The faces behind our foundation

Organisational structure

The Deloitte Impact Foundation is the official foundation of Deloitte The Netherlands. It’s Programme Management Office is located in the Corporate Strategy Office in the heart of Deloitte’s purpose and strategy. Additionally the Deloitte Impact Foundation is led by an Advisory Board and a Board. 

The Board is responsible for defining and maintaining the strategic direction of the Deloitte Impact Foundation. The Board also grants the approvals of the employee-led initiative submissions. 

The Advisory Board consists of colleagues on various levels and departments, who advise the Board on the strategic direction of the Deloitte Impact Foundation and support in its execution. Additionally, they provide an advice on each initiative submission, after which the Board makes a decision.

The heart of the foundation

The Deloitte Impact Foundation Programme Management Office (PMO) consists of four colleagues who run the day-to-day business of the Deloitte Impact Foundation. The team is located within the Corporate Strategy Office, led by Emeric van Waes (Chief Strategy Officer Deloitte). Read more about what they do and why they do it, in the blogs below.

Christel Samson | Directeur Deloitte Impact Foundation

“Connecting organisations and people to reach our common societal goals.”

“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one” (John Lennon). Despite all the problems and disputes in the world, I believe people really want to make a positive difference, but we have to work together to make it happen. Very happy that in my role I can contribute to this.

As part of Deloitte's strategy, the Deloitte Impact Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on society through various pro-bono projects led by our employees, benefiting non-profit organisations across the Netherlands. As the Director of the Deloitte Impact Foundation, my role involves both internal and external responsibilities.

Internally, I lead our Programme Management Office, overseeing a team of eight motivated colleagues. Guiding them as their enthusiastic leader, tackling challenges together during the implementation of our strategy, brings me inspiration and offers a dynamic and multifaceted role.

Over the years, our foundation has evolved into a professional programme, with our ambitions for societal impact deeply embedded in our organization. My vision for the team and the foundation is to be a driving force, connecting people and organisations to create lasting and meaningful change, and acting as a bridge between different entities.
Externally, as the foundation's director, I aim to forge collaborations with other organisations to address societal challenges, such as continuing to pursue opportunity equality and saving our planet's climate. Working at Deloitte grants us access to a vast network, enabling us to make a substantial impact on society. Together, we can achieve goals that no one could accomplish alone, surpassing even the boundaries of what was once considered possible.

Tamara Veldkamp-Blaauw | Measuring & Positioning

"You only have to share your talents for a better society."

The reason why I work for the Deloitte Impact Foundation is that I believe in our concept. The most valuable thing you can give back to society is using your knowledge and sharing your talent and network. When you give something of yourself back to society, like your talent, it feels natural and allows you to REALLY make a difference through the way YOU are.
Because so many at Deloitte have their own talent and expertise, I am able to match foundations with our professionals just by listening to their requests for help. This is my talent, which I gladly place in service of a better society. Furthermore, I lead the day-to-day business and I am responsible for measuring the impact.

The most inspiring is that I meet a lot of people who are passionate about all the things they do or want to do for society.

“Life is a matter of choices and every choice you make makes you”.

Jan Jansen Schoonhoven | Strategy & Operations

"I am the linking pin between Deloitte's strategy and the Deloitte Impact Foundation."

As former part of the Corporate Strategy Office, I am the linking pin between Deloitte's strategy and the Deloitte Impact Foundation. Additionally, I am concerned with improving the reporting and measurement processes within our team, with gaining additional data insights, and with the Sustainability pillar within DIF. My goal is to make the Deloitte Impact Foundation a stronger and more efficient organization, enabling us to make even more impact!
From when I first started at Deloitte, I always wanted to participate in a DIF project. Especially sustainability projects like WWF Cognitive Deforestation Prevention and the Ocean Cleanup are close to my heart. Later, while being in a reintegration process, I realized that I really wanted to spend more time making an impact and building a better world. I believe Deloitte and its people can play a key role in doing just that, both from a commercial and a pro bono perspective.

