ANNOUNCEMENT: MataHari Leadership Transition

August 14, 2012

Dear Community,

MataHari: Eye of the Day is writing to announce an important leadership transition within our organization.  Carol Gomez, MataHari Founder, has stepped down from her role as Executive Director. For the last several months Carol has been commuting between Boston and Los Angeles, but recently accepted a full time position in California working in trauma-informed therapy with immigrant children and families. Ten years ago Carol Gomez created MataHari as a gathering, organizing and support space for immigrants and communities of color and our allies. Her vision was that in solidarity, reflection, thoughtful and strategic action, as well as compassion for one another, we would realize a society that refuses to tolerate oppression and violence in our homes, workplaces and institutions. MataHari continues to work towards this vision. We will honor Carol for her leadership, social justice values and dedication to community empowerment, at MataHari's 10th anniversary event on December 15th, 2012.

We are also happy to announce that during this transition time, Monique Nguyen Belizario has stepped up into the role of Acting Director. Over the past 18 months, Monique has been overseeing MataHari's day-to-day operations and ensuring agency goals are met. She brings entrepreneurial and private sector experience with keen business acumen, and is skilled in serving the diverse communities who come to MataHari for support. At MataHari, Monique has demonstrated leadership through developing and continuing to build the Domestic Worker Organizing Program and strengthening MataHari's coalition work.  Her leadership and dedication has and will continue to be a tremendous asset to the organization through the transition process.

MataHari is in a good position as we move into next year, and we want to take this transition opportunity to gather community input and reflect as we set our strategic direction and plan for the organization's future.  A Transition Team consisting of staff and board members is working with Third Sector New England to facilitate the transition process, including Ramani Sripada, Sarath Suong, Monique Nguyen Belizario, Sandy Wright, Barbara Lomax and Meiver De La Cruz.

Starting in August, we are engaging in an assessment process where we will be reaching out to our constituents and key stakeholders to collect feedback. Your perspectives will help us to reflect on our progress, set our strategic direction, and plan for the leadership transition.  

If you have further questions or comments, please contact Transition Team Member, Ramani Sripada at (617) 834-6919.