Force for Positive Change Award 2023

Using history to support a future world of peace and safety

Executive MBA, 2012

Eveline’s path to working with more mission-driven, as opposed to more profit-oriented organisations, has been a meaningful transition which was accelerated by the RSM EMBA. 

Being a child of parents who have lived through the trauma of WWII and Indonesia’s Independence War first-hand, it’s very special that Eveline now works as the director of the Netherlands’ Oorlogsgravenstichting (War Graves Foundation) in Indonesia, and is a specialist in helping organisations navigate decisive transitions.  

“By telling victim’s stories in new and other ways, we aim to help people reflect on what armed conflict means. War cannot always be prevented, but we challenge people to consider what each of us could do today to support a world of peace and safety for all in the future,” she says.  

Eveline’s current and last roles demonstrate her dedication to achieving the UN’s SDG 16: peace, justice and strong institutions. As deputy director at Justice Without Borders in Hong Kong, she achieved a positive change in 2018 where the High Court ruled that migrant workers who bring claims against employers in Hong Kong – often for abuse or withholding wages – no longer have to be physically present in court, but can represent themselves via video link from their home countries, taking away a massive barrier to migrant worker victims in seeking justice. 

Her RSM studies and her job allow Eveline to consolidate her experiences, enhance her expertise and competencies, build a bridge between different worlds, and further develop her international network of inspired professionals. In addition to her important work, she volunteers as an active mentor for RSM students and alumni.

Empowering refugees to build new lives and businesses 

CEMS, 2018

Laura makes a significant positive impact on social sustainability and people who were displaced by forced migration. She co-founded the non-profit organisation Forward·Inc, which gives refugees the tools, education and resources to turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality. Her journey started during her master at RSM, when she teamed up with classmate Diederick van der Wijk to kick it off.

As managing director, Laura empowers and guides refugees to achieve economic independence and integrate in their new home countries. Laura believes in a better, fairer and more positive world. At Forward·Inc, she translates that belief into action by offering high-quality entrepreneurship and business training, events, and the opportunity to obtain funding and guidance to start their own businesses.   

“There are over 100 million refugees. Entrepreneurship is a very powerful tool to enable people on the move to provide for themselves, their families and communities. While diplomas have boundaries, big ideas don't! A great idea can work in any language in any country.” Laura says.

She is driven by supporting others and engaging with people outside of her daily bubble. “Peace and feeling safe is the most crucial need for humans. If we aren't safe we cannot pursue anything. Strong institutions allow people to focus on their plans, like taking care of becoming financially independent. That’s why peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16) are at the core of newcomers being able to pursue their own goals as an entrepreneur or in the labour market.” 

Leading the way to safety for war refugees

Full-time MBA, 2007

Mark lived in Lviv in western Ukraine when Russia invaded his home country in 2022. While millions of people passed through the city, Mark worked through the night to support refugees. He helped people on all grounds from transporting them to safe havens and providing medical help, to raising funds and donations and making sure all is put in place by his team.  

He acted as a true leader who took charge for safety and well-being of people. Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, he spent over 500 days taking a leading role in charitable activities, lately mainly dedicated to SMART Medical Aid that is assisting hindered medical facilities in the country. 

Mark had the option to leave, so his decision to stay and help people caught in the conflict shows an incredible amount of selflessness, courage and hope. That’s why 10 of his former classmates nominated Mark for this Positive Change Award. While driving people to the Polish border and collecting medical supplies and food, he engaged with his RSM classmates to gain support, financial and otherwise. “Having enormous backing of the class during the first months of the crisis meant that we could dedicate resources to families and shelters that hosted those transitioning to safety, especially the children,” Mark says. 

His nominators said Mark is a role model for helping others in the face of fear and oppression. He doesn’t take credit for his actions, and still sends happy birthday message to everyone he knows. His adventurous, compassionate and fearless character make a positive impact, wherever Mark goes. 

Reporting the truth to fight injustice and boost peace 

MSc Business Administration, 2000

As a journalist, Natalie plays a crucial role in shaping a positive world by fostering transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. Through unbiased reporting, investigative journalism and fact-checking, she holds politicians accountable, exposes corruption, and highlights societal issues. She strengthens democracy and promotes positive change by empowering citizens with reliable information.

This interest in digging up the full story behind societal matters started at RSM, where she was challenged at the age of 18 to think critically about complex world problems. For her thesis, she researched the role companies could play in development co-operation. Since then, she has worked in several communication jobs worldwide for organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) in Africa and India.

Developing further as an engaged and award-winning journalist, Natalie ultimately became a foreign correspondent for Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant. She reported on the war against terrorism in Afghanistan for three years. And later, she investigated a Dutch foreign minister’s lies about alleged talks with president Putin. Her reports have regularly appeared on the front page, making her articles influential in the Dutch policy debate. 

Natalie appears on television regularly to comment on recent developments that are on the interface between society, peace and business. As a former war correspondent and political journalist, Natalie understands the profound impact of peace, justice, and strong institutions on societies. She says: “By advocating for transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse, we can collectively contribute to a better world, fostering trust and understanding amidst global challenges.”