photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: carmen zomers
aytun aydin(she/her)
directeur at elance academy
about
aytun aydin is a woman with a unique background. at the age of three, she came to the netherlands from turkey in 1975. growing up between two cultures, she learned to be independent at an early age in an environment where her parents had limited resources and spoke little dutch. her personal journey is infused with determination and perseverance. she has had to fight for everything she has achieved, giving her a strong belief that others, especially young girls, can also forge their own path.
her commitment and passion for equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusivity have grown from her experiences and her study of sociology at the university of amsterdam. with a solid background in various management roles always focused on these themes, aytun has dedicated herself to advising and supporting various organisations on their journey towards gender equality and inclusive employment. her role as a connector is crucial: she brings diverse worlds together and leverages her own experience and network to achieve optimal results. through advice, training, and a focus on sustainable solutions, she helps address complex issues, always with an eye on creating a lasting impact.
why do you think it is important that role models need to be visible?
visible role models are crucial because they inspire and empower others. seeing individuals who have overcome challenges and succeeded provides encouragement and guidance, especially for those facing similar obstacles. visibility of role models helps create a sense of possibility, fostering diversity, inclusion, and the belief that one can achieve their goals despite adversities