Lia Kiessling

After meeting so many inspirational Internet Society members, I made the leap from communications to community engagement.

Focused on all things digital, my team works with Internet Society members worldwide to become champions of the Internet.  We do this by building pathways for any member to take action, organizing and mobilizing members around global campaigns, building up incredible volunteers, and striving for the best customer service we can give.

Record store employee and zine maker turned radio journalist for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and, eventually, global communications and community lead, I've specialized in crisis response and issues management for various levels of the Canadian Government, worked as a speechwriter and media lead for the Canadian Department of Justice in crime prevention, and then led the development of World Wildlife's first internal communications program in Switzerland. I also love the world of learning. I've taught radio journalism at Carleton University, coached young advocates on developing and pitching stories, coached others on how to organize and promote local community advocacy efforts, and helped others build local volunteer programs.

I'm a Canadian and Swiss national who loves music, all things audio, cooking shows, zombies, my family, and all things nerd. Volunteering is my jam. If I've got the time, I love lending a hand. My passion is people, their stories, and helping them recognize and lean into their strengths. I've got the best kids, the best dog, and the best sister. I'm learning how to garden, a baker of birthday cookies, and I have a great love of all things winter. I'm also a  volunteer head coach for the International Federation of the Red Cross's Solferino Academy, where I coach humanitarian changemakers to become brave, fearless, and fierce innovation leaders.