Wikimedia Conference 2014/Cynthia

A brief introduction to Cynthia's life, delivered April 12th, upon her death during the Wikimedia Conference 2014

It is with great regret that we need to confirm that Cynthia Ashley-Nelson (Cindamuse) passed away on Friday, April 11. Our thoughts are with Cindy’s family, friends and the Wikimedia community. Her next of kin have been informed prior to releasing this announcement.

Cindy was elected vice-chair of the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee on April 10, 2014. She had traveled to Berlin in order to attend the Affiliations Committee’s annual meeting during the international Wikimedia Conference. Both a long-time Wikipedia editor and an expert in organizational development with a professional background of 25 years, she devoted her time, passion and vast expertise to contribute in numerous ways to the free knowledge movement. Cindy was deeply committed to supporting the Wikimedia Foundation’s Global Education Program and to tackling the gender gap issue on Wikipedia.

In the short time since January that Cindy has been with us in the Affiliations Committee, we have come to value her thoughts, passion and refreshing ideas. She was working very enthusiastically with us, and we are all saddened that we won’t have the chance to learn from all of her ideas, insights and experiences. The months we shared proved her to be a very valuable and engaged member of the committee, which led to her election as AffCom vice-chair.

We are sad beyond words and so is everyone who came to Berlin to participate in the Wikimedia Conference. Her passing is a great loss for everyone in the Wikimedia movement. This morning all the conference attendees gathered together to grieve and talk about the loss of Cindy. We decided that all of us at the Wikimedia Conference could choose to continue the conversations about the future of the movement Cindy cared so much about, as well as spending our time here to remember and celebrate her. She will be greatly missed.

You can share your condolences and memories of Cynthia on her user talk page (User_talk:Cindamuse).

On behalf of the whole Affiliations Committee, and the other community members gathered here in Berlin:

Carlos Colina, Chair, Wikimedia Affiliations Committee

Bence Damokos, Outgoing chair, Wikimedia Affiliations Committee