Wikimedia Foundation elections/2024/Candidates/Imran Umar Faruq
Imran Umar Faruq (Alphaechoromeo)
editAlphaechoromeo (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA • AE)
| Candidate details |
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| Total word count for the whole application (required + optional questions) is 1000 (one thousand) words | ||
| Required questions | ||
| Why are you running for the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees? What would you contribute? What would you like to learn more about? | I am running for the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees because I am deeply committed to the mission of free and open knowledge for all. My experience as a Wikipedia editor and contributor has given me a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our community. I aim to bring diverse perspectives to the board, advocate for inclusivity, and ensure that underrepresented voices are heard. By serving on the board, I hope to help guide the strategic direction of the Wikimedia Foundation, strengthen community engagement, and support the continued growth and sustainability of the Wikimedia projects.
As a member of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, I would contribute a unique blend of practical experience, community insight, and a strong commitment to the mission of free knowledge. I would bring a focus on inclusivity, working to ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are amplified and their knowledge accurately represented. My background in content creation and editing would help in guiding decisions related to quality, accuracy, and neutrality across Wikimedia projects. Additionally, I would contribute strategic thinking to help the Foundation navigate challenges, foster global collaboration, and sustain the growth of Wikimedia's impact worldwide. I would like to learn more about the strategic and operational aspects of the Wikimedia Foundation, particularly how decisions are made at the board level to support the organization's mission. Additionally, I am interested in deepening my understanding of global community engagement strategies, fundraising initiatives, and how to effectively address challenges related to content diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. Learning more about these areas would enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation's goals and support the broader Wikimedia movement. --> | |
| Please describe your Wikimedia experience (such as contributions to the Wikimedia projects, memberships in Wikimedia organizations or affiliates, activities as a Wikimedia movement organizer, or participation with a Wikimedia movement ally organization). | My Wikimedia experience is extensive and diverse, reflecting my deep commitment to the movement. As an active contributor to Wikipedia, I focus on creating and improving articles related to military history, education, sports, humanitarian organizations, and topics relevant to my region. I am a dedicated member of WikiProject Nigeria, where I collaborate with others to enhance the quality and coverage of Nigeria-related content.
In addition to my editorial work, I am involved with several Wikimedia organizations. I am a member of the Wiki Education Foundation, where I serve as a Wiki Education instructor, helping students and educators engage with Wikipedia in a structured and impactful way. I am also a member of the Wikimedia Community User Group Math, contributing to the development of math-related content on the platform. Beyond content creation, I participate in community-focused initiatives. I am a member of the Kindness Campaign, which promotes positive interactions and support within the Wikimedia community. Additionally, I am part of the Birthday Committee, where we celebrate milestones and achievements within the community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and recognition among contributors. Through these various roles, I actively contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Wikimedia movement, working to ensure that knowledge remains free, accessible, and accurate for all. | |
| From your perspective, what should the Wikimedia Foundation be prioritizing over the next 5-10 years, and why do you see these as the most important priorities? | From my perspective, the Wikimedia Foundation should prioritize the following areas over the next 5-10 years:
These priorities are critical because they address the core challenges and opportunities facing the Wikimedia movement. By focusing on diversity, quality, accessibility, community support, and advocacy, the Foundation can ensure that Wikimedia remains a dynamic and inclusive platform for knowledge sharing in the years to come.--> | |
| Optional questions - Professional Experience, Skills and Education | ||
| Please describe your experience with governing bodies of organizations (nonprofit or for-profit), mentioning the scope of your responsibilities, as well as the complexity of the organization (in terms of scale of operations, budget, number of people involved, or other meaningful measures) and the size of the board or body. | My experience with governing bodies spans multiple nonprofit organizations, where I have held significant leadership roles and managed various responsibilities.
