Ballroom Works is proud to announce that Karlijn Straver (she/her) has joined the organization as our new Business Director (Zakelijk Leider) as of October 1st, 2026.
Karlijn steps into the management alongside our founder and Artistic Director Andre Damian. Together, they will continue building a strong vision and strategy for the coming years, strengthening our organizational foundation, nurturing our networks of care, and ensuring our work continues to create lasting impact for our community.
Karlijn brings over a decade of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), human rights, and business management. Through senior program management roles and Board positions across NGOs, various roles within national and international corporates, and as a DEI teacher at the VU Amsterdam, she has devoted her career to advancing structural equality, social justice, and community empowerment.
"I am honored and very excited that Karlijn is stepping into the role of Business Director at Ballroom Works," says Andre. "The mission of Ballroom Works is more vital today than ever. Ballroom culture is rooted in community, human rights, self-expression, and resilience. I look forward to working closely with Karlijn to shape a strong, sustainable future for the foundation."
As Business Director, Karlijn will oversee organizational development, finance, and strategic planning, grounding our operations in real needs and long-term sustainability. Working side-by-side with Andre's artistic direction, the new team aims to expand financial accessibility, forge meaningful partnerships, and deepen our cultural and community-led programming.
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