USA
Executive Director of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience
Elizabeth Silkes
As Executive Director of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Elizabeth Silkes guides the strategic growth of a thriving consortium of 220 museums, historic sites and memory initiatives in over 55 countries. Through regional and issue-based networks, the Coalition supports members across the globe in developing innovative civic engagement, transitional justice and human rights programs through exhibit design and methodological guidance, peer-learning exchanges, project grants, and joint advocacy initiatives. Prior to joining the Coalition, Liz served as CEO of Cinereach, a foundation supporting film and media projects focused on social change, and as Executive Director of FilmAid International, a humanitarian relief organization using film and video to address the needs of refugees and other displaced communities. Her extensive experience with community-based memory and media projects gives her a unique perspective on the power of the personal story to move audiences from past to present and memory to action. As a featured speaker at conferences and workshops around the world, Liz has addressed issues ranging from psycho-social relief initiatives in displaced communities to the role of memory in creating lasting cultures of peace and human rights in post-conflict settings and emerging democracies.
