Mother Tongues Announces Leadership Transition:
Fernanda Ferrari Appointed as New Director
For over eight years, Mother Tongues has been at the forefront of promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in Ireland. Our journey has been shaped by the dedication of our team, the creativity of our artists, and the unwavering support of our community of parents, teachers and early childhood educators, as well as the incredible support of our many partners. In line with this evolution, we are delighted to announce that Fernanda Ferrari has been appointed as the new Director of Mother Tongues.
An award-winning multidisciplinary artist, educator and filmmaker, Fernanda has been an integral part of Mother Tongues for the past three years, shaping flagship programmes such as Language Explorers and OWL. She has facilitated over 150 creative workshops in schools and community spaces, fostering linguistic diversity and inclusion through the arts. With a 25-year career spanning theatre, puppetry, film and cultural education, Fernanda brings a unique blend of artistic vision and deep-rooted commitment to social impact.
Originally from Brazil, Fernanda’s artistic journey has taken her across the globe, from collaborating with renowned theatre companies to spearheading initiatives that use art as a tool for social transformation. Her experience includes work with the Young Vic Theatre, People’s Palace Projects, and the United Nations, as well as numerous commissions from the Arts Council of Ireland, South Dublin County Council, and The Civic.
The Board of Mother Tongues is confident that Fernanda’s leadership, vision and deep commitment to inclusive education and the arts will guide the organisation into its next chapter. Her experience and passion will further strengthen Mother Tongues’ mission of empowering communities through language, culture, and creativity.
“We are delighted to announce that Fernanda Ferrari will now take on the role of Director of Mother Tongues. Fernanda’s artistic and creative vision, combined with her deep passion for supporting families, is evident in everything she does. She is woven into the fabric of our organisation and community, having worked with us over the years, most notably in leading our Language Explorers programme.” said Tríona Cummins, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Mother Tongues.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Fernanda’s work has had a strong social impact, aligning with UNESCO’s mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She previously collaborated with UNESCO and the Brazilian Foreign Ministry as part of the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, where she worked on projects addressing global education, sustainability, and inclusion. Her dedication to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is evident in her work with migrant, refugee, and multilingual communities, using the arts as a tool for empowerment and social transformation.
“Mother Tongues has created a space where language, creativity, and culture come together to empower children and families. I am honoured to step into this role and continue building opportunities for multilingual communities across Ireland,” said Fernanda Ferrari.
This transition also marks a significant moment in the organisation’s history. Dr Francesca La Morgia, Founder and outgoing Director of Mother Tongues, has been the driving force behind its creation and growth. Under her leadership, Mother Tongues has transformed from an idea into a pioneering organisation, reaching thousands of multilingual families, educators and artists across Ireland.
“I am delighted to see Mother Tongues grow into a successful and respected organisation, that is recognised at national and international level, and I know that Fernanda and the team will bring Mother Tongues to new heights” shares Francesca.
Reflecting on this transition, Tríona Cummins, Chair of the Board, expressed gratitude for Francesca’s vision and leadership: “While we are saddened by her departure, we want to express our profound gratitude for the extraordinary work she has done over the years. Francesca has been the heart and soul of Mother Tongues, a groundbreaking thought leader, and a true visionary expert in the field of multilingualism. Her contributions to the field and to our mission will remain a cornerstone of our work moving forward”.
Mother Tongues remains committed to expanding its work, deepening its impact, and ensuring that multilingualism is celebrated as a cornerstone of Ireland’s cultural landscape. “Fernanda will be working alongside Elena Cristofanon, who will continue in her role as Operational Manager. Elena’s strategic expertise and leadership in operations have been essential to our success, and we are immensely grateful for her continued contributions. Together, Fernanda and Elena form a dynamic leadership team that will carry forward the mission of Mother Tongues with energy, vision, and commitment at its core”, commented Tríona Cummins.