Ariela Blätter
The WIIS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has named Ariela Blätter as its new President and CEO effective July 1, 2021.
Pamela Aall, Chair of the Board of Directors said “the Board is thrilled to introduce a leader of Ariela’s caliber to lead and guide WIIS to new heights. Ariela has the qualifications and expertise to grow the organization into an even greater and more successful organization.”
Outgoing President, Chantal de Jonge Oudraat said “Ariela has broad expertise in the issues WIIS cares about: national and international security, gender, human rights and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She also has the strategic vision and leadership skills that will help WIIS to grow and be an active player in the policy debates.”
Ariela Blätter has more than 20 years of experience in the peace and security field as an international lawyer, grant maker, social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader. Her previous position was at the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, where she spearheaded new investments in civilian protection, and the Women Peace and Security agenda. She was a founding partner of Strategy for Humanity, and held senior management roles at Amnesty International USA, Citizens for Global Solutions and Refugees International. As a UN representative, she worked on the negotiations for the Arms Trade Treaty and the Rome Treaty. She holds a law degree from Trinity College (Dublin) and a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science. For a full bio see here
Blätter said, “Our global security challenges have never been more complex. But thanks to WIIS’s 35-year legacy, the case that women’s leadership and empowerment are vital ingredients to achieving future security and stability has never been more compelling.
I am honored to join WIIS and to embark on an exciting journey to grow and diversify its position as a global leader on the development of the gender and security agenda.”
Aall also noted how pleased she was that de Jonge Oudraat would remain engaged with the organization as a member of its Board of Directors. Under de Jonge Oudraat’s leadership, WIIS has expanded globally, increased policy engagement through research and roundtable discussions and played a principal role in promoting women’s achievements as well as highlighting the very serious obstacles that still block the professional advancement of women around the world.
