Dear community,
Serving as Chair of the IQA has been a great honor. I am deeply grateful to the NGBs and volunteers who placed their trust in me to help guide this organization over the past three years (one as Vice-Chair and two as Chair).
When I stepped into this role, the IQA was navigating structural strain, capacity gaps, and governance challenges. My commitment was not simply to maintain operations, but to help strengthen the institutional foundations of our sport.
During my term, I had the privilege of contributing to and supporting key structural initiatives, including:
- Advocating for and supporting the recruitment of trustees from outside the immediate quadball community to bring independent nonprofit and governance expertise into the organization.
- Serving on the Executive Director Search Committee and supporting an open and transparent recruitment process.
- Serving on the Strategic Planning Committee and helping establish the framework for long-term strategic direction.
- Supporting our directors and operational teams in delivering complex international events, ensuring that the Board remained engaged and available when governance support was needed.
- Supporting the approval of a new membership structure designed to balance financial sustainability with accessibility.
- Supporting Development Fund approvals to strengthen emerging regions.
- Launching the IQA Mentorship Program through the Expansion portfolio to build capacity and connect developing NGB leaders with experienced administrators.
Throughout my term, I was intentional about ensuring that discussions, particularly those involving governance, regional representation, and resource allocation, were conducted with respect, fairness, and awareness of our global diversity.
I also tried to bring broader cultural awareness into leadership discussions. The IQA is a truly global organization, and our members operate in very different contexts. Recognizing those differences is important for fair representation and respectful collaboration.
None of this work was done alone. Every initiative required collaboration between trustees, directors, volunteers, and member organizations. I am grateful for the many people who contributed their time, ideas, and energy during these years.
I also hope that, as a community, we continue strengthening the relationship between members and volunteers. The IQA is not a distant institution, it is made up of people from this same community who step forward to help build and sustain the sport we all care about. Like any volunteer organization, we are not perfect, but the willingness to improve and work together is what allows us to keep moving forward.
Although I will no longer serve as Chair, I will continue supporting the IQA as Expansion Manager, contributing through graphic design work, and assisting with translation when needed. My door will always remain open to members and volunteers who may need support, collaboration, or simply a conversation.
Leadership in a global volunteer organization requires difficult conversations and structural adjustments. I approached this role with seriousness, integrity, and a deep belief in the long-term potential of quadball worldwide.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chair. I remain proud of what we built together and grateful to everyone who contributed to that progress.
Negra Flores