# Florence Devouard

> French open knowledge advocate, Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, co-founder of Wikimedia France (born 1968)

**Wikidata**: [Q266722](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q266722)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Devouard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/florence-devouard

## Summary
Florence Devouard is a French open knowledge advocate, serving as Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees and co-founder of Wikimedia France. She is a prominent figure in the free software and open knowledge movements, known for her advocacy in educational technology, feminism, and free software initiatives.

## Biography
- Born: September 10, 1968
- Nationality: French
- Education: Agricultural engineer (Lorraine INP), educated at University of Lorraine
- Known for: Leading Wikimedia France and serving on the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees
- Employer(s): Wikimedia France, Wikimedia Foundation
- Field(s): Open knowledge, free software, educational technology, feminism

## Contributions
- Co-founded Wikimedia France in 2004, playing a key role in establishing the organization as a chapter of the Wikimedia movement in France.
- Served as Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, overseeing the strategic direction of the Wikimedia movement.
- Advocated for open knowledge initiatives, including free software and educational technology, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in digital resources.
- Engaged in activism and public speaking, contributing to the promotion of open knowledge principles and feminist perspectives in technology.

## FAQs
**What is Florence Devouard known for?**
Florence Devouard is known for her leadership in the open knowledge movement, particularly as Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees and co-founder of Wikimedia France. She advocates for free software, educational technology, and feminist perspectives in digital initiatives.

**Where has Florence Devouard worked?**
Florence Devouard has worked with Wikimedia France and the Wikimedia Foundation, contributing to the development and advocacy of open knowledge initiatives. She has also been involved with educational institutions like Lorraine INP and the University of Lorraine.

**What are Florence Devouard's educational qualifications?**
Florence Devouard holds an agricultural engineering degree from Lorraine INP and is educated at the University of Lorraine, reflecting her background in engineering and higher education.

**What is Florence Devouard's role in the Wikimedia movement?**
Florence Devouard serves as Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, overseeing the strategic direction of the Wikimedia movement. She is also a co-founder of Wikimedia France, which supports the open knowledge mission in France.

**How has Florence Devouard contributed to open knowledge?**
Florence Devouard has contributed to open knowledge by advocating for free software, educational technology, and feminist perspectives in digital initiatives. Her work has influenced the development of open knowledge resources and policies.

## Why They Matter
Florence Devouard's work has significantly shaped the open knowledge movement, particularly through her leadership at Wikimedia France and the Wikimedia Foundation. Her advocacy for free software, educational technology, and feminist perspectives has expanded access to digital resources and promoted inclusivity in technology. Her contributions have influenced the development of open knowledge initiatives worldwide, making her a key figure in the movement's growth and influence.

## Notable For
- Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees
- Co-founder of Wikimedia France
- Advocate for free software and open knowledge
- Promoter of educational technology and feminist perspectives in digital initiatives
- Leader in the open knowledge movement

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Florence Devouard was born on September 10, 1968, in France. She holds an agricultural engineering degree from Lorraine INP and is educated at the University of Lorraine, reflecting her background in engineering and higher education.

### Career and Leadership
Florence Devouard co-founded Wikimedia France in 2004, establishing the organization as a key chapter of the Wikimedia movement in France. She has served as Chair of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees, overseeing the strategic direction of the Wikimedia movement. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization's policies and initiatives.

### Contributions to Open Knowledge
Florence Devouard advocates for open knowledge initiatives, including free software and educational technology. She promotes accessibility and inclusivity in digital resources, contributing to the development of open knowledge resources and policies. Her work has influenced the open knowledge movement worldwide.

### Activism and Public Speaking
Florence Devouard is an activist and public speaker, contributing to the promotion of open knowledge principles and feminist perspectives in technology. She engages in public speaking and advocacy, shaping the discourse on open knowledge and its applications.

### Influence and Legacy
Florence Devouard's contributions have significantly influenced the open knowledge movement, particularly through her leadership at Wikimedia France and the Wikimedia Foundation. Her advocacy for free software, educational technology, and feminist perspectives has expanded access to digital resources and promoted inclusivity in technology. Her legacy continues to shape the development of open knowledge initiatives worldwide.

## References

1. [Source](http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Advisory_Board)
2. [Source](http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/archive/What_the_future_holds_for_Wikipedia.html?cid=6389744)
3. [Source](http://www.devouard.com/spip.php?article23)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](http://www.theage.com.au/news/biztech/wikimedia-foundation-denies-financial-difficulties/2007/02/21/1171733803509.html)
6. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/12/technology/12wiki.html?ref=business)
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/01/technology/01wales.html)
8. [Source](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-life-in-the-day-florence-devouard-rtn3b720gvg)
9. [Source](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maps.12260/full)
10. [Source](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maps.12260/abstract)
11. [Source](https://fr.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ressources_pédagogiques_relatives_au_droit_d%27auteur)
12. [Source](http://www.devouard.org/mes-services/references)
13. [Source](http://doi.org/10.1177/1461444818760870)
14. [Source](https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000018800905)
15. SIRENE
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://www.devouard.org/)