Exploring the Embodied Learning
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: Heidi Clements
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?
From the Frontlines to the Classroom
Recently, I was invited to be a guest lecturer for a group of high school exchange students at the CIEE offices in Amsterdam thanks to the kind invite extended by Bruno Miguel Correia and Daria Zelenukhina. This opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because it allowed me to share insights on a subject that is deeply personal and crucially important: the humanistic approach to understanding and supporting refugees and migrants. [read more..]
Dreaming Together
As the founder of Word Up, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration as I reflect on the unforgettable evening we shared at the Van Gogh Museum on May 31st. Vincent on Friday - DREAMS - Word Up Showcase was not just an event, but a profound celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of female voices in spoken word poetry. [read on…]
Exploring the Cultural-Business Synergy
Recently, I had the immense privilege of being invited to the National Cultural Forum at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) in Kaunas organized by the National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries. [read more…]
Capturing Courage
As a photographer, I often find myself in the privileged position of witnessing and immortalizing moments of significance in people's lives. But nothing quite prepared me for the honor of documenting my friend's doctoral defense in the grand Lutheran church of old Amsterdam. [read more…]
Revisiting the Past
A little reflection on my trip to visit and old friend and some old and not so old sights around Leeds, the UK. [Read more…]
More Room in Classroom
What a humbling feeling to close another memorable semester teaching and holding space for growth and inspiration. I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership is and how much it has illuminated the transformative power of genuine connection and the beauty of embracing vulnerability. [read more…]
One question project: Marjolein Hemker
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?
Elena Lund: Energija, kuri gali įkvėpti yra visur (Energy that can inspire is everywhere)
Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Eleną Lund. Ji - konsultantė, koučerė bei aktyvistė, kuri siuo metu gyvena Osle, Norvegijoje.
[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Elena Lund who is a consultant, coach and activist who currently resides in Oslo, Norway.
Connecting…
After more than a decade, I found myself returning to Copenhagen, a city that holds countless memories from my past. But this time, the journey wasn't solely about revisiting familiar streets and landmarks; it was about rekindling a connection, one that had only recently sparked into existence.
[read more]
Guns, Politics, and the Power of Poetry
In a world often clouded by political divisiveness and cultural complexities, events like the recent gathering organized by the John Adams Institute where I attended a discussion on "Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy" by Jennifer Carlson, followed by a captivating spoken word performance by Jackie Ashkin, serve as poignant reminders of the multifaceted nature of our society.
[read more…]
[Travel] Embracing Serenity
In the rhythm of our daily lives, there often comes a moment when the soul yearns for respite, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. For me, that sanctuary lies in the embrace of travel—the opportunity to explore new or already familiar horizons, immerse myself in cultures, and reconnect with the essence of life itself. This time, my journey led me to the sun-kissed shores of Puglia, Italy, [read more…]
Ringo 1986
Last night, amidst the warm glow of the Lili Centre in Luzern, surrounded by friends and colleagues, something truly special unfolded. It was the opening of Lina Petravičiūtė's solo exhibition, "Ringo 1986" – a deeply personal journey into the depths of pain, vulnerability, and healing.
[read more..]
"None of Us Are Enjoying This"
But I did. Through the rainy streets of Utrecht I followed my way into a cozy cafe to find my dear dear friend Jackie preparing for her premiere of “None of Us Are Enjoying This” crafted by her with collaborator Jędrzej Jędraszyk. To me it was not merely a performance but an invitation to pause, contemplate, and feel. [read more..]
One question project: Sandra Roberts
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?
Bridging Narratives: “War on Education” Premiere
In the face of this deafening silence, a ray of hope emerges with the global premiere of "War on Education." Directed by Stefano di Pietro, this compelling film delves deep into the heart of Ukraine's struggle, shedding light on a dimension of the conflict too often relegated to the sidelines.
Beyond Heaven & Earth
As the sun gently set over the picturesque landscapes of Friesland, I was grateful to be there at Museum Belvédère for a remarkable cultural event thanks to the Embassy of Lithuania graciously extended invitation. [read more…]
Deimantė Matulė: Leisti sau gyventi savo gyvenimą (Allow yourself to live your life)
Pokalbių serijoje apie lietuves, išsibarsčiusias po platųjį pasaulį, šįkart kalbinu Deimantę Matulę. Ji - veda privačias kūno ir judesio sesijas suaugusiems. Šiuo metu Deimantė gyvena Šveicarijoje.
[ENG] In this series of conversations with Lithuanian women who have left their motherland for a variety of reasons, I am speaking with Deimante Matule who conducts private body and movement sessions for adults and is residing in Switzerland.
A Taste of Resilience
As someone who has had the privilege of working closely with Ukrainians in the Netherlands for a considerable time, I recently had the opportunity to attend a captivating talk by Ukrainian food historian Dr. Olena Braichenko. The event, titled “Ukrainian Taste Decolonized: Flavors, Ingredients, Context,” offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culinary heritage and its significance in contemporary society. [read more…]