photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
jana wilhelmus(her)
cso at ai 4 all – women’s leadership stichting
about
i moved abroad to build a new life, starting completely from scratch. being an expat taught me resilience, independence, and how to sit with uncertainty. there were moments of loneliness and doubt, but instead of shrinking, i chose to build. through that journey, i didn’t just create ai4all, i found my women. what began as a small community became a circle of support, courage, and shared ambition. my story is about belonging: creating the spaces you wish existed, and discovering that when you build with heart and purpose, you’re never truly alone.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
be brave. go for it, even when you feel unprepared. trust that uncertainty is not a sign to stop, but an invitation to grow. there will be lonely days and moments of doubt, but don’t shrink yourself to feel safe. build anyway. speak up anyway. start before you feel ready. the courage to create the spaces you long for will lead you to your people.
ai 4 all – women’s leadership stichting
at ai4all, our ai4her awards celebrate women who are shaping ai in ways that matter. from pioneers who paved the way, to leaders making healthcare more accessible, to innovators driving sustainability, to rising stars setting new standards for what’s next. these role models remind us that progress in ai is never the work of one person alone. it happens through shared knowledge, visible leadership, and collective responsibility. by lifting these women into the spotlight, we show how individual impact becomes greater when it’s part of something bigger.