As the founding president of the Iwo Odidere Leo Club from 2022 to July 2024, I led the organization through its initial development, overseeing all operational aspects. The club focused on community service and youth empowerment, engaging numerous volunteers and coordinating projects with a substantial impact on the local community. I also served as the Chartered President, ensuring continuity and strategic growth. During this time, I managed the club’s activities, including fundraising, event planning, and member engagement, navigating the complexities of establishing a new organization within the broader framework of the Lions Clubs International network. Additionally, I currently serve as the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A Region 5 Leo District 404 B2 Nigeria, where I oversee the activities of multiple Leo Clubs within the zone. This role involves coordinating efforts among various clubs, setting regional goals, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with the district's strategic objectives. My responsibilities include liaising with club leaders, facilitating training sessions, and fostering collaboration across the zone to achieve shared goals. The complexity of this role is heightened by the need to balance local needs with district-wide initiatives, requiring strong leadership and organizational skills. My experience extends to my role as an African Ambassador to MUN Impact, where I represented the organization in promoting Model United Nations initiatives across the continent. This position involved coordinating with global stakeholders, participating in strategic planning sessions, and advocating for youth involvement in international diplomacy. Throughout my involvement with these governing bodies, I have demonstrated my ability to manage complex organizations, engage diverse groups of people, and lead with a focus on both immediate results and long-term sustainability. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of nonprofit governance and the skills necessary to contribute effectively to similar organizations on a larger scale. --> | |
| Please describe your professional career experience. | My professional career experience is rooted in a strong commitment to education, research, and community service. As a researcher, I have published work focusing on the societal impact of pure and applied mathematics, specifically in the Nigerian context. This research reflects my dedication to exploring the practical applications of mathematics and its role in driving societal progress.
In addition to my academic work, I have held several leadership positions in nonprofit organizations. I founded the Iwo Odidere Leo Club in 2022 and served as its president until July 2024, guiding the club through its early stages and establishing it as a vital community service organization. My role involved overseeing all aspects of the club’s operations, including project management, fundraising, and member engagement, as well as ensuring the long-term sustainability of the club's initiatives. Currently, I serve as the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A Region 5 Leo District 404 B2 Nigeria, where I manage and coordinate the activities of multiple Leo Clubs within the zone. This role requires strategic planning, budget management, and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve regional goals and align with district-wide objectives. My professional experience also includes my role as an African Ambassador to MUN Impact, where I promoted Model United Nations initiatives across Africa. This position involved strategic advocacy, international collaboration, and youth engagement, further enhancing my skills in diplomacy and global outreach. Additionally, I have contributed to the Wikimedia movement as an active editor and instructor, focusing on educational content, regional topics, and community engagement. My involvement with various Wikimedia organizations has allowed me to mentor others, share knowledge, and contribute to the broader goals of free and accessible information. Overall, my professional career is characterized by a blend of research, leadership, and service, with a focus on education, community development, and the application of knowledge for societal benefit. | |
| Please briefly describe 3 situations that show how you tackled, or advised others on, a complex problem in an organization. How did you work with others to address the situations? | #Founding the Iwo Odidere Leo Club
Situation: When I founded the Iwo Odidere Leo Club in 2022, we faced the complex challenge of establishing a new organization in a community with limited experience in structured youth service initiatives. This involved not only setting up the club but also ensuring it was sustainable and impactful from the start. Action: I led the process of drafting the club’s constitution, setting up governance structures, and recruiting members. I collaborated closely with local leaders, potential members, and established Leo Clubs to gather insights and best practices. I also organized workshops to train new members on leadership and service, ensuring they were well-prepared to take on roles within the club. Outcome: The club quickly grew in membership and impact, successfully launching several community service projects. By the end of my term as president in July 2024, the club had established a strong foundation and continued to thrive under the new leadership.
Situation: As the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A Region 5 Leo District 404 B2 Nigeria, I was tasked with unifying multiple Leo Clubs in the zone to work towards common goals. A key challenge was the disparity in resources and experience between the clubs, which led to uneven participation and results. Action: I initiated regular communication channels among the clubs, including monthly meetings where club leaders could share their challenges and successes. I also organized joint projects and training sessions, where clubs could pool resources and learn from one another. I encouraged a culture of mentorship, where more experienced clubs supported newer ones. Outcome: This approach led to increased collaboration and a more cohesive zone. The clubs began to share best practices and resources more effectively, resulting in more consistent and impactful community service projects across the region.
