Meet the Board: Tamara

As we head into a new season, we wanted to spend some time getting to know the members of Lingo’s Board of Trustees!

Playing a vital role in advising the running of Lingo Flamingo, we thought it would be good for you to meet the people involved in our organisation and get to know them all a little better! Kicking things off, we have our Chair: Tamara Mihalyi.

Here’s what Tamara had to say…

Growing up in Hungary, I always felt a little too contained and continental, and definitely too far away from the Sea. I knew that to travel the world, I had to learn languages.
After the Iron Curtain fell, we finally had the opportunity to learn Western languages. Because of my roots — and for practical reasons — I chose to start with German when I was 11 years old. English, having become the “world language,” was a natural choice as a second language later in high school. During my travels and In my career, I have been able to use both.

However, there came a point in my life when I felt that I wanted to contribute in more meaningful and tangible ways.

In 2018, I found Robbie’s Lingo Flamingo, where I saw an opportunity for my skill set to add value. Since the Board was about to be reorganised at the time, my role evolved over the years — first as a Member of the Board, and later as a Trustee when we became a charity.

I love the purpose, ethics, and impact of Lingo Flamingo. As time passes and Lingo’s social impact grows, so does my admiration for it.

I am very happy to currently chair our Board Meetings and to provide a solid backbone of governance that supports the team as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible. Maintaining legally and functionally necessary documentation, seeking feedback and optimisation opportunities in our ways of working, and supporting succession during role rotations and other changes are all ways I try to continue adding value.

Personal meetings with the team and our supporters — such as our annual Strategy/Away Days or the 10th anniversary event — have been incredibly rewarding and only confirm what a great team I am a part of.

PS: The picture is taken in Budapest, Hungary. Since I joined Lingo Flamingo, I seem to pick out a flamingo pattern anywhere in a crowd or place