Global Justice Center President Akila Radhakrishnan today announced her resignation. After 14 years at the organization — including 5 as president — she will resign by the end of this year.

Here is her letter to the GJC community: 

Dear friends,

Leading the Global Justice Center has never been just a job for me. That’s why it’s bittersweet for me to share some important personal news with you: after 14 incredible years at GJC, including five years as President, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role and leave GJC by the end of this year.
 
I didn’t come to this decision lightly. My time here has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it has been an incredibly important part of my life. However, I also believe that good leadership means knowing when to take a step back and create pathways for new ideas, strategies, and leadership. For GJC this is also an opportunity to live our values of feminism and power-sharing within our own operations.

The past 14 years at GJC have been deeply rewarding. I have had the absolute privilege of shaping GJC’s strategy, vision, and projects, and of working alongside incredible staff, donors, and partners. From pioneering the argument that abortion is protected care under international humanitarian law, to supporting our partners in Myanmar in their pursuit of justice and accountability at the International Court of Justice and beyond, and being at the forefront of a feminist approach to a new crimes against humanity treaty, I am immensely proud of GJC’s accomplishments.

I believe that GJC will only stand to gain by bringing in new leadership in this next chapter. This is a wonderful opportunity for GJC’s future, one that I am excited for us all to embrace. Organizational leaders often receive a disproportionate amount of credit for the work of an entire team. Still, in my case, every accomplishment has been the result of the work of a brilliant and committed staff. The organization remains in excellent hands with the Board and the Staff, and we are all committed to ushering in a seamless and fruitful transition.
 
In the next few days, GJC’s Board of Directors will launch a search for my successor as president. GJC has successfully navigated challenging transition periods before, and I have complete faith that my successor will be profoundly dedicated to advancing reproductive freedom, gender equality, and access to justice.

I ask that, as this transition takes place, you continue to support our work and embrace this exciting opportunity with me to invest in the future of our small but mighty organization. The Global Justice Center is made stronger by our community of supporters, and we welcome you to reach out with questions as they may arise.
 
This isn’t goodbye just yet; it’s an invitation to stand with us as we navigate a significant but necessary shift for GJC’s future. Thank you for your continued partnership.

In solidarity,

Akila Radhakrishnan