This EnergyTalk is with Deborah Valentine. Deborah is the director of Access. Access is a local non-profit organization run by volunteers, and its mission is to help people find answers to the questions they have when they relocate to the Netherlands.
'Knowing where to find a house, how the healthcare system works—there are a thousand questions when you move. The answers we provide are also from the perspective of our volunteers, who have gone through the process themselves. They often understand the questions that aren't being asked but should be asked.'
She started working for Access about 12 years ago, and it was somewhat of an accidental step into that role. 'I was talking to someone who was the chair of the board at the time, and he mentioned a dilemma he was facing. I looked at him and said, "I can do that."
That sense of empowerment came from my life experiences. I was born to a Canadian diplomat in West Germany and moved every four years until I was 40, either due to my father's career, my own career, or my ex-husband's career, who was also a diplomat. When I heard about the challenges Access was facing, I felt confident that I could contribute because I had lived that life.'
Next to her role within Access, she took up the role as chair of WBII, Women Business Initiative International, in January this year. Enjoy listening to Deborah's experiences. If you would like to know more about the organizations she is involved in, take a look at these websites:
Access: https://access-nl.org
WBII: https://womensbusinessinitiative.net
Warm regards,
Chungmei Cheng
HSP Coaching & Somatic Therapy
www.orchidoflife.nl
EnergyTalk Talking Points
2.28: Next to a mission to the public, we have a mission internally.
5.02: A male spouse was thanking us in tears.
8.25: Access participated in the Expat Round Table.
10.30 - 17.30: Networking tips for people with neurodivergent brains.
17.40: How Deborah started working for Access.
20.20: Deborah took up the role as chair of WBII: ‘I can do that’.
28.18: Working on a new external communications strategy for WBII.
29.59: About the term Third Culture Kid.
37.42: Message to accompanying spouses: recognize and acknowledge your individual decisions to join your partner to a new country.