We’d like to announce that three new members joined the Orchid Project board of Trustees: Alice Feldwick, Carina Hirsch and Andreas Zielke. At the same time, Carolyn and Elisabeth stepped down from their positions and we would like to thank them for their unwavering commitment, and time and support of Orchid Project’s work and mission.
Carina joins the board with over 10 years of experience with UN agencies and international NGOs. She is currently the Head of Advocacy and Policy for the Margaret Pyke Trust. Carina advocates on the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Carina will be an excellent addition to the board with her passion for women’s rights, “I’ll never get tired of telling people why investing in women and girls’ health is so important. If we don’t do this, we’re never going to meet our SDGs.”
Andreas first came across the practice of FGM/C when he was in hospital and saw posters that were designed for surgeons supporting FGM/C survivors. From then on, Andreas knew he wanted to be part of the journey to end FGM/C. Andreas had already wanted to set up a philanthropic side to his business and this was a “lightning bolt moment”. From here, he knew he wanted to support Orchid Project. Andreas brings over 35 years of international management consultancy experience, including almost two decades as a Senior Partner with McKinsey & Company and more recently the running of his own business. He also helped to set up Orchid Project Germany.
Alice joins us from Shell where she is the Trade Commodity Finance Lead. She brings experience of working with numbers and understands the struggles of raising funds, especially following COVID and wants to bring her skills and connections to help Orchid Project tap into other sources of funding. Alice is already a Co-Chair on the governors board for her local school as she really enjoys giving back to the community and working with children. Alice wanted to build on this experience and work with another cause supporting children and young adults. “Being from Uganda I am very aware of FGM/C, I wasn’t aware it was still so common, even beyond high prevalence countries and when I learnt about the charity I felt immediately passionate about giving my support to this.”
We’re excited to have three new board members joining with such a diverse skillset and background which undoubtedly will help Orchid Project to further it’s mission to end FGM/C.
