IWMF Welcomes Tara Kangarlou and Jim Brady to Board of Directors; Announces New Leadership

The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Directors: Award-winning global affairs journalist Tara Kangarlou and Knight Foundation Vice President of Journalism Jim Brady. As news industry experts, Kangarlou and Brady’s addition to the IWMF Board will advance the organization’s position as the leading funder of women-produced journalism worldwide.

In addition to decades reporting, writing and producing for outlets including NBC-LA, CNN and Al Jazeera America, Iranian-American journalist Tara Kangarlou is also the founder Art of Hope – one of the first American nonprofit organizations strictly committed to the mental health of war-torn refugees and IDPs worldwide. She is also the author of award-winning book “The Heartbeat of Iran” that for the first time provides global readers with a nuanced and textured view of the realities of life in today’s Iran through the real-life stories of its people. Amid crackdowns on press freedom in Iran, Kangarlou’s expansive knowledge of the country’s political, social and cultural landscape will aid the IWMF’s efforts to bolster Iranian women journalists’ ability to report safely.

“Despite the many existing challenges and opposition, women’s voices in the press must not be silenced nor forgotten, but supported and amplified worldwide.” said Kangarlou. “I am proud to join the IWMF in this critical moment to advocate for a fair and democratic press not just in Iran and other isolated countries, but all across the globe.”

Brady joins the Board of Directors as a digital news media leader, having previously served as CEO of Spirited Media, executive editor of washingtonpost.com and editor-in-chief of Digital First Media. His current position at the Knight Foundation, where he leads the journalism program, will provide valuable knowledge into innovative and sustainable opportunities for women and nonbinary newsmakers.

Brady noted, “Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges, and the IWMF is meeting journalists and changemakers where they are with critical access, support and training. I’m thrilled to be a part of the effort to ensure the health and strength of press freedom worldwide.”

The IWMF is also glad to announce that Jessica Oppenheim, head of External Communications for Bank of America, has stepped into the role of co-vice chair of the Board of Directors. As a member of the IWMF Board and the selection committee for the Courage in Journalism Awards since 2019, Oppenheim has been instrumental in strengthening Bank of America’s support of the IWMF as the National Presenting Sponsor of the Courage Awards for 17 consecutive years.

“Being part of the IWMF’s Board of Directors has been an inspirational journey,” Oppenheim said. “I’m delighted to deepen my commitment to this barrier-breaking organization and the remarkable journalists it works diligently to uplift.”

Oppenheim is joined on the Board of Directors executive committee by co-chairs Suzanne Malveaux (Malveaux Global) and Linda Douglass, along with co-vice chair Jennifer Reingold (World 50, Inc.). Eric Harris and Greta Williams will continue to serve on the executive committee as treasurer and legal counsel, respectively.