Worldconnectors, affiliate Earth Charter

Caroline Lubbers

What causes our systems to stagnate, and how can we improve them? Caroline’s fascination with this question emerged early on. During her work for the think-tank LEAP2020, she learned a lot about system changes and, more importantly, how we can contribute to them from Europe. She became inspired by systemic thinking and the potential of the future. She has since incorporated this focus into her daily work in the sustainability of the cocoa chain. The challenges include deforestation, child labor, and a living income for farmers. In addition, Caroline is actively involved in gender equality and has established a network of women in cocoa.

Personal motto

Everything is possible

Miranda Willems

in , Onderwijs, , , , Zelfstandige Worldconnectors

Professional background

Miranda Willems is an independent social entrepreneur and project manager in the Lab for Future Generations and the Ministry of the Future. She connects with social movements that focus on future thinking for the generations after us. Her background is in leadership in sustainability and social innovation. In her profession as a Social Innovator, she focuses on the importance, voice, and rights of the generations after us.

Personal motto

Nothing is more beautiful than being good ancestors together.

Samira I. Ibrahim

in , , , Worldconnectors

Professional background

Samira I. Ibrahim is primarily engaged in scientific research, as a hydrologist and theologian, and is dedicated to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities through various projects and organizations. Additionally, she serves as a Climate Ambassador for the Future and is a recipient of the Wubbo Ockels Nova Zembla Prize.”

Personal motto:

A liveable planet for all!

Henkjan Laats

in , , Worldconnectors

Henkjan is the director of Cross Cultural Bridges, an organization that transfers and exchanges practical and knowledge-based transitions contributing to “Good Living”: biocentric knowledge and practice based on the Andes-Amazon concept of “Sumaq Kausay.”

Professional Background

Henkjan holds a master’s degree in Tropical Cultural Engineering, specializing in philosophy, and a Ph.D. in conflict transformation. With 25 years of experience, he has collaborated with indigenous organizations in Nepal, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, and Bolivia. Henkjan also serves as an expert in holistic science at the UN organization Harmony with Nature, working on issues such as agro-ecology, conflict transformation, the commons, inclusive integration, land and water issues, and crisis management with youth, indigenous peoples, artists, producers, and immigrants.

Personal Motto

I am because We are, as part of Nature.

Birgitta Kramer

in , , , Worldconnectors

Professional background

Birgitta is the program manager at the Goldschmeding Foundation, where she funds various projects focused on sustainable employment, the circular economy, impact entrepreneurship, and an inclusive labor market. In this role, she initiated the Circular Jobs Initiative. Prior to this, Birgitta served as the Sustainability Manager at Vitens, the largest water company in the Netherlands. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Economy and International Economic Relations from the University of Amsterdam, and an Executive MBA in Energy Transition from Nyenrode Business University.

Personal Motto

The future is created in the present.

Sandra van Beest

in Worldconnectors

Sandra is the founder and CEO of The Social Handshake, a Social Enterprise with the aim of making Doing Good easy. A Social Handshake is synonymous with Doing Good. The Social Handshake focuses on companies and individuals who want to expand their Social Handshake.

Professional background

Before starting The Social Handshake, Sandra worked for 5 years as a Strategy Consultant at The Boston Consulting Group. Prior to that, she was a Project Coordinator at the NGO Free Press Unlimited. Sandra studied Social Geography and International Law at Radboud University Nijmegen. During her student years, she was the Youth Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations (2007-2009).

Sandra is Dutch and Norwegian, and she loves hiking, books, Social Handshakes, her husband Stijn, and children Benjamin and Mia.

Personal motto

Everyone can make a difference.

Annemarie van Geel

in , , Worldconnectors

Annemarie van Geel is an Arabist, anthropologist, and religious scholar. Her expertise lies in the areas of women’s rights, art & culture, and religion. As an independent consultant, trainer, and speaker, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion from an expert and sharp, yet empathetic, engaged, and curious perspective.

Professional Background

Annemarie earned her doctorate in religious studies from Radboud University Nijmegen with her dissertation “‘For Women Only’: Gender Segregation, Islam, and Modernity in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.” She holds an MPhil degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor’s in Social Science from University College Utrecht. She has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. She is fluent in Arabic. In 2020, her book “Hakken in het zand: Saoedische vrouwen over hun levens” was published, featuring stories of Saudi women covering all aspects of their lives, dreams, and challenges. Simultaneously, the reader gains accessible insights into the country, its society, culture, religion, and politics (Prometheus Publishers). Annemarie is a Member of the Supervisory Board of the National Museum of Antiquities and an Ariane de Rothschild Fellow in cross-cultural and inter-religious leadership & dialogue.

Personal Motto

Let curiosity be your compass.

Website

Willem van Nieuwkerk

in , , Worldconnectors

Willem is currently serving as the Executive Director at the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC).

Professional Background

For the past 25 years, Willem has been involved in international cooperation projects in the public domain, with the last eight years specifically focused on the rule of law and international legal cooperation. He has extensive experience leading international teams and has lived abroad for twelve years. Willem has worked for the European Commission, and the German and French governments, and has also contributed to local NGOs. In his free time, Willem is the chairman of a large sports association with a significant community role. This allows him to be not only engaged in international work but also deeply connected to the local community. Willem believes in the power of engagement and connection, both internationally and locally.

Personal Motto

Start with individual strengths, but we achieve our goal together

Jack Cox

in , , , , , , Worldconnectors

Professional Background

Jack is the director/owner of Forza Asset Management, an independent asset management firm with offices in Maastricht, Eindhoven, and Apeldoorn. In 2018, he founded Econsenso with the aim of bringing attention to the financial aspect of sustainability. His book, “Butterfly Economy: From Growth to Development,” was published in 2019, describing the development of an economy that, following the laws of nature, transforms from a caterpillar, always wanting more, into a beautiful butterfly.

Personal Motto

We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

Nicolette Loonen

in , , Worldconnectors

Professional background

Nicolette is one of the Founding partners of TOSCA, a consulting partnership that helps companies be a ‘force for good’. TOSCA believes in change agents who shape the transformation towards an inclusive and sustainable society. Nicolette specialises in sustainability reporting issues, taking the whole value chain into account, from strategy to embedding in culture and steering for real value. Nicolette is also a member of the Supervisory Board of ABP, the Rutgers Foundation and IPPF. In addition, she is a college member of the CvTA. Nicolette is the founder of WIFS, Women in Financial Services, and was the president of the association of more than 500 women in the financial sector from 2010 to 2016.

Personal Motto

Ieder steentje in de vijver kan een rimpeling veroorzaken.

Any pebble in the pond can cause a ripple.