photographer: julia powalacz©
loes mulder(she/her)
secretaris-generaal at ministerie ocw
about
as a young girl i was crazy about a musical for children: “i can do that too”. later this turned out to be a theme that women often have to tell themselves, and i still try to say it to myself and other women.
after my specialization in development issues and migration, i have worked with great passion in government. my focus has always been on issues relating to the distribution of security and prosperity – internationally and nationally. after various positions in the field of immigration i was appointed director-general for the senior civil service. in this position, i contributed to the appointment of over 30% woman in high-level positions. i am currently working as secretary general at the ministry of education, culture and science, working on the future of the netherlands. we need everyone’s talent for that, and that includes women who think “i can do that too”.
why do you think it is important that role models need to be visible?
humans inspire each other by stories – and not just stories of success. role models are effective if they also show their struggles and failures, thus showing to other people they can do it too. oprah winfrey was my role model in connecting with a wide range of people, combining a social attitude with humor and intellect, and sharing her own imperfection. the power of vulnerability (read brené brown!)- the gateway to connection..