Commonland, Director Development & Communications
As the eldest of four, raised by a general practitioner and a psychologist, I was instilled with strong values of community and contributing to society—values that have shaped my career and personal life. After studying journalism and social sciences, I developed a strong interest in politics and business, which led to a career in the corporate sector. There, I gained valuable mentoring and experience before transitioning to the public sector. For the city of Amsterdam, I led all international campaigns and worked closely with both public and private sectors on sustainable development and global responsibility. Driven by my passion for the environment, I pursued a postdoctoral focusing on the ecological-economic balance. It was during this time that I discovered Commonland, where I now work to raise awareness, engage funders, and influence political agendas for landscape restoration. Outside of work, I live with my partner and two young sons in Haarlem, surrounded by nature. I’m deeply concerned about the erosion of meaningful connection in our increasingly individualistic world. I encourage my sons to be curious, socially engaged, and connected to the world around them—values that continue to guide both my personal and professional life.