What’s your background, and how did you get to where you are today?
“For me, it all started in Paramaribo, where I come from a very warm family. The wise lessons my parents taught me made me ambitious, and I’ve always wanted to continue learning.
“After secondary school, I had various jobs. Initially as a financial administrator and then in a managerial position at a cleaning company. Although I especially enjoyed the latter, I felt like I’d stopped learning and I wanted to take the next step.
“I was 24 years old at the time and had just given birth to my child. How could I continue to learn and follow my career path, but also move in a direction that was best for my child? I decided to continue my education: Facility Management at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. That turned out to be a very good choice, but afterwards I was once again faced with the decision of which work to choose next.
“I moved from job placement to the events sector and eventually ended up in education at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, before being accepted at VU Amsterdam. First as a student administration team leader and then as department head of the same department.”
Can you tell us about your role as head of study and student administration?
“Our department is the silent engine at the heart of VU Amsterdam – we make sure everything is arranged for students. From sending student ID cards and collecting tuition fees by the Student Administration team to answering students’ questions by the Student Desk and Student Wellbeing Point. The craft of my team is that we want to give students the feeling – whatever the problem – that they can come to us.
“Being a department head has its challenges. I sometimes have to organise things with little support. And when I was first appointed as head here, I had to build a team that had just emerged from a restructuring. That wasn't easy and there were a lot of old wounds, which meant I needed to work on building the team and creating mutual trust. I now lead a great team of 40 people and I still enjoy my work greatly.
“I don't like the spotlight. If everything goes well, I’m satisfied. I like to coach my team and try not to avoid feedback. By giving people space and working together towards the same goal, I try to keep the quality of my team high without rushing people.”
What would you like to tell young, ambitious women?
“Be kind to yourself. There’s so much pressure on young women at the moment to perform and reach the top. I say to them: there is no top. Go as far as suits you. Ultimately, what matters is whether you’re happy in what you do. So breathe easy and do what you can. And always leave room for the fun stuff!
“And although it’s more difficult by definition as a woman or a woman of colour in this society, I don't look at the world that way. I think in possibilities. Got a rejection? Then that's not the place you want to be. Where you want to be is where you’re accepted and valued for who you are.
“What you can do next is to create opportunities for those who you know are having a more difficult time. Think consciously about how you can shape your team in a diverse way that suits the needs of your team.”
What would you say to your 18-year-old self?
“You did well, I'm proud of you. You’ve given a lot. Take the time to enjoy yourself.”
