Ajuna Soerjadi
the Young Thinker of the Fatherland
Ajuna (23) has a background in philosophy and specializes in the ethics of artificial intelligence. She is particularly interested in how AI impacts human rights and social inequality, and in promoting diversity and inclusion in this context. As founder of the Data Ethics Center of Expertise, she helps government organizations use algorithms responsibly through training and research. She has also been chosen as one of the global 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics (2024) and was the first Young Thinker of the Nation for her talent to discuss complex social issues in an inspiring and accessible way.
Dirck Slabbekoorn
Positive
A visionary branch manager who challenges systems and connects people. After a shocking incident of violence and subsequent REBOOT, he underwent a personal transformation that led to a revolutionary view of inclusiveness and human potential.
Eveline Crone
Professor Developmental Neuroscience
Growing up in a world with social media, increasing performance pressure in schools, polarization and climate change - how do you do it? In her TED Talk for TEDxHaarlem, Eveline discusses what it means to be young in 2025 with a special focus on how the brain is uniquely equipped to connect us and bridge generation gaps.
Maarten Timmerman
Navigating Life
Maarten holds an MBA from Webster University and a B.HA from Hotelschool The Hague. Instead of starting a career, he decided to follow his dreams and sail the world’s oceans. After four years of sailing, he changed his life at sea to a commercial career on shore.
Mohamed Abdulahi
Program Secretary Perspective
Mohamed Abdulahi is an inspiring personality who, despite a visual impairment and a background marked by poverty and lack of formal education, has experienced a remarkable transformation in his life. His life story is a powerful example of resilience and personal growth.
Ruben Nieuwenhuis
Social Engineer
Ruben Nieuwenhuis is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in the intersection of technology, education, and societal innovation. As co-founder of initiatives like Techgrounds, CupolaXS, TechMeUp, and DutchEdTech, Ruben has been instrumental in driving inclusive tech education and fostering innovation ecosystems. A former director of StartupAmsterdam and co-author of StartupCity, Ruben empowers leaders to think and act like startups to solve public and private challenges.