Lynn Boekhoudt | Deloitte Impact Foundation Senior Consultant

“It takes a village to solve complex societal issues”

We live in a growing and learning society facing complex multifaceted issues. As part of the Deloitte Impact Foundation, bringing together stakeholders such as, foundations, social enterprises and non-profit organizations, allows us to have roots embedded in society, and enables us to use our ambition to do good to contribute in making a positive difference towards a resilient and sustainable society and environment.
In my role as project consultant, I support the entire process from inspiration to do good, to an initial idea or concept further concretizing into an initiative ready for approval by the DIF Board, as well as managing the projects.
My vision is a community and society with adequate tools and support to address the complexities of our world and planet together.

Angelique Slager | Communications and Project Management

"Alone you can go fast, but together you can go far."

I find great fulfillment in working for Deloitte Impact Foundation because my role is focused on all communication around DIF and monitoring several projects. This diverse role allows me to connect with so many talented, intrinsically motivated and driven colleagues at Deloitte, each with their unique stories and reasons for initiating or joining a DIF initiative. In my position, I strive to inspire as many colleagues within Deloitte as possible about DIF and its countless possibilities. The more colleagues who contribute their talents through our foundation, the greater impact we can make together. While keeping an eye on projects, I come across different organizations and new ideas trying to help with important issues in our society. My aim in this process is to offer as much support as I can, so the focus can be on the projects and the positive impact they can make.

Johan Stuiver | Director WorldClass

"With a lot of energy and enthusiasm, I lead the WorldClass program with a dedicated team, collaborating with numerous public and private partners. Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of enthusiastic colleagues, we are involved in 15 WorldClass projects across the Netherlands.

Throughout my career, I have been actively addressing significant societal issues on behalf of national and regional governments, healthcare and educational institutions, NGOs, and businesses. I strongly believe that businesses can play a crucial role in solving major challenges such as equal opportunities in education, increasing the employment of vulnerable groups in society, the energy transition, and financial well-being. At Deloitte, we can effectively utilize our knowledge, skills, and networks to support students and vulnerable groups, strengthening their position in the job market."

Josine van Kesteren | Program Manager WorldClass

‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’

Ever since I was young I believed in justice and equal rights for all. After working for several charities, abroad and in the Netherlands, I am very happy in my current role at DIF where we work for a better future every day. Within WorldClass, we help partners that want to change the futures of children by broadening their horizon and help to develop their true self. With my background in Education studies and my experience in both the non-profit and the corporate world, I feel like I can actually make an impact here at the Deloitte Impact Foundation.

Eline Spaargaren | Program Manager WorldClass

“My journey within the Deloitte Impact Foundation began when I volunteered for the "Building Bots with Kids" project. As a facilitator, I had the privilege of guiding young minds through the exciting world of robotics. It was immensely fulfilling to witness their enthusiasm and growth during our sessions. This experience solidified my commitment to making a positive impact through the Deloitte Impact Foundation.

Now, as program manager for WorldClass, a global Deloitte program, I work to provide equal opportunities, believing that we all share the responsibility of creating a fairer future. By collaborating with inspiring individuals and organizations, we turn visions into reality.”

Linking pin | Jan Jansen Schoonhoven

"I am the linking pin between Deloitte's strategy and the Deloitte Impact Foundation."

Connection to the Deloitte strategy

As part of both the Corporate Strategy Office and the PMO of the Deloitte Impact Foundation, I am the linking pin between Deloitte's strategy and the Deloitte Impact Foundation. Having previously worked as an M&A Trainee within Deloitte, I am mostly concerned with improving the reporting and measurement processes within the Deloitte Impact Foundation and with gaining additional data insights. My goal is to make the Deloitte Impact Foundation a stronger and more efficient organization, enabling us to make even more impact!

Making the switch

From when I first started at Deloitte, I always wanted to participate in a project
of the Deloitte Impact Foundation. Especially sustainability projects like WWF Cognitive Deforestation Prevention and the Ocean Cleanup are close to my
heart. Later, while being in a reintegration process, I realized that I really
wanted to spend more time making an impact and building a better world. I
believe Deloitte and its people can play a key role in doing just that, both
from a commercial and a pro bono perspective. That's when I made the switch to my new role. With this role, I am able to support both sides. 

