition, but for their consistent and unwavering dedication to young feminist activism and activists.
