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As we continue our mission to provide digital tools and actionable data for social impact organisations, we welcome new changes to Data Friendly Space’s Board of Directors.
First, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Valeria McFarren for her outstanding service as Board Chair. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding DFS through periods of significant growth and innovation. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and the lasting impact she has made on our organization.
Looking ahead, we are so excited to introduce Laura Bowser as our new Board Chair. Laura's connection to DFS runs deep. During our formative years, she served as our first Operations Manager, where she established our original Board of Directors and developed crucial staffing plans that laid the foundation for our growth. Her extensive experience in organizational development and human resources strategy, combined with her international business background, makes her uniquely qualified to lead our board.
Laura brings particular expertise in creating work environments that foster innovation, productivity, and authentic inclusion. Her career journey, from managing operations for a multinational corporation in Beijing to serving as CEO of an award-winning HR and DEI consulting firm, demonstrates her ability to navigate complex organizational challenges while maintaining a focus on cultural inclusivity and equitable practices. A published author and Human Resource expert based in Richmond, Virginia, Laura leads the growth of a fast-growing, HR consulting practice within a national consulting firm. Laura remains deeply committed to helping organizations build more culturally inclusive and equitable workplaces through thoughtful, strategic leadership.
Joining Laura in leadership is Jakob Harbo as our new Vice Chair. Jakob currently serves as the Ukraine Country Manager for the Danish Red Cross, where he leads a team of 50 professionals supporting the Ukrainian Red Cross in delivering programs that reach over one million Ukrainians annually. His 25-year career in humanitarian and development work spans multiple continents and contexts, from post-conflict zones to developing nations with field experience spanning Angola, Zambia, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Ukraine, encompassing both Humanitarian Mine Action and long-term development initiatives.
As an economist by training, bringing extensive experience in resource mobilization and innovative financing, Jakob provides valuable expertise in program sustainability and organizational growth. His 15-year proven track record in management reflects his commitment to team development and talent cultivation. Prior to his current role, Jakob served on the Danish Red Cross international department’s management team from 2014 to 2022, where he spearheaded initiatives that align with DFS's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Together, Laura and Jakob represent a powerful combination of organizational development expertise and humanitarian field experience. Their leadership will be invaluable as DFS continues to evolve and expand our impact in the social impact sector.
Please join us in welcoming Laura Bowser and Jakob Harbo to their new roles, and in thanking Valeria McFarren for her dedicated service to DFS.
