Affiliations Committee/Candidates/2024/Serine Ben Brahim

Serine Ben Brahim (Serine Ben Brahim)

Serine Ben Brahim (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Preferred name	Serine Ben Brahim
What languages do you speak, and at what fluency level? (Please include your English proficiency.)	ar-N, arq-N, en-4
What region(s) of the world do you have experience with, and what kind of experience do you have? (“Experience” can mean you have lived or worked there or are currently living or working there; you’re familiar with the culture and language; etc.)	I have significant experience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Having lived and worked extensively in the UAE, I've had the privilege of interacting with diverse communities from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This immersion has provided me with invaluable insights into regional customs, traditions, and social nuances. Beyond my personal experiences, I've actively engaged in community initiatives, organizing events, workshops, and editathons across the UAE and GCC. This involvement has deepened my understanding of the region's unique challenges and opportunities, particularly in areas such as language, technology, and digital literacy.
What Wikimedia project(s) do you actively edit? And in what language(s)?	I am an active editor on Arabic Wikipedia, where I hold the Auto-Patrolled user right. I also to the English Wikipedia, Wikiquote and Wikimedia Commons.
What affiliate(s) are you actively involved with? In what capacity are you involved? Do you serve in a leadership role or have you in the past?	I am actively involved with the Wikimedians of UAE User Group, where I currently serve as the Director General. In this role, I lead the group's strategic direction, foster collaboration among members, and build partnerships with external organizations. I am passionate about promoting the Wikimedia movement in the UAE and making the region's rich cultural heritage accessible to the world.
Have you served on any committees (movement-related or otherwise)? And what was your role on the committee(s)?	Yes, I have served on the organizing committee for both WikiArabia 2022 and WikiArabia 2024. As the conference lead for WikiArabia 2024, I was responsible for curating the program in collaboration with the Conference Organizing Team (COT), forming the conference committee, overseeing overall arrangements, and managing the financial aspects of the event.
Please describe any experience you have with conflict resolution and/or consensus building.	I have experience in conflict resolution and consensus building within the Wikimedia UAE community. I prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can be shared openly and respectfully. I actively listen to all parties involved in a conflict, identify the root causes, and facilitate constructive dialogue to reach mutually agreeable solutions. By fostering a culture of understanding and cooperation, I strive to maintain harmony within the community.
In your ideal world, what does the affiliate model and ecosystem look like?	In my ideal Wikimedia affiliate ecosystem, I envision a vibrant network of empowered communities collaborating seamlessly to advance the mission of free knowledge. Affiliates would be supported by a flexible and inclusive model prioritizing capacity building, resource sharing, and equitable funding. Strong communication channels and transparent decision-making processes would ensure all affiliates, regardless of size or location, have a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the global Wikimedia movement. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can create a sustainable future for free knowledge.
In your ideal world, what are AffCom’s roles and responsibilities in relation to the movement and affiliates?	In my ideal world, AffCom would serve as a proactive and supportive partner for all Wikimedia affiliates. It would play a crucial role in: Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among affiliates, facilitating the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas. AffCom members could take on the role of ambassadors, actively promoting and supporting the work of new affiliates. This could involve introducing them to the Wikimedia movement, encouraging their involvement in various conferences and events, and providing guidance and mentorship. AffCom members could also support the formation of new affiliates in different regions by understanding the specific needs of individuals and communities. This could be achieved through interactions at regional conferences and other events. Representing the interests of affiliates at the Wikimedia Foundation, ensuring their voices are heard in global decision-making. Establishing clear guidelines and standards for affiliate recognition and support, promoting transparency and accountability. Mediating conflicts and providing guidance on best practices for governance and conflict resolution within the affiliate community.
What role within AffCom are you most interested in: advisory or voting member?	I'm interested mostly as a voting member.