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Inspiring columns from around the world



Grace Boldewijn, European Black Business Woman

The colour of her skin has never been a personal issue, being a woman has. ‘If a man can do it, so can I’ became her motto. Grace Boldewijn is a daring business woman. She still proudly carries her title ‘European Black Business Woman of 2002’. This title enables her, as one of the prominent people of the Surinam society, to commit to the future of her country of birth. She was responsible, amongst others, for the opening of a cassava cracker factory in the middle of the jungle. And to top it of she will be participating in the Surinam elections of 2010 with her own political party. Her biggest challenge?  “Problems. I love them!"

Brigitte de Swart, Editor-in-Chief 1We - One World Experience

To convert illustrative stories into crystal-clear text. Using words which touch people. That is what Brigitte de Swart, Editor-in-Chief of 1We - One World Experience, stands for. Words are her thing, exploring social subjects her passion. Preferably with her hands deep in the mud in the slums of Bangladesh or eye to eye with former gang leaders in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Everything for the good cause: a better world. With a fresh worldly view and a positive angle. With an open mind and both feet on the ground. “That is what makes me feel rich.”
 
 

J. Michael Heynen, International Conflict Conciliator and Supervisor

“Regardless of the reason: Peace is possible, it's depending on true will.” Based on this credo, J. Michael Heynen also personally meets his biggest challenge to (re-)establish dialogs for mutual understanding and creative transformation. Out of his professional experience as a strategic adviser for the EU in Brussels, Heynen's focus turned to developing innovative international mediation | conciliation procedures and prevention policy systems. “Don't wait and see”, Heynen encourages. “Latent conflicts are the best indicator for change potentials! This is a unique world in which we all live." And: “While no one has the need for further polarization, there is a definite demand for proactive mutual learning, problem-solving and transforming.”