Dr. Helga Lukoschat bids farewell as Chair of the Board
Helga Lukoschat was a co-founder of EAF Berlin and played a decisive role in shaping it. She led the EAF as Chair of the Board starting in 2009, succeeding Barbara Schaeffer-Hegel; in recent years, she served alongside Managing Director Kathrin Mahler Walther. Now, the baton has been passed: Kathrin Mahler Walther has been elected as the new Chair by the EAF Berlin Board.
Kathrin Mahler Walther is the new Chair of the Board
In her farewell speech for Helga Lukoschat, Kathrin Mahler Walther emphasized: "Together, we have navigated some rough waters over the last 28 years. But we have grown, evolved, and really picked up speed, especially in recent years. Today, we work with a multitude of projects and offerings alongside renowned partners to achieve our goals and visions. Thank you so much, dear Helga, for everything you have done for the EAF. We will miss you—as an advisor, a driving force, a philosopher, a historian, a journalist, a boss, a colleague, and a friend!"
Looking to the future, Kathrin Mahler Walther stressed: "We are constantly evolving. And we remain true to ourselves in the process! That means, first and foremost: feminist! And intersectional! We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Because a world without gender equality is not free. Equal opportunity is a core element of democracy, and democracy is the foundation for equal opportunity."
Kathrin Mahler Walther has been committed to democracy since her youth: in 2019, she received the Federal Cross of Merit from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for her involvement in the civil rights movement and for organizing the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig.
Helga Lukoschat remains connected to the EAF
Helga Lukoschat will remain connected to EAF Berlin in the future as a board member and Senior Advisor. She will continue to work toward increasing the influence and visibility of women in politics, strengthening international networks, and, above all, pursuing her major cause: supporting women in Ukraine.
New leadership trio
The management is now led by a trio: Kathrin Mahler Walther as Managing Chair of the Board, and Stefanie Lohaus and Tina Weber as members of the management team, will lead EAF Berlin together moving forward.
Kathrin Mahler Walther has been Managing Director of EAF Berlin since 2016. She advises organizations in business, politics, and academia on promoting diversity in leadership. She has led various career-building and mentoring programs, change projects, and studies. She is frequently active for the EAF as a speaker, moderator, and trainer, particularly on the topics of unconscious bias and inclusive leadership. In 2021, Kathrin Mahler Walther was ranked 1st on the PROUTinSMEs list, making her one of GERMANY’S TOP 100 OUT EXECUTIVES for the second time—a selection of LGBTIQ* leaders committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
More about Kathrin Mahler Walther
Stefanie Lohaus is a member of the management team and Head of Communications at EAF Berlin. She leads the "Together Against Sexism" project and manages a strong alliance of companies, policymakers, and civil society. With her background in designing innovative formats, editorial management of various publications, and public relations, she has supported the development and implementation of communication strategies, studies, and surveys at the EAF. She is the founder and editor of Missy Magazine. Her book "Stärker als Wut – Wie wir feministisch wurden und warum es nicht reicht" will be published by Suhrkamp Verlag on October 9, 2023.
Tina Weber is a member of the executive board and heads the business division for economy, with a focus on organizational development. She advises companies and organizations on their transformation processes toward greater diversity. She develops customized consulting processes and diversity strategies for and with her clients, supporting them throughout the implementation of these measures. Tina Weber is an expert in flexible working and work-life balance, both in indirect and direct roles, including production and shift work. For EAF Berlin, she gives lectures and conducts career-building programs as well as training sessions, including those on unconscious bias.
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