A thought that sparks my imagination? “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This advice gets me re-energized every single time to ensure all voices - and not only the dominant and often included ones - are being heard.
Since graduating as a conflict analyst, I have been working in the social impact field to facilitate and guide change and development programs around the world. I have been doing so as an independent facilitator, project and program manager and advisor since 2022.
The magic of facilitation With a background in International Relations and the MENA region, I conducted field research in Lebanon as part of my master’s Conflict Studies and Human Rights in 2016. Through observing several post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives across the country, I watched various facilitators guiding these important but often tense conversations. I was mesmerized by their ability to bring individuals and communities closer in these challenging circumstances.
As a facilitator, I love bringing practitioners together for interactive and participatory (online and in-person) sessions so they can tackle the issues they face by making use of the collective knowledge of the group.
Working on the adaptation puzzle presented I enjoy advising on the puzzle that is presented on an organisational, project or programmatic level. What is the exact challenge? What needs to be achieved? Who needs to be on board? What steps need to be taken to get there? Tackling the challenge step by step has proven a useful recipe.
Organizing, planning and forecasting are my middle names, I often jokingly say, so count me in on anything related to managing and coordinating these processes (waterfall or Agile style).
Thematic focus
Themes I have worked on are organisational development and ways of working, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, community building, adaptive leadership, gender-responsive governance, integrity promotion and youth participation in policymaking.
As for languages, I am comfortable working in English and Dutch. Having a conversation in French and German is also an option, but I must confess that my Arabic is very rusty at the moment.
My life beyond work I like to explore unknown worlds and be active and outdoors. Whether it is dancing salsa, kickboxing, or enjoying cultural performances: I tend to say yes to things I haven’t tried before. Of course, as a true Dutchie, I also cannot imagine a life without my bicycle. Since I live next to the sea, you can find me with a book (preferably something on politics or history) on the beach when I am in my hometown The Hague.
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