#6: Connect & Celebrate

Honouring the Power of Mentoring and Connection

We warmly invite you to Connect & Celebrate — a festive closing event of the Samen Groeien mentoring program, where inspiring stories and meaningful encounters take center stage.

Throughout the afternoon, mentees and mentors will share their personal journeys: how the program helped them make decisions, find their path, and grow with confidence. We’ll explore the impact of mentoring, the value of role models, and the strength of a community that uplifts one another.

We’ll also introduce the Marina van Damme Network — a platform that connects and supports women in science and engineering in their professional development.

What to expect:

• Personal stories from mentees and mentors
• Insights on leadership and transitions in the tech sector
• Inspiring keynotes by Marieke Dirks and Elisa Romero Pascual
• A case study on the mentoring program
• Space for reflection, connection, and celebration

Whether you're a mentor, mentee, technical professional, or simply curious about the power of guidance — you’re warmly welcome to join us.

Program

Are you interested in the mentoring program and would like to learn more before joining? Or are you ready to sign up for the next cohort? Feel free to reach out via email at nvi@kivi.nl — we’d love to hear from you!

Marieke Dirks @ Connect & Celebrate event

On November 14, we’re hosting an inspiring masterclass on the unprecedented impact of offshore wind on the energy transition. Marieke Dirks will share her expertise and experiences around the massive undertaking that is the development of the Dutch offshore grid — ‘Net op Zee’. A transition that stands proudly alongside historic feats like the Delta Works and the creation of Maasvlakte 2.

Marieke Dirks, currently at TenneT, has an impressive track record in the offshore energy sector. She played a key role in shaping TenneT’s offshore strategy, served as project director for HelWin2 and Hollandse Kust Zuid, and led innovation programs for future developments in the North Sea. With this background, she offers a unique perspective on the complexity, challenges, and vast opportunities of offshore wind.

What will be covered?
How is offshore wind being integrated into our energy system at scale?
Which innovations will shape the next phase of offshore development?
And how do we ensure this transition remains both technically and socially feasible?

Beyond the technical and strategic dimensions, Marieke will also share her leadership lessons from navigating complex transitions.
How do you lead large-scale change and stay on course?
How do you navigate as a female leader in a sector where masculine corporate cultures often dominate?

In addition to her current role at TenneT, Marieke is also active through Marieke Dirks Coaching & Consultancy, where she supports the development of (female) leadership in societal transitions. She firmly believes that diverse and authentic leadership is key to achieving sustainable change.