Luminate appoints three global leaders to its Board of Directors

Luminate today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors, all of whom bring extensive experience that will advance the foundation’s work to ensure that everyone – especially those who are underrepresented - has the information, rights, and power to influence the decisions that shape society.

The new Board members started their three-year terms this month and are as follows:

Latanya Mapp Frett is President and CEO of Global Fund for Women, a feminist fund providing flexible support to a diverse group of partners – more than 5,000 groups across 175 countries so far. Latanya has worked across multilateral, government, civil society, and grant-making organisations, in multiple geographies. She has many years of experience running large organisations and serving on international boards.  

Alessandra Orofino is an expert in mass communications and large-scale mobilisation, with vast experience in organising, mobilising, and film and TV production. She is the co-founder of NOSSAS, Brazil’s largest membership-driven campaigning organisation, where she was Executive Director for 12 years. She is also the showrunner of Greg News, a hit political satire show currently on its 7th consecutive season on HBO Latin America. She is an Obama Fellow, and in 2022, she received the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Innovation.

Theo Sowa served most recently as CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund, leading the organisation through a period of transformation, growth, and increase in reach, impact, and influence in Africa, parts of the Middle East, and globally. Born in Ghana, Theo has lived and worked in many countries in Africa, Europe, and North America. Her work currently focuses on philanthropic advocacy as well as advisory work with women’s rights, civil society, and philanthropic organisations.

“We’re delighted to welcome Latanya, Alessandra, and Theo to Luminate’s Board,” said Stephen King, CEO of Luminate. “Each of these leaders brings fresh perspectives and a diversity of experience that will make us more effective in enabling people to fully participate in civic and political life, to safely challenge power, to access accurate, trustworthy information, and to ensure technology works for, rather than against, society and democracy.”

Latanya, Alessandra, and Theo will serve alongside Luminate’s current Board members: Pat Christen, Board Chair and Managing Director of The Omidyar Group; Jeff Alvord, Managing Director of The Omidyar Group; and Stephen King, CEO of Luminate and ex officio Board member. 

“Latanya, Alessandra, and Theo are accomplished leaders in their fields with values and deep experience well aligned with Luminate’s mission,” said Pat Christen. “I know their expertise will enrich our Board's collective knowledge, enabling us to drive greater impact and advance our goals. I am thrilled to have them joining us and look forward to benefitting from their wisdom and experience.”