ROLE MODEL CAMPAIGN DETAILS
Equals believe that visibility sparks opportunity. Its 2025 Role Model Campaign brings together over 50 companies and 130 inspiring role models to showcase that “you can’t be what you can’t see.” in 13 cities in The Netherlands. With genuine stories of perseverance, innovation, and success, the campaign is breaking down barriers and opening doors for future leaders in every field. Join Equals as they create a space where everyone can envision themselves reaching their fullest potential—and where every role model lights the way for tomorrow’s trailblazers. Now in its latest edition, the Role Models Campaign features over 130 inspiring women across eight cities, celebrating those who are changing the face of leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands.
Event Highlight: Empowering Role Models in Amsterdam
On Friday, 7th of March 2025, Amsterdam plays host to an inspiring gathering dedicated to celebrating women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and visibility in the workplace. Organised as part of the Role Models Campaign, the event brings together a dynamic group of female professionals, founders, and advocates who are shaping the future of work, technology, and social change.
This networking and inspiration event is ideal for professional coaches, career mentors, and anyone supporting female empowerment in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
📍 Location: Equals Clubhouse, Raamgracht 6, 1011 HZ Amsterdam
🕒 Time: 15:00–17:00
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
15:30 – 15:40 | Opening Address – Ilknur Dönmez
Director of Economic Affairs and Culture, City of Amsterdam
Ilknur Dönmez opens the event with a powerful message from the City of Amsterdam. Appointed Director of Economic Affairs and Culture in June 2024, Dönmez brings a wealth of leadership experience in both public policy and regional development. Her prior roles include senior leadership in Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and strategic project management within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. Her work continues to strengthen Amsterdam’s position as a thriving, inclusive hub for business and culture.
15:40 – 15:55 | Keynote – Lisa Viktorsson
Union Official, FNV Women & Board Member at Ava
Lisa Viktorsson is a tireless advocate for gender equality in the workplace. Representing FNV Women, she shares insights from grassroots initiatives like FemForce FNV and her role at Ava—an independent advocacy group dedicated to improving reproductive healthcare in the Netherlands. Her keynote addresses systemic barriers facing women in the labour market, offering both data-driven perspectives and stories of impact.
15:55 – 16:10 | Talk & Interaction – Jo Sarah
Founder & CEO of Umaversity | Diversity & Inclusivity Advisor
A trailblazer in the field of personal and professional development, Jo Sarah shares her journey as an entrepreneur, educator, and author of Manifest Your Desires. Her work through Umaversity has empowered thousands of women+ to reclaim their well-being and embrace their full potential. In this session, she offers a practical, interactive talk that bridges empowerment with strategic tools for leadership and business success.
16:10 – 17:00 | Networking Drinks
Connect with fellow role models, entrepreneurs, coaches, and supporters of gender equality in an informal setting designed to spark new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities.
Who Should Attend
This event is especially relevant for:
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✅ Professional coaches and mentors
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✅ Female entrepreneurs and startup founders
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✅ DEI advocates and HR professionals
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✅ Career development experts
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✅ Policy influencers and leadership trainers
Celebrate. Connect. Be Inspired.
A must-attend event for anyone passionate about empowering women and transforming the future of work in the Netherlands.
💭 LANGUAGE
This programme will be conducted in English. Professional working proficiency of English is required for participation.
INTRODUCING LAMATU
I am the founder of LaMatu, a professional coaching practice in Amsterdam. I offer individual coaching services, including online consultations, face-to-face sessions, and group workshops. My focus lies in the intersection of private and professional life, helping clients navigate personal and career dilemmas.
With over 16 years of experience in multinational corporate environments across Europe, I bring expertise in management and marketing of consumer goods across beauty, retail, and electronics. Having worked with brands like IBM, Dyson, Philips, and L’Oréal, I now apply this rich experience to support my coaching clients in their personal and professional growth.
The definition of “success” is deeply personal. At its core, success is about alignment—alignment with one’s values, strengths, and aspirations. When individuals are clear on their core values, they make decisions with greater conviction, navigate challenges with resilience, and find fulfilment in their achievements rather than chasing external markers of success.
Equally important is self-awareness—understanding one’s strengths and leveraging them effectively. This enables individuals to operate from a place of authenticity and confidence, allowing them to not only excel at their careers but also feel deep fulfilment.
Uncovering these intrinsic drivers is not always straightforward. This is where coaching plays a transformative role. Coaching helps individuals gain clarity on what truly matters to them, dismantle self-imposed limitations, and design a path that is well-aligned with their values and plays to their strengths. Success, then, is not a fixed destination but a dynamic process—one that flourishes when a person is deeply attuned to who they are and what they stand for.
Certified Professional Coach at LaMatu
ABOUT EQUALS
Equals is dedicated to letting women grow and support their careers. By collaborating, showcasing and celebrating our women members and partners, they bring out the best of everyone. And at the same time, the organisation empowers you to change not only your world, but ‘our’ world. Because only together we can make an impact! “Offering the tools to accelerate an inclusive gender balance in the workplace that benefit everyone.”
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website is for inspiration and general reference only. While LaMatu aims to keep details accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee their completeness or correctness. LaMatu is not responsible for any changes, updates, or cancellations related to this event. We disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or decisions made based on this information. For the most current details, please refer to the official event organisers.
