What do you like about Europe?
The mix of the different countries working together to become 1 is interesting.

What did your country gave to Europe (music, literature, theatre, politics…)?
We give a lot of cheese to cheeselovers! Weirdest thing is that I am one of the only people living in the Netherlands who does not like cheese 🙂

What did Europe gave to your country (generals, kings & queens, artists, concepts)?
The Eurovision song festival and European football. During these events we all come together to sing or play football! We (almost) never win, but do think even though we are one of the smallest European countries, that we have the biggest chance to win… The ORANGE feeling this gives to Dutch people is very special. Because it pays to be an orange! Europe create an extra and bigger stage for us.

In result of your time at JCI: What did you love about JCI?
The mix of people from different backgrounds, companies and values who work together to improve the world. The issues we have, but almost always solve quickly by working together. The fact that we are open for feedback and dare to ask for advise, because it is a safe environment and people really care.

What do you love about the Senate?
On 7th of October 2017 I got my pin, so I do not have a lot of Senate experience yet. What I do notice is a big gap between the younger and older Senators. I really hope we can focus more on a better mix between young and old. Together with some others I would like to look into the matter in the next couple of years.

What is your vision for Europe in 2044, the 75th anniversary of the European Senate?
To have a Senate of young (25-40) and older (40+) Senators who all work together to try to create positive change and make JCI as an organisation a better place. If JCI as an organisation is a better place, we grow and create more impact.

What is the action you take to make that vision happen?
As a (young) Senator I would like to start connecting with the older Senators to get to know each other better. I would like to continue focussing on building relationships with partners we can work with to create more impact together. Due to my current role as JCI NL EVP partnerships I hope to continue building our JCI network and the JCI NL Senate to help JCI NL to grow.