Situation: In my role as a Wiki Education instructor and member of various Wikimedia organizations, I encountered the challenge of increasing content diversity, particularly in areas where there was limited representation, such as African topics and contributions from underrepresented communities. Action: I advised fellow contributors and students on how to identify gaps in content and approach sensitive topics with cultural respect. I worked with them to develop strategies for sourcing reliable information and ensuring that contributions reflected a broad range of perspectives. I also facilitated workshops and discussions on the importance of diversity in content creation. Outcome: These efforts led to the creation of more diverse and inclusive content on Wikimedia platforms, improving representation and ensuring that a wider range of voices and experiences were documented. The contributors I advised gained valuable skills in handling complex and sensitive topics, which they applied in their future edits and contributions. | |
| Please describe your educational background, including degrees, certificates, and courses of study finished, and their relevance to board work. | I am a final-year Pure and Applied Mathematics student at LAUTECH, completing my Bachelor of Technology in November 2024. My studies and research experience have honed my analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for board work. Additionally, my leadership roles and advocacy efforts have provided me with practical governance experience, making me well-equipped to contribute effectively to board discussions and decision-making. | |
| Please add any relevant links describing your professional background, experience, profile (such as LinkedIn, staff page, etc.). | https://g.co/kgs/7V5DEDJ
https://ng.linkedin.com/in/imran-umar-faruq-60933a185 https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-8230-2675 https://storymirror.com/read/english/poem/my-mother/b2jw58ls https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Imran-Umar-Faruq | |
| Optional questions - Leadership Experience | ||
| Please describe ways in which you have helped to form a bridge between multiple communities (such as by working on projects outside your home wiki, or working on a collaboration between multiple affiliates). | I have actively worked to build bridges between multiple communities through various initiatives and collaborations, both within and outside the Wikimedia movement.
Through these efforts, I have contributed to forming strong connections between diverse communities, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual understanding. These bridges have enhanced the impact of the projects I am involved in and have helped to create a more interconnected and supportive global community. | |
| Can you describe a policy, on wiki or off, that you helped to create or change? What did you learn from this experience? | I contributed to creating a leadership succession policy for the Iwo Odidere Leo Club to ensure its sustainability and growth. By collaborating with other leaders and mentors, we developed clear guidelines for member involvement, leadership roles, and mentoring new leaders. This policy provided a solid framework that helped the club maintain stability even after the founding members transitioned out of leadership roles. Through this process, I learned the importance of inclusivity, clarity, flexibility, mentorship, and a focus on long-term sustainability in effective policy development. | |
| How have you been able to empower people to make their voices heard? | I have empowered people to make their voices heard by creating opportunities for them to share their knowledge, lead initiatives, and contribute to their communities. Through my roles in education, leadership, and collaboration, I have encouraged individuals to take initiative and actively participate, helping them amplify their voices and make a meaningful impact. | |
| Sometimes in professional situations, there are personality conflicts. Explain how you remain productive even with personality conflicts. | In professional situations with personality conflicts, I focus on maintaining clear communication, staying objective, and prioritizing the shared goals of the team. By separating personal differences from work tasks and finding common ground, I ensure that productivity remains high and that the team can continue to move forward effectively. | |
| Optional questions - Strategic Thinking | ||
| Where do you see the need for greater diversity in the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees or within the movement? What steps would you take to improve diversity on the Board or within the movement? What steps would you recommend the Board take to improve diversity? | I see the need for greater diversity in the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees and within the movement in terms of geographic representation, gender, and cultural backgrounds. Increasing representation from underrepresented regions, particularly from the Global South, as well as ensuring gender balance and inclusivity of different cultural perspectives, is crucial.
To improve diversity on the Board, I would advocate for targeted outreach and recruitment efforts to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds. This could include partnering with regional Wikimedia communities and organizations that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, I would support mentorship programs to prepare individuals from underrepresented groups for leadership roles within the movement. I would recommend the Board implement policies that prioritize diversity in their selection processes, including setting diversity goals and regularly reviewing progress. Creating a more inclusive environment where diverse voices are not only represented but also empowered to contribute meaningfully should be a key focus. This would strengthen the Board's ability to address the needs of the global Wikimedia community effectively. | |
| Verification | Identity verification performed by Wikimedia Foundation staff and eligibility verification performed by the Elections Committee | |
Eligibility:  Not yet verified
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Identification: | |