photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
merve de jong-ertugrul
senior bijzonder beheer at rabobank
about
i’m merve de jong, 37 years old. at 8, i moved from istanbul to the netherlands without speaking dutch. those early years were tough: bullying and exclusion made me feel like i didn’t belong. through hard work, openness, and believing in myself, i found my place. today, i connect people, inspire colleagues, and support vulnerable groups. my journey shows that even in difficult times, growth is possible. i always remind others: believe in yourself and show what you can do. no one is you…and that is your power.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
if i could go back in time, i would tell her to be proud of herself, that she is beautiful, that she can be anything she wants to be. you don’t have to shrink yourself to fit into places you’ve outgrown, just to make someone else feel comfortable. that isn’t your job. your job is to evolve into the best version of yourself and do what you have been called to do.
rabobank
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