photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: maria gomez from art of colors
daisy rood-bakker(she/her)
director innovation and strategy at nlmtd
about
my grandmother had to leave her job when she married. my mother broke that cycle: she studied, traveled, built a career, raised my sister and me, started a business, and earned her phd. growing up in the 1970s, i saw how revolutionary that was – even though it felt normal – and it made me proud. her example taught me two things: be open and willing to be the first, and that ambition and caregiving can reinforce each other. i followed my dreams: building a meaningful career and being the mother of three wonderful children, powered by a loving partner and a strong support network.
who is a woman (past or present) you wish more people knew about, and why?
babs gons is a woman i wish more people knew. her spoken word work is powerful, warm, and socially sharp — and her poem ‘precies goed’ in particular has stayed with me. it’s a call to embrace who you are, without shrinking or apologizing. she gives language to self worth and belonging in a way that lifts others up. her voice inspires me to stand tall, to go first when needed, and to lead with both ambition and care.