European mandate, global strategy
Speaking of Solidaridad's vision and strategy, Verburg said, “With our worldwide network and clear vision of how to achieve an inclusive, sustainable economy, Solidaridad has put together a unique track record of successful projects in the field.” Verburg is primarily responsible in her role for Solidaridad's activities in Europe with an emphasis on co-operation with businesses, governments and donors. Verburg will also represent the European organization in Solidaridad Network's international board of directors.
Experienced development manager
Heske Verburg brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. She studied Management in International Organizations in Groningen and took courses at the universities of Grenoble and Berkeley. She began her career at ORMIT, an organization specializing in talent and leadership, before spending 10 years working at UNICEF in various management positions, where her duties included shaping successful co-operative ventures with businesses. Before joining Solidaridad, Verburg was executive director of social enterprise Healthy Entrepreneurs, an organization which uses entrepreneurship to realize basic health care in underdeveloped regions.
Meeting, greeting and networking
“I am very proud to be part of this fantastic club, not least because of all my dedicated colleagues,” Verburg said. “In the end it's the people who make it happen, they are the capital of an organization. So in the next few months, I will set aside plenty of time to get to know my colleagues at Solidaridad in Utrecht and the wider Solidaridad Network. I will also make lots of personal appointments with Solidaridad's partners: companies and donors that work with Solidaridad on sustainable economic development.”