I put the recording through the AI grinder: - transcript attached.

NARALO Meet the Candidates Call, May 5, 2025:

Michelle DeSmyter (ICANN Org)

• Welcomed participants and introduced the call.

• Mentioned apologies from Eduardo Diaz and Marita Moll.

• Listed staff present and gave housekeeping reminders.

• Handed the meeting over to Greg Shatan.

Greg Shatan (Chair)

• Presented the agenda: candidate presentations for Secretariat and ALAC delegate to the NOMCOM, Q&A, and closing remarks.

• Clarified that Jonathan Zuck is running unopposed and will speak if time permits.

• Moderated transitions between speakers and managed the Q&A.

Bibi Rookaya Gulmahamed (Secretariat candidate)

• Highlighted active involvement in NARALO and ICANN fellowship.

• Discussed organizing the NARALO Universal Acceptance Day and participation in outreach and engagement plans.

• Brought professional experience in records, information management, IT, and cybersecurity.

• Stressed commitment to transparency, accountability, and underrepresented voices.

• Pledged to ensure timely communications and accessible documentation if elected.

Denise Hochbaum (Secretariat candidate)

• Introduced herself as a Brazilian-American with a PhD in architecture.

• Described her experience in teaching, event organization, and internet governance since 2016.

• Highlighted involvement in the NARALO Advisory team, ICANN meetings, the NextGen program, and DNS Women’s initiatives.

• Emphasized passion for community-building and mentorship.

• Pledged to connect members across regions and generations if elected.

Waqar Ahmad (ALAC delegate to NOMCOM candidate)

• Shared professional background in telecom and networking, with work at Rogers Canada.

• Detailed affiliations with NARALO, Internet Society Canada Chapter, IEEE, and ITU smart cities initiatives.

• Highlighted leadership in a VSIC Urdu translation project and engagement with ARIN.

• Emphasized technical expertise, policy insight, and commitment to diversity and transparency.

• Asked for community support to strengthen NOMCOM contributions.

Alan Greenberg (ALAC delegate to NOMCOM candidate)

• Explained his candidacy was encouraged by respected colleagues.

• Referred to his extensive ICANN experience, including 18 years in At-Large and 10 years in the GNSO.

• Cited deep knowledge of IANA, PTI, and the IANA transition.

• Highlighted ability to assess leadership qualities and commitment to ICANN’s goals.

• Asked for community support.

Dana Cramer (ALAC delegate to NOMCOM candidate)

• Thanked nominator Kathleen.

• Discussed experience across ICANN, ARIN, IGF, Giganet, TPRC, and Internet Society.

• Addressed concerns about being a newer NARALO member and framed it as a strength.

• Highlighted selection experience on university committees and nonprofit boards.

• Emphasized analytical skills and cross-sector perspective.

Adrian Schmidt (ALAC delegate to NOMCOM candidate)

• Introduced himself as current NARALO Secretariat and engineer with global experience.

• Highlighted ability to bridge technical and executive communication gaps.

• Emphasized multicultural experience and relationship-building.

• Committed to ensuring all voices are heard, building consensus, and representing NARALO with integrity.

Jonathan Zuck (ALAC, unopposed)

• Asked Secretariat candidates about strategies to expand NARALO’s base of ALSes.

• Asked NOMCOM candidates how they would bring in new faces to ALAC and the board and whether NOMCOM should remain involved in ALAC appointments.

Candidate Responses (Q&A)

• Bibi Rookaya Gulmahamed: Emphasized outreach to underrepresented groups (Francophone, Indigenous, NGOs).

• Denise Hochbaum: Called for bridging gaps between regions (US, Canada, Puerto Rico), inclusive action, and strategic planning.

• Waqar Ahmad: Recommended outreach to local technical and civil society groups and showcasing benefits of ALS membership.

• Alan Greenberg: Highlighted the need to focus not only on recruiting but on retaining newcomers and selecting people with a real interest in ICANN.

• Dana Cramer: Focused on building relationships and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.

• Adrian Schmidt: Advocated balancing experience and new blood, maintaining care not to break what’s working.

Additional Questions

• Glenn McKnight asked about underrepresented groups and recruitment/retention strategies.

• Kathleen Scoggin asked Secretariat candidates to suggest concrete onboarding ideas.

• Evan and Alfredo asked about HR and interview experience for NOMCOM candidates; all candidates briefly summarized their qualifications and relevant experience.

Closing

• Sylvia Vivanco outlined the election schedule: online voting from May 9 to May 16.

• Greg Shatan thanked participants and adjourned the meeting.

• Michelle DeSmyter closed the call and thanked everyone.

If you’d like, I can also draft a bullet-point version or provide a list of action items raised during the call. Would you like that?