photographer: jonne lucia op de weegh© | make-up artist: nicky ruisch from art of colors
shekufeh manesh(she/her)
it talent hunter at brunel
about
i am an it talent hunter and senior recruitment consultant, working full-time at brunel. becoming a recruiter was never part of my plan—i studied law, pursued my passion as a children’s rights legal counsel and began my career as a policy advisor at the dutch ministry of foreign affairs. yet, life took an unexpected turn, and today, i couldn’t be happier in my role at brunel.
recruitment is one of the toughest sales jobs, and i thrive on that daily challenge. more than that, i love connecting with it professionals and immersing myself in the ever-evolving world of technology. it shapes the way we live, work, and interact with the world, and i want to be part of that dynamic industry. most importantly, brunel provides me with everything i need to feel fulfilled in my career.
beyond work, i am passionate about social projects. in december 2023, i had the incredible honor of being selected by princess laurentien as one of 11 inspiring women she believes contribute immense value to the netherlands. to me, princess laurentien is not only a role model but an inspiration to many.
yet, no professional achievement compares to the greatest promotion of my life: being the wife of the most loving and caring man i know and the mother of our two beautiful sons.
why do you think it is important that role models need to be visible?
i believe we all need a big sister in life—someone to look up to, someone who reminds us that we are capable, worthy, and enough. this need becomes even stronger when we step into motherhood, a phase that can bring uncertainty at every turn. but when we connect with other mothers who openly share their struggles, we realize we are not alone. we’re not failing—we’re simply navigating the challenges that come with this stage of life.
by sharing our real struggles and victories, we create space for learning, support, and sisterhood. i truly believe that strong women have the power to uplift and inspire others to grow and shine. that’s why it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the strong women around us, making their voices heard and their impact visible.