The Wikimedian of the Year 2019 title was awarded to Emna Mizouni for her contributions to the development of Arab and African communities and her commitment to sharing the history of Tunisia. Born in 1987 in Tunis, she has built a career as an entrepreneur, communications expert, and dedicated advocate for digital literacy and human rights.
Academic and Professional Background
Mizouni graduated from the Lycée Khaznadar in 2006 before pursuing higher education at the Business School of Tunis. She earned a management degree in 2009, followed by a master's degree in marketing, business negotiations, and communications in 2011. Following her studies, she worked in journalism and radio presentation. In 2012, she became the Marketing and Communications Officer for the British Council.
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Founded in 2013, Carthagina was created to foster interest in Tunisian heritage. Mizouni collaborated with Wikimedia Commons to organize photography contests focused on cultural sites, culminating in the MedinaPedia project. This initiative provided mobile access to information about sites in the Tunis Medina using QR codes. She also established a Wikimedian in Residence position at the Diocesan Library of Tunis.
Advocacy and Digital Citizenship
Mizouni founded the not-for-profit organization Digital Citizenship with Leila Ben-Gacem to improve information access for marginalized groups. Her work includes representing the Karama women's rights network in Tunisia and serving as a curator for the Global Shapers Tunis hub. In 2019, she was appointed to the global board of directors for the human rights group Access Now after contributing to the organization of RightsCon Tunis.
Recognition and Affiliations
Mizouni is a recipient of a 2018 Shuttleworth Foundation Flash Grant and was named the 2020 Yvonne-Hebert awardee by UNWomen. She has been involved with the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Aspen Ideas Festival, and the Affiliations Committee. She is fluent in French, Spanish, English, and Arabic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Tunis, Tunisia
- Education: Business School of Tunis
- Award: Wikimedian of the Year 2019
- Languages: French, Spanish, English, Arabic
- Notable role: Board of directors member, Access Now
- Professional focus: Media, communications, digital literacy
Questions readers ask
What is Carthagina?
Carthagina is an initiative founded by Mizouni in 2013 to promote Tunisia's cultural heritage through projects like MedinaPedia.
Which international organizations has she worked with?
She has been involved with the World Economic Forum, the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Aspen Ideas Festival, and Access Now.
Achievements
- Educated at Business School of Tunis
