Anoushka Schellekens

Anoushka joined Media Defence in 2023 and now serves as Senior Communications Officer. She leads the implementation of the organisation’s communications strategy, overseeing content development, digital engagement and press relations to strengthen awareness of Media Defence’s legal work and its impact in defending journalists worldwide.

She brings previous experience from the advertising and social enterprise sectors, where she worked as a senior designer, combining strategic thinking with creative execution. In addition, she co-founded a platform dedicated to expanding creative opportunities and improving access to the creative industries for young people in the UK.

Anoushka holds an MSc in Media, Communications and Development from the London School of Economics.

Media Defence is managed by a professional secretariat based in London.

Carlos Gaio

Chief Executive Officer

Pádraig Hughes

Legal Director

Dorothee Archambault

Director of Development and Programmes

Johanna Day

Finance and Operations Director

Yuri Marchenko

Senior Legal Officer

Sabah A

Lawyer

Marta Cabrera

Legal Consultant

Wiebke Hangst

Legal Officer

Suzanne Clark

Capacity Building Manager

Lauren M

Grants Manager

Nyasha Borges Da Silva

Grants Officer

Elisabeth Witchel

Grants Officer

Nefeli Custer

Fundraising and Change Officer

Claudia Schergna

Communications Assistant

Emese Kovacs

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

Ludilson Manuel

Finance Manager

Aicha Omar

Finance and Operations Officer

Jessica Stevens

Events and Operations Officer

The trustees believe board diversity is an imperative. They believe gender parity is a priority, alongside ethnic and geographic diversity, as well as the lived experiences of board members, with regard to the issues that Media Defence seeks to tackle.

The Board pledges to take the necessary measures to achieve this, and to support diverse participation.