Women in Localization Announces 2023 President and Board

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SUNNYVALE, California, USA, January 4, 2023. Women in Localization (W.L.), the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry, is proud to announce Carrie Fischer as the 2023 President of Women in Localization. Fischer will also continue to lead the organization’s Global Community Program.

Board changes include Olga Beregovaya serving as Vice President for 2023 while continuing to lead the Technology Program. Returning board members include W.L. Co-Founder Silvia Avary-Silveira (Treasurer), Jill Goldsberry (Global Partnerships and Events), Olga Blasco (Marketing), and Maria Kania (Global Sponsorship). 2021-2022 W.L. President Cecilia Maldonado will continue to serve on the Board, leading the Operations and Metrics Program. Michele Carlson will hand leadership of the Chapters and Global Growth Program to W.L. Co-Founder Anna Schlegel, W.L. Co-Founder Eva Klaudinyova will join the Advisory Board and Winnie Heh will join the Board to lead the Non-Profit Program and act as the organization’s Secretary.

Continuing in their roles on Women in Localization’s Advisory Board for 2023 are Duaine Pryor (Strategy and Organization), Allison McDougall (Volunteer Recognition), and Fabiano Cid (Gender Survey).

“I’m excited to give back to the organization that has given me so much by serving as President and continuing my role as the board sponsor for Global Community,” said Fischer. “I’ve been a part of this organization since it was first created in Silicon Valley. My W.L. colleagues have supported me, believed in me, pushed me up and forward, so the ability to serve is truly the highest honor.”

Outgoing President Cecilia Maldonado is thankful for her time leading the organization.

“Being President of W.L. was one of the biggest challenges and most rewarding experiences in my professional life,” Maldonado said. “Setting the vision for the team, creating a culture within the organization for success, and making sure people enjoyed their time volunteering was a huge learning experience for me. I couldn’t have done it without the support and respect of my fellow Board and Advisory Board members, especially the founders who have always been there for me.”

During Maldonado’s time as President, W.L. restructured for compliance and future growth. “I believe W.L.’s continued growth is thanks to the committed and experienced women volunteering and serving on the Board who really care about our organization,” Maldonado said.

As the organization prepares for 2023, Maldonado reflected on her leadership during her time as President of Women in Localization.

“I read this quote that was a game changer and continues to inspire me in everything I do: Leadership is about finding your unique blueprint and expressing it courageously, confidently, and vulnerably,” Maldonado said.

New President Fischer is excited about next year’s plans for W.L., which include a special milestone anniversary celebration.

“I can already see our potential for making great things happen in 2023. The board and I all share the same goal – to serve our members and volunteers the best way we can,” Fischer said. “I’m very grateful to Ceci for bringing organization and strategy to W.L. over the last two years because now I can focus on bringing the fun, which is one of my greatest strengths.”

In 2023 Women in Localization plans to offer mentorship tools, and educational and career development content from sponsors and partners.

“We want to celebrate our wins in 2023,” Fischer said. “Can you believe we will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary in 2023?! We couldn’t have done it without all of the love and support of our volunteers. As President, I look forward to embracing the challenges and the collaboration, which is part of any organization. I hope you will join me in celebrating our industry, our organization, and our future.”

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