The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience is thrilled to announce that Alissandra Cummins is the new Chair of our Board of Trustees. Director of the Museum and Historical Society of Barbados, Ms. Cummins is internationally recognized in matters concerning heritage, museum development and art. From 2004-2010, she served as President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) – the first woman and the first person from the Caribbean to do so – and represented Barbados as a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO from 2011-2013. In 2005, she was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit of Barbados in recognition of her services to the development of heritage and museums. Having served on our Board since 2017, Ms. Cummins has played an integral role in supporting the Coalition’s work on all levels, including as Vice Chair of the Board and member of the Women of Conscience Leadership Council, and we are honored that she will now serve in this new role.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to Doudou Diène, who has stepped down as Board Chair after over a decade of service. In that time, Mr. Diène was a stalwart supporter of the Coalition in countless ways, stewarding the deepening of practice and impact of our networks throughout the world and serving as a passionate spokesperson for the vital role that conscience and memory can play in fostering peace and a universal respect for human rights. We are immensely grateful for Mr. Diène’s long-standing commitment and service, and so pleased that he will remain an active member of the Board.

Finally, we would like to thank all of our dedicated Board members, many of whom, like Ms. Cummins, moved into new Board positions in March. They include Paulo Abrão, Vice Chair; W. Richard West, Treasurer; Bruce Rabb, Secretary; and (Waskam) Emelda Davis. Each of these members contributes in innumerable ways to the strengthening of the Coalition through their expertise, passion and commitment. We are deeply grateful to count on their leadership at this pivotal moment in the growth of the Coalition.