At the core of INHOPE's governance is its Board, made up of representatives elected by member hotlines. We spoke with long-standing INHOPE member Carolina Piñeros, Director and co-founder of Red PaPaz, as she reflects on the responsibilities and rewards that come with serving as a Board Member. From balancing diverse perspectives to addressing critical challenges, she shares her journey of personal and professional growth, highlighting the impact the board has on shaping the future of INHOPE.

Which qualities make someone a great board member?

To be a great board member, the person must be committed to INHOPE’s mission. The INHOPE board is very diverse, but the common thread is that we all believe in INHOPE, and we believe we need to be a part of an association, and this association is changing for good. Now INHOPE’s association needs people who understand the functionality of a hotline but also understand the role of a board member and have experience in this. We are a very diverse group of organisations, and a board member must balance this diversity and want to understand the different perspectives. They also must be respectful of their colleagues as well.

How has serving on the board helped you grow, both personally and professionally?

I have learned a lot. I have learned a lot about the INHOPE members and the diverse perspectives. It is so nice, and it makes me more open and open-minded in facing other situations. You have extra responsibilities, but this helps you learn to balance them. I also have learned about INHOPE and the challenges the staff face. This helps me understand how they operate and how they are helping members.

Being on the board has made me realise the complexity of decisions and discussions I didn’t understand before, like the current strategy. Previously, I didn’t know how the strategy was created, but now I see that you have to consider all the hotlines, including the smaller ones, and balance all the different voices. It’s incredibly difficult, and I hadn’t appreciated just how challenging it is.

Another example is understanding the membership fee structure. This was an incredibly long discussion and process because we were considering all the members. Members did not hear all the conversations and discussions and hotlines will of course feel left out or not heard. This is when it is difficult on the board because we have to take empathetic decisions and think globally. We also need to make sure we help members understand this.

What challenges did you face on the board?

When I joined the board, our main goal was to “put the house in order.” These first years were foundational and important for us to create stability and alignment. We need to learn to work together and while it was difficult it was extremely rewarding! In recent years, we were dealing a lot with the new European legislation, which wasn't my specialty, but I learned a great deal. It taught me that, although the focus is European, the process and insights could benefit the entire membership in the future. This way, we can learn from our European colleagues in South America or Africa for example.

What would you tell someone considering an INHOPE board position?

First, I would say you need to identify why you want to be on the INHOPE board. You will come with a unique perspective but as a board member you need to be able to see the whole picture. Your experience is important but the challenges of INHOPE are global and oftentimes you must broaden your perspective to think about the whole association. This is a challenge! Also make sure you have the time to dedicate to being on the board - it is not a passive role, it is active! You can create a lot of change and progress if you are active.

Secondly, you need to know INHOPE. Be prepared to learn a lot about INHOPE as a whole and the secretariat. On the board, you must think beyond your own hotline and situation. Sometimes, you’ll need to set aside your personal perspective. It can be challenging, but it’s important to be empathetic and curious to learn. Also, be aware that your relationships with other members might change, and there will be less casual time. You will make decisions which may not be favourable to everyone, and this can be very difficult. It’s important to make principled decisions, respect your colleagues, and stand behind the board’s decisions. As a board member, balancing these aspects is crucial.

What unique perspective do you bring to the board?

My unique perspective is from the global south, I of course represent my hotline and my country. It's important that I have this perspective, but also that I have the ability to broaden my viewpoints and hear from colleagues from other regions. I am also able to use my management experience to understand how INHOPE works and how I can support the INHOPE secretariat as a board member.

What impact does the board have on INHOPE and how would you like to see it evolve?

When I first joined the board it was very strongly involved in day-to-day activities. Today, things are different. We have a team of professionals, structured plans, KPIs, and information to guide us. Our plans are developed with input from the members to ensure we truly represent them. Our main mission is to ensure that our projects and deliverables stay aligned with this plan, keeping members at the centre of everything we do. While we have met many of our goals, some remain unmet. We need to keep striving to do our best, maintain our focus on the members, and work towards new goals.

During my time, our professionalisation has helped us stay focused on the members and our mission. But the challenges our network faces are changing, and we need a board that will help strategically guide the secretariat and our members through the upcoming period. The new board that will be appointed in November will have a great opportunity, as they will have all the information they need to ensure the sustainability and future of INHOPE.


Get in touch with Carolina Piñeros