by Alexandra Garita
December 17 2020 Dear Prospera community, As we look back and reflect on what we have learned from navigating 2020’s agitated waters, it is clear that we are all in the same storm, steering different boats. Through this time, we continue to share a joint purpose to strengthen our feminist funding architecture, contribute to a vibrant, and more democratic feminist funding ecosystem, and examine our own feminist practices as we find sustainable ways of doing this together. Like oceans, I am learning that transitions embody constant movement and change. To flow requires trusting the process, deep listening and learning, and adapting to contexts with agility as we move through moments of uncertainty and discomfort. In this global pandemic, and in my first months as Executive Director of Prospera, we are called to re-imagine our feminist futures. Women’s funds are firmly rooted in, connected to, and finding innovative ways to continue to support movements on the forefront of gender, racial, and environmental justice. While we are inter-connected in an increasingly digital world, it is our shared feminist politics and multiple diversities that are critical to making these futures possible. Part of the magic in finding our “feminist home” within the Prospera network has to do with the unique experiences that women’s funds can share with one another as feminist funders, as well as the deep connections that we have and the relationships that we hold with each other. We have all been facing multiple forms of individual and collective stress, loss, grief, caring responsibilities, financial uncertainties, hostile governments, and many other factors that have made surviving this year incredibly challenging. As feminist funders, we have also shown up with a renewed sense of purpose, commitment, and connection – acutely demonstrated by the fact that Prospera’s members this year have given more grants than ever, have secured their own institutions further, and as a result have strengthened the network as a whole. We look forward to continuing building this together in 2021. Prospera’s Secretariat is ending 2020 with the beginning of a new chapter after Emilienne de León’s departure after 10 years of service. Emilienne built the foundation of the strong network, team, and Board we are today. I am excited to share with you some changes within our team. We have a new executive team in place with two wise and brilliant Deputy Directors: Amel Gorani and Ana Pecova. Both Amel and Ana will be reaching out to you all next year to introduce themselves and look forward to working together and getting to know you better. In addition, Fadekemi Akinfaderin will now become Director of Knowledge Management, recognizing her visionary work these last three years in consolidating Prospera’s Institutional Strengthening program. I am deeply grateful to all of Prospera’s team: Rebecca, Amany, Elda, Juana, Euge, Kika, Chhavi, Sofia, Gus and Katarzyna for working tirelessly this year and holding us all together. Their hard work, commitment, passion, laughter, and solidarity have been a source of inspiration throughout the year. Many of you have been asking if we are having a Biennial next year. The Board and Secretariat have decided that we will take all of 2021 to create a participatory and inclusive Strategic Planning process with and for the network. As such, we plan on completing this in early 2022 and to have our Biennial gathering in the spring/summer of 2022. Next year also marks Prospera INWF’s 20 year anniversary!!!! We will be planning a series of network-wide virtual celebrations and connection opportunities that we hope you will join. For now, all of us within the Secretariat wish you and yours much needed rest. With heartfelt gratitude for navigating these turbulent waters with us during this year,
Alexandra Garita
Executive Director Prospera INWF