About Us
Mission
Working in the field of public international law, we are not only united by our dedication to a common mission, but also our endurance of common challenges. From the confronting content of our work to the atmospheres in which we work, many of us have withstood or witnessed similar obstacles. The Collective provides a dynamic space for professionals in this field to (1) seek and provide tools and support, (2) facilitate the exchange of ideas and (3) catalyze innovative change.
At the Collective, we believe that the sustainability and impact of our work can be fortified by the supportive interconnectedness of similarly-situated professionals across all identities and geographic boundaries. We believe that by creating a safe space to communicate freely, where no topic is off limits – from trauma to identity to professional projects and aspirations – we can flourish as individuals and professionals.
With each other as our greatest resource we can mitigate obstacles, celebrate our successes and innovate together for the future of our field. Together we can cultivate our resilience and create more enjoyable, impactful and durable careers.
Guiding philosophy
Inspired by the central tenant of ubuntu philosophy, which was at the center of Desmond Tutu's anti-apartheid rhetoric -
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu . . . "a person is a person through other people"
"Ubuntu is the essence of being a person. It means that we are people through other people. We cannot be fully human alone. We are made for interdependence, we are made for family. When you have ubuntu, you embrace others" (Tutu, Recipe for Peace)
Here at the Collective, we believe that our personhood evolves through the course of a lifetime, and each encounter we have facilitates our human development and, therefore, our impact on humanity.
Policies
confidentiality
The Collective has a strict confidentiality policy. Unless the sharing member provides consent, no matter discussed in a gathering may be shared elsewhere. This is specifically relevant to sharing personal experiences, anecdotes, and works-in-progress.
This is necessary in order for the Collective to effectively sustain its supportive and respectful community, and requires the active efforts of all members. This solidarity and commitment to confidentiality is the foundation of the Hedera Collective.
active engagement
Gatherings provide an informal space for members to express themselves and support each other. No member is ever required to share or participate. At the same time, active participation is fundamental to the Collective’s mission. For this reason, we hope members, regardless of their participation in gatherings, will feel encouraged to provide topic suggestions, comments, or feedback by emailing us at info@hederacollective.org.
respect
Members come from different backgrounds (cultural, religious, national, racial, ethnic, gender, professional, etc.). It’s important for members to be conscious and respectful of each other's differences.
We also ask that members respect each other’s time. Every member attending a gathering should have the opportunity to participate if they so choose.
reporting
As sensitive topics will be discussed during gatherings, the Collective encourages any member who would like to report discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate behavior to do so by emailing us at info@hederacollective.org. Each report will be handled both confidentially and anonymously, unless the reporting member requests otherwise.
The Team
Hedera helix (noun)
Latin for "ivy"; From the Greek hédra or haerere, which refers to the grasp of its roots; Symbol of resilience
Visualize a collective of resilient ivy vines, unique and independent but growing together...
Marissa Kardon Weber
Founder
Marissa is an international criminal and human rights lawyer. She works on strategic litigation against abusive governments and other actors on behalf of survivors, including dissidents, political prisoners, and survivor communities. She also advises NGOs addressing atrocity crimes. Marissa has worked on rule-of-law initiatives relating to conflicts in Iraq/Syria, Ukraine/Russia, Libya, Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar/Bangladesh, and Seychelles, and previously worked in the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor. She zealously seeks justice and healing through victim-centered and trauma-informed practices.
Ciara Dinneny
Co-Founder
Ciara works in criminal defence law. She is currently based in Ireland working for Michael J. Staines & Co. Solicitors. She also works as an Assistant Editor with Jurist. Previously, she worked as a Legal Consultant in the Prosecution Division of the International Criminal Court. She also has a background in advocating for human rights, having previously worked for the Karen Human Rights Group, in Thailand.
You!
Our members!
Check out the interactive map on our home page to see where our members are based!