I take some time to reflect on Halloween and its today’s contrasting festivities with ancestral traditions from Lithuania, like Vėlinės, a day to honor the dead. As an educator and creative, I invite everyone to step beyond costumes and candy, engaging with the season's soulful invitation to reconnect with history, self-reflection, and imagination.

As autumn’s mystery deepens, Villa Anapilis in Palanga beckons with its storied past and spectral whispers. Once home to Countess Sofija Horvataitė-Tiškevičienė, this haunting estate is alive with tales of eerie séances, a haunting wind organ, and mirrored rooms that blur the line between past and present. Step into the season’s twilight and explore the secrets waiting within its wooden walls.

As we approach the BASE conference on October 25th, I am thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s to come. Together with the incredible Veronica Gugugian, who has organized this impactful event, we will be hosting a special workshop that introduces the world to STRIVE Cards—a project born out of my passion for helping people unlock their potential through empathic leadership and self-awareness. [read more…]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Shenin Lebrun:

What do you consider to be the most important qualities of an effective leader, and how do you cultivate those qualities in yourself and in the teams you lead?

On September 12th, 2024, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) hosted a remarkable international symposium on the future of WWII Restitution Policies. It was an event where experts, historians, and cultural leaders gathered to explore vital issues around provenance research and restitution, and I had the honor of working with a fantastic team to help make it happen. [read more...]

I had the pleasure of supporting Kevin-Ahn Kwang Soo-Groen, the brilliant organizer behind the event, who brought together a stunningly diverse lineup of artists, poets, musicians, and performers. The night was everything it promised to be—sensual, raunchy, humorous, and deeply moving. Whether it was raw fantasies, stories of dates gone right (or hilariously wrong), or intimate moments of self-reflection, the performers bared their souls and took us on an emotional journey.
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Yesterday was an inspiring day as I joined friends, and supporters to celebrate an incredible milestone in my friend Reka’s life. After over a decade of hard work, passion, and perseverance, Reka has not only published her long-awaited book but also established her own publishing company, Yellow Stairs Publishing. It was an unforgettable moment, marking the culmination of her creative journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

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Seeing my photograph published in The Word’s Faire “The Feast” has been a very special moment for me. As a photographer, I’ve always aimed to capture moments that tell a story, evoke emotion, and share beauty with the world. And to have this opportunity to be seen in the copy of the publication is a very special experience.

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One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Réka Szentirmay:

What inspired you to choose setting up a publishing house over the self-publishing route for your book?

In my vision, it was a sunny afternoon in 1964, and I can almost see a young Danielius Kvartunas, at the tender age of 16, holding his very first camera—a "Smena 6"—with a sense of pride and excitement. This simple, yet cherished, piece of equipment became an extension of his being, a portal through which he could freeze time and capture the essence of his surroundings. Decades later, we celebrate his - my fathers - legacy through a photography exposition that takes us on a journey back to those early days, offering a vivid glimpse into the world as he saw it.
Danielius Kvartunas’ photographs are not just images; they are windows into the past. Each photograph tells a story, painting a picture of life as it was in 1964.
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One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Renate Matroos:

In what ways do emerging technologies influence the landscape of entrepreneurship within the digital education sector, and what challenges and opportunities do they present?

The amazing Christina Kefala extended the invitation to be a guest speaker for CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) students, where I shared my life journey and insights on the transformative power of creativity. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, as I had the opportunity to connect with bright, inquisitive minds and delve into the fascinating world of creativity. [read more…]

Reflecting on my experience teaching a summer intensive course at CIEE fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Over three intense weeks, I had the privilege of guiding a dedicated group of students through a rigorous curriculum, meeting for four hours every day. What made this journey particularly impactful was our embrace of embodied learning. [read more..]

One Question Project is here to illuminate the amazing women and their experiences. I created it to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Heidi Clements:

How do you address societal pressures and stereotypes about ageing, especially as a woman in the public eye?

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we may already know. This time I ask one question to Marjolein Hemker:

How do you prioritise personal development vs professional
development?

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we maybe already know. This time I ask one question to Sandra Roberts:

Can you share your insights on the unique challenges and opportunities you've encountered while navigating bicultural communities in Amsterdam within the context of your role in event production?

Embracing the Tapestry of Life: A Journey of Creativity, Community, and Celebrating Every Chapter with Word Up [read more…]

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire, and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we maybe already know. This time I ask one question to St Abel:

How do you find your voice and continuously foster the process of self-development and authenticity?

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire, and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we maybe already know. This time I ask one question to Zoë Papaikonomou:

How would you advise someone to practice being inclusive and focusing on the power relationships?

One Question Project is there to illuminate amazing women and their experiences and to make them accessible to anyone. It’s created to inspire, and challenge us to take action, create new connections and rediscover things we maybe already know. This time I ask one question to a very inspiring woman - cultural entrepreneur, organiser of festivals and events, music lover and interior designer - Carina van Kraay:

What strategies or approaches have you found effective in navigating traditionally male-dominated environments and ensuring to keep up with staying relevant in an ever-evolving and competitive landscape?