After a recruitment period in which we met many truly outstanding women, we’re absolutely delighted to announce that the next Chair of the Board of Trustees for GFS has been chosen.
Our new Chair, Rita Sebestyen, comes to GFS with an impressive range of skills and experience that will help propel us into 2025, our 150th year, with a sense of focus and purpose.
Rita’s approach is evidence-based and looks at everything through an intersectional lens, aligning well with GFS values and the way we work. She comes to GFS with considerable experience leading successful complex projects, along with her personal experiences.
Rita has spent 15 years working on social inclusion in Eastern Europe, and five years in Denmark leading an EU inclusion project. She has also has experience supporting children through her direct work with refugee children and in teaching.
Rita said:
“Thank you for the kind welcome. I am eager to collaborate with Laura and the whole team to create safe environments where everyone, especially those from underserved communities, feels heard and valued. Our aim is to actively listen, foster connections, and establish inclusive spaces to experience the GFS vision of a world where girls and young women are free to be themselves and feel proud of who they are is a reality.”
While we are tremendously sad to say goodbye to our current chair, Deeps Dhanoa, who is stepping down from her post for personal reasons, we’re so happy we had the chance to work together. Her time with GFS as brought a sense of cohesion and collaboration to the governance and leadership teams for which we will be eternally grateful.
Deeps said:
“I welcome Rita to the role of Chair and feel confident that the Board and Leadership Team will make her feel welcome and support her leadership into the future.”
Rita will take over as Chair from Deeps in March. The team at GFS are looking forward to meeting Rita and stepping into the next chapter of GFS history with her as our Chair.
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