WorldClass Program Manager | Coen Persijn

"I have a strong affinity for ‘good doing’ and societal impact."

Why I believe good doing is so important

I have a strong affinity for ‘good doing’ and societal impact. I have had so since I was a little kid and I want to keep doing charity work for the rest of my life. For
me, giving back to society or helping the less fortunate is not just a choice,
it is part of who I am. To put genuine smiles on the faces of people around me
is something that reaches my very core and thrives me to be the change that I
want to see. And as a team member of the Deloitte Impact Foundation, I can
dedicate my daily work to making an impact as well.

How I got to know the Deloitte Impact Foundation or “DIF”

It was in my first year within Deloitte when I participated in the very amazing DIF project “Future Academy”. I signed up as a coach and I got paired with Ibrahim, a political refugee from Türkiye. Over of period of 6 weeks, I helped him with all kinds of practical things such as applying for jobs and universities,
creating a LinkedIn, and updating his CV. After those 6 weeks, we stayed in
touch and I became someone he could talk to, and someone he could call if he
needed anything. And I am so proud of Ibrahim! He now works for a proper
consultancy and studies at the University of Utrecht - all achieved in less
than two years after arriving here. With just an hour a week, I could help him
with plenty of daily questions to help him create more chances for himself.
And it is in those times when I realize how privileged I am, and to what extend
I can contribute with just a little bit of effort. Fueled by these insights, I keep
on going and try to do more.

My daily work for DIF and WorldClass

I currently work as the Program Coordinator for WorldClass, a global Deloitte
program that focuses on equality of opportunity for people worldwide. In
In the Netherlands, we are contributing to a system that provides children and people with better chances for the future. We believe that by professionalizing and scaling up organizations that are directly working with the target group, we
can contribute to more impact and better chances in the long run. My
involvement is mainly in the program management and coordination activities for these projects. I maintain the relationships with the organizations that we
support, I represent our projects towards Deloitte, and I contact and contract
motivated colleagues who have the right expertise to help. I believe that it is
not just the responsibility of parents, family, and schools to provide children
with equal chances, but that we all should take responsibility and help
wherever we can.

So here I am, meeting the most amazing people from the most extraordinary organizations who all have great ideas and plans and are trying to contribute to a better tomorrow. And through collaborating with all these people and all of you, we are turning their ideas and plans into reality!

Branding & Storytelling | Chelsea Meijers

 "Helping others has been ingrained in my core values."

Why I wanted to join the Deloitte Impact Foundation

Since my childhood, helping others, without expecting anything in return, has been ingrained in my core values. Taking care, but also learning new things from
other individuals and cultures, striving together for a more inclusive society,
is what motivates me. Energetic, creative, hands-on, empathic, and someone who feels a strong sense of duty to society defines me most.

The extraordinary work & impact

As part of the Programme Management Office of the Deloitte Impact Foundation, we help and organise lots of incredible initiatives! When I had my first week, DIF organized ‘JINC 10 jaar’, it was my first real-life experience. It was and still is, so extraordinary to see and feel what we, as a corporate business, can contribute to our society with just a few hours of effort!

Bringing impact stories to life 

JINC is just one example of all the beautiful DIF initiatives created and led by all those inspiring colleagues. Managing these initiatives gives me such an energy boost! This is the moment where I bring our impact stories to life by combining inspiring words and creating storytelling content!. Besides increasing the engagement internally, I’m also working on our external communication, to get more awareness that enables collaborations with third parties. Via this way, I can make a difference and create a better place for everyone.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work in such a diverse team of people where your work is appreciated and where the people around you inspire you to really make an impact together on different levels!

The Changemakers Network

The Deloitte Impact Foundation Changemakers Network consists of 50+ enthusiastic and purpose-driven colleagues, spread across all business areas. Together with the Programme Management Office, they aim to increase awareness and engagement in Deloitte Impact Foundation projects to enhance our impact on society. 

Per business, the Changemakers also work closely with their Purpose Lead Partner to align the Deloitte Impact Foundation’s pro-bono societal impact activities with Deloitte’s internal responsible business policies and client work – strengthening our purpose ‘to make an impact that matters’.