Project Fearless: Meet our crew!
Our coaching and behind-the-scenes teams are dynamic, driven and downright fearless! Their energy and dedication to the Project Fearless mission are what keep our courses running smoothly, welcoming girls and non-binary youth from across Amsterdam and Rotterdam into the empowering spaces we work to create.
Get to know a few of them here, as they share what brought them to Project Fearless and their stand-out moments so far.
Hannah Hansen — Social Media Volunteer
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH PROJECT FEARLESS?
I got involved with PF through a grad program. I was brought on as an autumn intern in 2020, and after my program ended I loved PF so much that I stayed on to help with social media and other projects!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF PROJECT FEARLESS?
I love being part of a team that helps inspire and empower the next generation of girls and kids and getting inspired/empowered by them as well. Through running our Fearless Friday series, I get the incredible opportunity to help share the amazing stories and good that people are doing in our communities and around the world.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT FEARLESS MOMENT OR MILESTONE SO FAR?
Getting the opportunity to meet some of the team and attend a PF course! I'm based in San Francisco CA, and after 2.5 years with PF I had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam and see PF in action in person. Everyone was so lovely!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOUR PROJECT FEARLESS HAT?
I’m a marketing consultant at a tech company, and in my free time I love hiking, travelling, reading, soccer, photography, roller blading, working out with friends, and exploring the US West Coast.
Emma de Haan — Football Assistant Coach
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH PROJECT FEARLESS?
I found out about the position through one of my teachers, and decided to apply because I haven’t had the opportunity to be involved in football as much as I’d hoped. I’ve always enjoyed helping inspire others to love the sport I’ve loved my whole life, and PF was a perfect opportunity for me to do that.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF PROJECT FEARLESS?
Being in a supportive environment and having the freedom to inspire young girls.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT FEARLESS MOMENT OR MILESTONE SO FAR?
Going to the Women’s Champions League final with the girls and watching them enjoy it as much as me!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOUR PROJECT FEARLESS HAT?
I’m a student studying international sports business management.
Samantha Figueroa — Role Model Program Co-Coordinator
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH PROJECT FEARLESS?
During my life, I've felt most fulfilled when helping others, whether that was helping new students find their way during my university days, volunteering at the Believe in Tomorrow Children's House in Baltimore, or setting up community service opportunities for my colleagues in New York. So after the pandemic, I was looking for ways to get involved in the community again and that's how I found Project Fearless. I first met with PF founder Mérida, who told me about the Role Model Program. I was immediately interested in helping in any way that I could, and now here we are — over a year later with a revamped program which has doubled in size!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF PROJECT FEARLESS?
Connecting with our Role Models and hearing the things they’re interested in or curious about. I'm amazed at how mature and engaged they are with the world around them — they inspire me! And I love connecting with the other volunteers on the PF team. Everyone at PF is so cool and fearless in their own way, and I'm inspired and energised every time I leave a PF event or course.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT FEARLESS MOMENT OR MILESTONE SO FAR?
I would say my favourite milestone so far was launching the revamped Role Model Program in spring 2023, when we hit our dream of having 10 Role Models join the program. We listened and learned a lot from our Role Models about what works/what doesn't work/what they’d like to see more of in the program. With their feedback, we modified the program a bit for the summer season, and we’ll certainly continue to improve the program as we go.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOUR PROJECT FEARLESS HAT?
I work at Booking.com on the Global Benefits team. I also do freelance marketing work and organise MicroClasses (bite-sized workshops to simplify complex topics).
Nick Clayton — Treasurer
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH PROJECT FEARLESS?
I got involved through my friend who already worked for PF and was looking for volunteers to help with finances. It was a great chance to work with a new organisation and contribute something positive to society!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF PROJECT FEARLESS?
Working with people who are so passionate about what they do. The team spirit is amazing.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT FEARLESS MOMENT OR MILESTONE SO FAR?
Any moment where we get closer to our goal of long-term sustainable funding is a big one for me 😊
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOUR PROJECT FEARLESS HAT?
I'm an accountant (shock horror). I love Excel.
Emma Argüelles — Operations Team
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH PROJECT FEARLESS?
After hearing PF founder Mérida speak at a women's conference, I was immediately drawn to the organisation. I was interested in volunteering and putting my experience at NGOs to good use, so I reached out. I became Ops Coordinator for a few seasons and then moved on to other roles. It's been so cool to see PF grow so fast, so big, and even more freaking awesome than ever over these years. I’m happy and proud to be part of it!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT BEING PART OF PROJECT FEARLESS?
There are too many, but my most favourite is seeing how consistently PF grows and evolves, and yet stays true to its core. Mérida's leadership has a lot to do with it, as well as her ability to bring crazy-talented, committed and friendly people into the team.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT FEARLESS MOMENT OR MILESTONE SO FAR?
The very first event we did in Nieuw-West was a big, proud moment for us. We put lots of hard work into making it a success, but still I never could have imagined how much PF would grow from it! Looking back now, that series of events where we welcomed just 10-12 girls was the seed of an extremely fruitful future for PF.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOUR PROJECT FEARLESS HAT?
I look for people and families willing to open up their homes to international students looking for a place to live while they’re in the Netherlands, and help them have successful intercultural experiences.
Interested in joining our Fearless crew?
Think you’d be a great fit as a Project Fearless Coach? At Project Fearless, we believe that the best way to empower and inspire our kids is to bring role models into our programs who are defining success for themselves. That way, we can show them what’s possible for their own futures. Our Coaches identify with the female experience and are passionate about creating safe and empowering spaces. Check out open coaching opportunities here.
Or perhaps you’d feel at home in our behind-the-scenes team? 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 kids in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and beyond. See our open roles here.
Any questions, get in touch!
Written by Project Fearless copywriter, Abi Malins.