Photo courtesy of Mohamed ElGohary
Mohamed ElGohary introduces himself:
I have had the profound privilege of growing alongside GV over many years. I began here by building communities. Starting in 2011, and more so in 2015, I managed Lingua and helped it grow into a global network of contributors working together online. Beginning in March 2026, I started to lead GV Services, working to expand our operations and bring teams together. Now, I am looking for new roles where I can use what I have learned about open governance, scaling community work, and supporting civic spaces.
All candidates in the 2026 board elections have been asked to answer the set of questions listed below. Feel free to ask Gohary additional questions in the comments area below this post!
What appeals to you most about the prospect of serving on the GV board?
The most compelling aspect of returning to the board is the opportunity to significantly enhance board efficacy and bridge the existing divide between strategic governance and our ground-level community. The board's primary function must be to serve and support the network, and I am deeply motivated to ensure our quarterly board meetings are focused on developing actionable, transparent strategies. By doing so, we can translate these strategies into direct benefits for the daily operations of our community managers, department heads, and volunteers.
Having navigated the complexities of our multilingual network from the inside, I want to ensure that the logistical and emotional labour of our community is met with robust structural support.
What talents, skills, networks, and expertise can you offer Global Voices in your role as board representative?
I bring my expertise in scaling networks and implementing operational growth methodologies. Managing the expansion of Lingua required a delicate balance of strategic foresight and empathetic community management. I enjoy designing streamlined workflows, developing community leaders, and fostering inclusive, cross-cultural collaboration. Furthermore, my previous experience serving the GV Board has equipped me with a deep, practical understanding of our organisational structure, financial considerations, and governance protocols.
As you look ahead to the next three years, what, in your opinion, should be GV’s overarching priorities as an organization?
Over the next three years, GV must prioritise supercharging our community management infrastructure. We need to equip our community managers and team leads across all departments with robust tools, improved workflows, and the structural support necessary to nurture and grow our network sustainably. Secondly, we must prioritise institutional transparency and board efficacy. The board must operate with clear, actionable outcomes that are highly visible and relevant to the community. Finally, strengthening the connective tissue between the board and the broader network is paramount.
What aspect of GV’s work interests you the most?
I am most fascinated by the dynamics of our community management and how it fuels our cross-border storytelling. GV is entirely unique in its reliance on a massive, decentralised network of passionate individuals. The operational challenge of aligning diverse, multilingual teams—whether they are translating for Lingua, advocating for digital rights with Advox, or writing for the newsroom—is incredibly compelling. I am deeply interested in the systems and structures that support this human element.
What would you like to get out of this board service experience, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I seek to further refine my executive governance and strategic oversight capabilities within a complex, international non-profit environment. Returning to the board feels like being offered a second chance, a unique opportunity to tackle high-level organisational challenges and drive systemic improvements. An opportunity to give back to a community that has shaped much of my professional life.
How will you fit board service into your personal and other professional work commitments?
Serving on the board requires a steadfast, three-year commitment, which I am fully prepared to honour. Because I am currently exploring new professional opportunities while fulfilling my Strategic Services contract, I have a high degree of flexibility and control over my schedule. Board service is not as an extracurricular activity, but a core professional responsibility.
What methods would you use to engage and listen to the community in order to represent them effectively at board level?
Effective representation requires proactive, consistent engagement, not just passive listening. I plan to implement structured, bi-directional communication channels. This includes hosting regular, informal ‘office hours’ where contractors and community managers can drop in to discuss operational hurdles or share ideas. I believe in the power of direct, one-on-one and one-to-many kinds of outreach. I will make a concerted effort to periodically check in with department heads and team leads across the Newsroom, Lingua, Advox, and Rising Voices to understand their specific, day-to-day challenges.
