For the past two decades, I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of Diversity and Inclusion (DEI).
My journey began as a passionate law student with a vision for a more inclusive society, and it has taken me through various roles, each contributing to my mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Born and raised in a small Dutch village, my world was shaped by two different cultures.
My Turkish family, who migrated to the Netherlands in the 70s, wanted the best for me, which they believed meant fitting in. As a young Muslim girl, I wore a hijab from the age of 11 and did my best to blend in. I mastered the Dutch language, excelled at school, and followed the expected path — all while trying to fit into a world that didn’t always reflect who I truly was.
When I moved to Amsterdam after earning my Master’s degree in Law, everything changed. For the first time, I found my voice. I learned what it meant to live authentically, and I began carving my own path. That journey toward independence and self-discovery transformed me and gave me the confidence to embrace my identity fully.
I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to navigate environments where you feel like you don’t belong, and I’m passionate about changing that experience for others.
I’ve been the “only” in the room—the only woman, the only person of color, the only one with a different background or perspective. These experiences were isolating but also incredibly eye-opening.
They taught me how much it matters to create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to show up as their full, authentic selves. These lessons became the driving force behind my mission to help others.
I coach business leaders to break out of the narrow frameworks they may not even realise exist, to question assumptions, and to lead with empathy, inclusion, and purpose.
Because building inclusive environments doesn’t just happen—it takes intention, self-reflection, and a willingness to grow.
By equipping leaders
with the right tools and mindset, I help them foster workplace cultures where diversity thrives, where people are not just invited in but truly heard, valued, and supported. Inclusive leadership is not just about representation; it’s about transformation.
Why Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) matters
Diversity goes beyond race, gender, and age; it encompasses a broad spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. Equity ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, while inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration. A well-structured DEI strategy can help your company unlock its full potential, creating a workplace where every individual can thrive.
As an experienced executive DEI coach, I specialise in guiding business leaders in developing and implementing successful DEI strategies tailored to an organisation's specific goals and challenges.
