Project Fearless: Meet our behind-the-scenes crew!
Our behind-the-scenes team is the engine of Project Fearless, keeping this show on the road! Get to know a few of them here, as they share what brought them to Project Fearless and their stand-out moments so far.
Emma Argüelles — Operations Coordinator
What's your favourite thing about being part of Project Fearless?
I love the team's energy and passion, the talent involved and Mérida's style of leadership. Altogether, it makes me feel part of something collaborative and important, and where my contribution is constantly appreciated.
What’s your favourite Project Fearless moment or milestone so far?
I'm still in shock to see how much has happened in less than a year! New courses, more girls, incredible partnerships, more talented new team members... Project Fearless is a growing force and I love it!
What do you do when you're not wearing your Project Fearless hat?
I’m in charge of finding new homes and families for international students who come to Amsterdam to study gender and sexuality studies. As homestay coordinator, it’s my job to help students and hosts build a respectful and fruitful relationship during the duration of the program.
Ayanna Colden — Performance Marketing Support & Event Host
How and why did you first get involved with Project Fearless?
The Project Fearless vision really spoke to me. I thought back to how I felt as a young girl at that age, the confusion and desire to just fit in, and how much I would have loved to be a part of something so empowering. From my own experiences as a child and seeing the commitment and authenticity that every person who was a part of this was putting in, I realised that this was a vision I needed to be a part of in whichever way I could.
What's your favourite thing about being part of Project Fearless?
That I'm a part of a team of compassionate, empowering and inspiring humans, who are all here to create an impact in their own lives, that of the girls and the world in general.
What’s your favourite Project Fearless moment or milestone so far?
Hosting the Fearless Fieldtrip. It was such a fun project to be a part of behind the scenes and to then see it all come together the way that it did was absolutely magical.
What do you do when you're not wearing your Project Fearless hat?
I have a couple of day jobs! I'm a soul purpose coach and Manager Partner Development for adidas.
Anja Jäger — Coaches Coordinator
How and why did you first get involved with Project Fearless?
After moving to the Netherlands, I really wanted to do something outside of my work bubble, and was looking for an organisation to volunteer with that offers sports activities for women.
What's your favourite thing about being part of Project Fearless?
I absolutely love that creating a team sport atmosphere is part of every course. Also how I get to see that everyone gives it their all to make courses a safe space for girls to show up and be as they are.
What’s your favourite Project Fearless moment or milestone so far?
As Coaches Coordinator, I get to talk to a lot of people who reach out to us and am blown away by practically every conversation. Everyone has their unique, inspiring story to share and I usually leave those calls energised and proud that I'm part of the project. Amazing people all around!
What do you do when you're not wearing your Project Fearless hat?
I'm currently working as Senior Product Owner, leading two product teams in the digital data science team at adidas.
Soraya Ramdin — Board Member
How and why did you first get involved with Project Fearless?
The first time I heard about Project Fearless was from someone from my Women in Leadership course. She had met Mérida and shared a post about coaches for Design Thinking. And everything about it was exactly what I believe in and what I understand. It felt so logical to reach out and ask to be part of it.
What's your favourite thing about being part of Project Fearless?
It’s a place where everyone feels empowered, young and adult, in the courses and behind the scenes. Absolutely amazing.
What’s your favourite Project Fearless moment or milestone so far?
My colleague and I ran one class of the first Project Fearless Design Thinking course and we did an exercise called a “battle draw”. The girls had to steal or protect a treasure by drawing threats or protections. They went all out and were so creative, even Thanos (Marvel) got involved, and it was so much fun to hear about what’s part of their world and what they think about.
What do you do when you're not wearing your Project Fearless hat?
I’m a financial director at a creative consulting agency.
Eva Vilachá — Key Projects Manager
How and why did you first get involved with Project Fearless?
I did an amazing (online) workshop with Ladies, Wine & Design on the 8th of March 2020. Protests were not allowed because of COVID, so I joined the workshop from home. It was there that I met Mérida and Mareka, and I drew a cool (but angry) tiny sign for International Women’s Day.
What's your favourite thing about being part of Project Fearless?
Being around so many inspiring people — from the girls to the team. Project Fearless is a circle. Girls get inspired, girls inspire you and you inspire others 💖
What’s your favourite Project Fearless moment or milestone so far?
I’m quite new, but one mother has recently sent a message to say that her non-binary kid was really excited to start the course again because it really helps and inspires them. That was awesome!
What do you do when you're not wearing your Project Fearless hat?
I’m Project Manager in a social media agency and Event Producer for a LGTBIQ+ music festival!
Interested in joining our behind-the-scenes team?
See our open roles here! All our volunteer roles are part-time and adaptable to your schedule. You’ll join our enthusiastic, fearless team and contribute to changing the lives of girls within the Amsterdam area and beyond. Questions? Get in touch!
Think you’d be a great fit as a Project Fearless coach instead? Check out open coaching opportunities here.
Written by Project Fearless copywriter, Abi Malins.