Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander Joins Mellon Foundation Board of Trustees

A demonstrated strategist and leader across continents and sectors spanning higher education, reproductive rights, gender justice, economic inclusion, technology and information access, Iskander brings with her a wealth of global leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

“Maryana’s leadership in the non-profit sector has been distinguished by her dedication to building a world where knowledge and opportunity are broadly available,” said Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander. “Her bold visions and distinctive work in youth empowerment, women's health, higher education, and public knowledge sharing – all animated by a deep commitment to social justice – will help further fuel Mellon’s mission and organizational excellence as we welcome her to our Board.”

"The dynamic perspective and expertise Maryana brings to her work align seamlessly with the values and strategic trajectory of the Mellon Foundation," said Mellon Foundation Board Chair Kathryn A. Hall. "With her experience advancing equity across industries and sectors, Maryana is a powerful addition to our Board as we continue to support and strengthen Mellon’s resources and institutional effectiveness.”

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, which hosts Wikipedia, Iskander has spearheaded initiatives aimed at democratizing access to knowledge and information worldwide. Her leadership has been instrumental in furthering Wikipedia's mission as a global platform for collaborative knowledge sharing, empowering billions of people to contribute to and benefit from the world's largest encyclopedia.

“I deeply appreciate the Mellon Foundation’s focus on how the humanities can benefit our everyday lives,” said Maryana Iskander. “Aligned to this mission, I have dedicated my career to breaking down systemic barriers and providing access to opportunity across sectors, issues, and geographies. My current role supporting the volunteers who create Wikipedia, one of the world’s most visited and most trusted websites, reinforces how good technology can be a powerful force for building community and benefiting society.”

Prior to her tenure at the Wikimedia Foundation, Iskander spent ten years as the CEO of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, a non-profit social enterprise focused on developing African solutions to address the global crisis of youth unemployment. Under her leadership, Harambee received the prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2019 for its innovative model, which provided millions of South African youth with access to learning and earning opportunities.

Additionally, Iskander served for more than half a decade as the Chief Operating Officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She also held roles as the Advisor to the President of Rice University, an associate at the global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, and a law clerk on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Iskander holds a B.A. magna cum laude from Rice University, an M.Sc. from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and a J.D. from Yale Law School, where she received a Distinguished Alumna Award. Iskander is also a Truman Scholar, a Henry Crown Fellow, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

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The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty and empowerment that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and guided by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.