Once again this year, AWoN’s Summit was the occasion of the renewal of the Board, with the election of four new members for a two-year term running until September 2027.
We warmly welcome Maura James, Mousumi Saikia, Rouddy Kimpioka and Tuija Samila, who are joining Zoé Balkrishnan, Alaaddin Uslu and Nejra Kadić Meškić, elected last year and entering the second part of their term. This new, diverse and enthusiastic Board will be chaired by Maria Kjellsdotter Rydinger and soon gather to set the priorities of the Network for the months to come, based on the General Assembly’s discussions in Poland.
Meet Rouddy!
‘My name is Rouddy Kimpioka, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am an entrepreneur, artist, activist, and humanitarian worker, as well as the founder and executive director of Rad Music International, a collective that uses music as a tool for healing, solidarity, and cultural exchange between refugees, locals, and internationals.’
A few words as new Board member
‘Since joining AWoN in 2021, I have been deeply inspired by its vision and community spirit. With my background in engineering and my own experiences of displacement, I have turned challenges into creative action, building spaces where people can meet across borders through art and storytelling.
I believe that while we may not change the whole world at once, we can change the communities around us if we work together with honesty and trust. Through AWoN, I am committed to fostering connection, resilience, and hope, because together, we can make a difference.’
Welcome and thank you, Rouddy!