Leadership is within all of us - by unlocking inner potential and stepping into our power, we can make a difference.

About Us
At Impact Collective, we believe personal leadership is the key to change. In a world where traditional education often overlooks essential personal skills, many individuals, especially those in underprivileged communities, lack the self-awareness, self-esteem and tools to reach their full potential.
Leadership is within all of us - by unlocking inner potential and stepping into our power, we can make a difference. Our practical programs—workshops and training—focus on self-discovery, teamwork, and creating opportunities that empower individuals to uplift themselves and their communities.
Together with local community partners, we facilitate local change makers as they explore and develop their learning processes.
MISSION
We empower underprivileged individuals through accessible leadership development, connecting expertise, funding, and communities to drive lasting local impact.
VISION
We envision an inclusive world where respect, empowerment, and collaboration uplift communities and contribute to better living conditions for all. Everybody makes an impact with their own potential.
Our unique empowerment approach
Dignity
Dignity is the inherent value and respect every person deserves, recognizing their worth and treating them with honor and integrity.
Equality
We value mutual respect and promote equal access to knowledge and experiences, valuing diverse perspectives.
Connectivity
We foster a supportive community where people come together, creating a sense of belonging.
Empowerment
We empower individuals to use their own strengths, ensuring the most impactful change comes from within the community.






"Leadership isn't about being perfect, it's about recognizing strengths, embracing challenges, stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to growth."
The Projects
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. Together with local community partners, we support their beneficiaries in becoming changemakers by guiding them through their learning and development processes.
22stars foundation, Uganda
22stars empowers families through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Since 2023, our 6-day Young Leadership Program has developed young leaders. To sustain this impact, we are training the project manager as a future trainer, ensuring the program's growth. Additionally, we support small business owners in strengthening their leadership skills to drive business growth.
Testimony Africa, Uganda
Testimony Africa is a grassroots charity in Kampala, Uganda, focused on supporting marginalized communities by addressing local challenges. We work with beneficiaries on personal leadership, self-awareness, group sharing, and dreaming big. While sponsored children attend school, this workshop was their first opportunity to explore their strengths and weaknesses, envision their potential, and feel empowered to take action.
Drishtee, India
Drishtee, Founded in 2003, empowers women and creates livelihoods in rural India. Our 6-month traineeship prepares graduates for community engagement and sustainable livelihoods, with one month of training at our support center and five months of village immersion. We also partner in developing leadership and soft-skill training to help trainees eventually train villagers.
Toonda Cultural Community Center, Uganda
The Toonda Culture Community Centre empowers rural Ugandan communities through Womens Empowerment, Education, and Arts & Culture. We held workshops for womens groups on purpose, values, collaboration, and planning for independence. A key highlight was the listening exercise, which deepened understanding and strengthened connections, leaving participants feeling truly empowered.






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.

Marjan IJkema
Fundraising
Marjan in onze fondsenwervingsgoeroe met een groot hart voor de Impact Collective missie. Creatief, doortastend en altijd klaar om samen te werken. Ze is een meesterverbinder die positieve verandering aanwakkert en inspireert tot actie
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
Laurence has supported Impact Collective from the start, visiting projects and deeply valuing its mission. With expertise in law and strategic HR, she brings a solution-oriented approach, sharp analysis, and a strong network to drive progress.

Peter van Baarle
Peter has spent most of his career in accountancy and tax, serving in CEO and CFO roles across both profit and non-profit sectors, with a goal to improve organizations for all stakeholders.

Sanne Meijboom
Sanne is an impact entrepreneur and digital marketing specialist, founder of an award-winning travel organization, now supporting SMEs and start-ups to drive positive change through inner transformation.
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 and important for continuation NL68BUNQ 21305957 90 (BIC BUNQNL2A)
Your donation empowers change-makers to lift communities from poverty.