Founder and Executive Director Alice Stollmeyer has a solid background in ‘Science, technology and society’. After her PhD research Alice specialised in EU public affairs, strategic communications and digital advocacy. Alice now leads Defend Democracy and works on issues related to democracy, security, geopolitics and technology. She is a leading voice on defending democracy in an age of ‘sharp power’ and is a trailblazer for societal resilience to hybrid and technological threats to democracy.

Senior Advisor Rishi Datta served as the NDI country director for India, Bangladesh and Malawi. He brings two decades of experience throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He has managed and implemented programs on civil society organisations, electoral assistance, and strategic and digital communications. Rishi supports Defend Democracy on strategic matters and organisational development.

Senior Advisor Jonathan Hill has 25 years’ experience in political communications. He was speech-writer to the President of the European Commission, and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner for Education and Culture. Jonathan advises Defend Democracy on communications strategy.

Senior Advisor Chris Kremidas-Courtney is a globally recognized thought leader, futurist, and policy influencer with 34 years’ experience in building consensus and developing policy approaches to protect and support democracy, equality, and the rule of law in a fast-changing world. Chris advises and conducts research for Defend Democracy on emerging tech threats and disinformation as well as training and exercise support.

Senior Advisor Sam Lockwood has over a decade of experience building successful businesses focused on social impact. He has led high-profile projects across Europe and the US, including EU-wide voter engagement campaigns. He is the Founding Director of a leading community organising consultancy and a fundraising platform. Sam will help drive Defend Democracy’s sustainable growth to make a lasting impact.

Senior Advisor Karen Melchior is a former Member of the European Parliament, where she showed a steadfast commitment to digital rights, women’s and minority rights, contributing to the defence of democracy and fundamental rights within the digital sphere. Karen will use her experience as MEP (2019-2024) and Danish career diplomat (2005-2017) to advise Defend Democracy.

Advisor Marleen van Leengoed has a solid background in human-centred design and value-sensitive design and is now expanding her focus to align technologies with democratic values. She has over 15 years of experience working in healthcare and high-tech industries. Marleen advises Defend Democracy on ethical and values-based tech design.

Advisor Federica Luciolli has over 10 years of professional experience in the private and non-profit sectors, leading business development efforts from start-ups to multinationals. She has worked on a range of social justice issues; specialising in spearheading collaborations and conducting research to inform strategies. Federica will support Defend Democracy with fundraising and organisational development.

Advisor Suzanne Nam is a lawyer turned journalist who has worked in the US and Asia and is now based in the EU. She uses her legal and communications expertise to support Defend Democracy, and others that focus on social justice, community building and inclusion.

Joris de Graaf has worked several years as a mental health care physician. He has recently shifted his professional focus to citizen participation at both the municipal and national levels. Joris will use his experience to support Defend Democracy’s research and project development.

Anna Bielchenko has worked in diplomacy, international relations and humanitarian support. While originally from Ukraine, she has also studied and worked in Estonia and the Netherlands, which have enriched her understanding of diverse European cultures and societies. Anna will use her experience to support Defend Democracy with research and project development.

Mila Noor De Baere is a journalist with a specialised background in Conflict and Development Studies. She previously collaborated with a renowned war correspondent and conducted research on gender-based violence and the role of media. Mila will support Defend Democracy’s management and help with research and communications.