We are the architects of our own lives, each of us armed with unique talents that make us special.
About Us
You are a leader! We all are in charge of our own life, armed with our own talents that makes us unique. Many of us grow up with the idea that leaders are very special people beyond our reach and that it is very difficult to become a leader.
The truth is that everybody IS a leader. The key lies in discovering what kind of leader you are and how to harness your potential. Taking ownership of your life and supporting your family, friends, and community is crucial for overcoming poverty.
Impact Collective was founded on the belief that sustainable impact arises from true leadership that originates from within. By fostering self-discovery, encouraging collaboration and fostering a steadfast commitment to initiative, we strive to empower individuals, the local change-makers, to make their own impact in the community to break the cycle of poverty.
We believe in the shift from victims to architects of one's own destiny. Our mission focuses on the underserved, with the aim of cultivating local change makers who not only uplift themselves, but also drive positive transformations in their families and communities. Local change makers are trusted by their community and do not only uplift themselves, but also drive positive transformations in their families and communities.
Our Values
Dignity
To uphold dignity and foster mutual respect, it is essential to ensure a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and resources between privileged and underprivileged communities, rather than a one-way transfer.
Equality
With equality we refer to access to knowledge and experience on both sides to gain and to share. Viewpoints from different perspectives are of great value in our development.
Connectivity
Connectivity is found within the brother- and sisterhood community, where individuals come together to support and uplift each other, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.
Empowerment
We believe in the strength of people on the ground, who know best what is needed. By empowering them with extra capacity and motivation on using their own strength, we are sure that this will bring the most effective impact in people's lives.
"Instrumental support is a start. Sustainable success comes when the locals take control."
The Projects
Leadership isn't about being perfect, it's about recognizing strengths, embracing challenges, stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to growth. By fostering self-awareness and responsibility, we support people in building the capacity to break the cycle of poverty and drive meaningful change.
Our programs focus on building capacity in self-discovery, teamwork, and community impact. We offer workshops, train-the-trainer sessions, and networking opportunities, all designed to enhance leadership qualities and prepare participants to lead impactful projects in their communities.
Projects we work on
We work by collaborating with local community partners, facilitating changemakers as they explore and develop their learning processes.
The Team
Joëlle Verkooijen
Founder, Pioneer
Impact Collective was founded by Joëlle who is dedicated to connecting and empowering people. With a genuine interest in people, and especially the ones we do not easily see, Joëlle explores and turns insights into meaningful actions. With experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, her experience in collaboration highlights the importance of self-awarness in building the confidence and initiative to create change, building resilient communities.
Yvonne Kusasira
Uganda Associate
As a proud Ugandan, she is our Associate in Uganda. After 5 years in banking, Yvonne left IT management and dedicated herself to making a positive impact through her work. With her degree in Ethics & Development she supports the empowerment of people and communities in their independence. She knows how to use her network to bring the privileged and unprivileged together and respect each other. With keen attention to detail, she passionately solves problems.
Liesbeth Rigter
Organization and Content Support
Liesbeth is a bold leader with 20 years of experience in both executive and non-executive roles. She is dedicated to tackling inequality and promoting collaboration and trust in communities to drive progress. Her focus is on building sustainable organizations by fostering resilience, new leadership, and innovation.
Advisory Board
Laurence Baeten
Straight from the start, Laurence has followed the inception of Impact collective. She even visited some projects and therefore bears the organization a warm heart. With a strong background in law and strategic HR, she brings a critical, solution-oriented approach. Her analytical skills help keep the organization focused and efficient, and she leverages her network to drive progress.
Peter van Baarle
Started as a tax lawyer in the accountancy/tax advisory world, Peter has spent most of his career in accountancy and tax, serving in various CEO and CFO roles. With experience across both profit and non-profit sectors, his goal is to improve organizations for all stakeholders.
Sanne Meijboom
Sanne is a passionate impact entrepreneur, co-creator and digital marketing specialist. She founded an award-winning impact organization in travel and now supports SMEs and start-ups creating positive change. Believing that inner trans-formation leads to purposeful companies and balanced lives, Sanne's mission is to contribute to this awakening process.
Get Involved
Send your ideas to hello@impactcollective.online and donate for realizing our projects.