NEW YORK (April 28, 2009)

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

We are writing to formally announce that after serving for seven years on the WEDO Board of Directors—five of them as Chairperson—Srilatha Batliwala officially stepped down as Chairperson of the WEDO Board earlier this year.

We are grateful to Srilatha for her unwavering support of WEDO, particularly over the course of the last year as she steered WEDO through a successful transition in leadership that resulted in the appointment of WEDO Executive Director, Thanh Xuan Nguyen.

On behalf of both the WEDO Board and staff, it has been an honor and privilege to work with Srilatha. She is an extraordinary woman, who has pledged to remain a lifelong friend and supporter of WEDO. We wish her joy as she continues her life’s work of making the world a better place.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of WEDO’s new Board Chair Monique Essed-Fernandes as of April 1. Many of you have had the opportunity to get to know Monique during her tenure as WEDO’s interim Executive Director when she temporarily stepped down as Board Treasurer last year; a position she has held for eight years.

Monique has demonstrated tremendous leadership and commitment to WEDO’s mission, and we look forward to her continued contribution and guidance. We invite you to read Monique’s profile on our website to learn more about her exceptional achievements as a long-time advocate for women’s rights and empowerment worldwide.

We ask you to extend a fond farewell to Srilatha and to warmly welcome Monique to her new position as Board Chair.

With Warm Wishes,

Thanh Xuan Nguyen
WEDO Executive Director

Irene Dankelman
WEDO Vice-Chair