photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
vanessa flink
managing director at state of tomorrow (an nlmtd company)
about
i was raised to believe that men and women can achieve the same things and that responsibility creates opportunity. with two working parents, financial independence was the norm. for me, equality has never been up for debate. that mindset shaped how i developed as a leader and how i support others, challenging limiting beliefs and pushing people to think bigger. i know some see me as a role model, combining my role as ceo with raising three children, and i take that seriously. i said yes to this campaign because equality is still not a given. it requires visible commitment for the generations that follow.
why do you think it is important that role models need to be visible?
being a role model matters because what people see shapes what they believe is possible. if leadership, ambition and family life are represented in only one way, we limit the next generation. i grew up believing men and women can achieve the same things, and that belief shaped my path. but equality is not just a women’s issue, it is systemic. real change happens when both men and women are part of the conversation. we need shared responsibility to shift structures, not just stories. visibility creates permission. that is why being visible and vocal is not optional, it is necessary.
state of tomorrow
at state of tomorrow, we believe that equality is essential for shaping a brighter future. inspired by maya angelou’s words, “role models show that there are no limits to what women can achieve,” we are dedicated to creating an environment where diversity and inclusivity lead to greater impact. by participating in the annual equals campaign, we affirm our commitment to gender equality, recognizing that true progress comes from empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. together, we can drive meaningful change and build a better future for all.