photographer: jonne lucia op de weegh© | make-up artist: rachel biharie from art of colors
saida el hairan(she/her)
it strategy & change management at oikocredit edcs
about
hi, i’m saida! born and raised in amsterdam. in my first job after completing my master’s in financial management, i stumbled upon the intersection of business and it. there, i quickly realized just how dynamic and versatile this space could be—full of roles i never even knew existed!
as i gained more experience, i began seeking work with a more socially driven purpose, which ultimately led me to oikocredit. today, i have the privilege of leading change at oikocredit, where we manage our change agenda through the project management office and implement the it components with our it delivery teams. i’m lucky to work with a diverse team of skilled women and men from various backgrounds, offering valuable perspectives.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
don’t be afraid to make mistakes. it’s part of the process. when you mess up, be kind to yourself. there’s something to learn in every experience, and sometimes mistakes are the best teachers. they’ll help you figure things out and get closer to where you want to be. also, collect as many experiences as you can—each one will teach you more about yourself and who you are. just keep going, trust yourself and remember that no experience is ever wasted.
oikocredit edcs
oikocredit is a social impact investor and worldwide cooperative that invests in financial inclusion, agriculture, and renewable energy across 33 countries in africa, asia, and latin america. guided by the principle of empowering people, oikocredit’s vision aligns closely with the equals campaign’s goals of promoting gender equality and diversity. the cooperative’s participation in this campaign further advances women’s empowerment and inclusion, which has been integral to its mission from the beginning, 50 years ago, and reinforces its commitment to creating a just society where resources are shared sustainably and everyone is in a position to build a life of dignity.