About Us
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Impact

Collective

Where everybody is a leader!

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We empower local change-makers by supporting them in building the capacity to drive positive impact through self-discovery, collaboration, and commitment, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating lasting change.

We are the architects of our own lives, each of us armed with unique talents that make us special.

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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.

MISSION

Our mission is to empower under-privileged individuals worldwide by making personal leadership development accessible. We offer programs focused on capacity building in self-discovery, teamwork, and commitment to action. Our aim is to equip local change-makers with the confidence, motivation, and skills they need to take initiative and create a lasting impact in their communities.

VISION

We envision an inclusive world, where respect and empowerment thrive and where change makers unite to uplift and support one another to contribute to optimal living conditions for all. Everybody makes an impact in their own way.

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.

The programs we support 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.

The Programs We Support

We work by collaborating with local community partners, facilitating changemakers as they explore and develop their learning processes.

22stars foundation, Uganda

We have organized several Young Leadership Programs: 6 days Program developed for young leaders to support them in discovering and enhancing their leadership skills by attention for self discovery, teamwork and community work. In parallel, we are training the project manager of 22Stars to become the trainer to take over from us and make the Young Leader community grow. Besides that we work with small business owners to develop their personal leadership and support them in their business purpose and growth according to their skills. Empowering families to rise above poverty.

Testimony Africa, Uganda

Testimony Africa is a grassroots charity, dedicated to aiding marginalized communities by addressing local challenges. With Testimony Africa beneficiaries we workshopped on their personal leadership, their self knowledge, openness to share in a group and to dream big. Though the sponsored kids are going to school, this workshop was the first time they learned about their strengths and their weaknesses and they had to dream about and draw their own potential. What gave a feeling of existence, power and curiosity what would happen when they would act.

Drishtee, India

Drishtee was established in 2003, with nationwide outreach, and focuses on empowering women and creating livelihoods in rural India. Our 6-month traineeship equips graduates for community engagement and sustainable livelihoods, with one month of training at the Drishtee support center and five months of full-time village immersion. We are partners in developing the leadership- and soft-skill training for the trainees to ultimately train the villagers.

Toonda Cultural Community Center, Uganda

The Toonda Culture Community Centre uplifts rural Ugandan communities through Women Empowerment, Education, and Arts & Culture. We supported women’s groups with workshops on purpose, values, collaboration, and planning for independence. A highlight was the listening exercise, which deepened understanding and strengthened connections. Group work at eye level, where every voice mattered, left participants feeling truly empowered.

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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

The role of the Advisory Board is to ensure that the organisation has the right strategy, resources, and governance to achieve its mission in the context in which it operates.

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 his drive 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.

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Get Involved

Join us in supporting local change-makers and empowering communities to overcome poverty through their own strengths. Because everybody deserves to be their best self.

We would love to hear from you via hello@impactcollective.online

Donations are very welcome on NL68BUNQ 21305957 90 (BIC BUNQNL2A)

Your donation empowers change-makers to lift communities from poverty.