3 9 C LU B LOOKING BACK AT SIX YEARS OF SERVICE Following the postponement of the FIDI Conference and the 39 Club Board elections, President Morgana Somers, and board member Alexandra Schmidt, have agreed to add another year to the six they have already served. Here, Isabelle Harsch speaks to them about the highlights of their term... so far T ISABELLE HARSCH, FIDI 39 CLUB BOARD MEMBER he 39 Club, FIDIs forum for the next generation of movers, has changed significantly over the past six years. It has introduced a new scholarship, launched the Global Green Initiative, and inducted its first all-female board. As ever, these innovations have been driven by the enthusiasm of the clubs members who, during this time, have included 39 Club President Morgana Somers and board member Alexandra Schmidt, both in their last year as board members. They have taken great pride in the 39 Club, and have made firm industry friends in the process. Here, Morgana (MS) and Alexandra (AS) take a look at how the organisation has evolved since they started. FF: When were you elected and who were the other board members at the time? MS and AS: It was at the 2014 FIDI Conference in Singapore; we replaced Aulina Mithal Sood and Angie Mirams. Other board members at the time included Patrick Makurat, Armand Guillemoteau and Caroline Mason. The 39 Club Board work with a variety of people, and learn how to evolve with different teams. It has been a great growth process and learning opportunity. FF: What have you been most proud of as part of the 39 Club? MS: There are so many things we have worked hard on over the years, its dicult to choose but what does stand out for me is the start of the 39 Club scholarship. It was amazing to bond with our first scholar, Gabriela Humeniuk, last year and understand how the chance to join our conference impacted on her life. Going to the conference was Gabrielas first Alexandra Schmidt FF: What has changed since you joined the board? MS: Well, for one, we saw the first all-female 39 Club Board. In general, the 39 Club evolves every year. That is its magic; the next generation gets involved, so it stimulates change and growth. Its been an honour to be a part of this. AS: It is always changing, with new 39 Club Board members, new staff in the FIDI oce, and changes to the FIDI Board. All this makes for a great opportunity to WW W. F I D I. O R G FF296 AprMay20 pp58-63 FIDI 39 Club.indd 59 59 31/03/2020 08:59