Marie-José: Connecting from the neighborhood

In Delft-West, Marie-José is committed to the community by bringing people together and building initiatives that make a real impact. Her story shows how local involvement and collaboration can contribute to a stronger and more inclusive neighborhood.

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A natural connector

Marie-José is not an entrepreneur in the traditional sense, but a powerful connector in the neighborhood. With a background in healthcare, policy and research, and years of experience in welfare work, she uses her knowledge and network to connect people.

From idea to action

Marie-José has set up several initiatives, and she also works several hours a week at the Children's Academy, where she recruits guest teachers and volunteers to provide children with additional educational opportunities. She is also working on a Senior Academy, where older people can share their knowledge and experience, for example as mentors for young entrepreneurs. Another important project is "Tea with something sweet," an initiative to reduce loneliness among the elderly by organizing small-scale meetings, inspired by the earlier "Eating with Ina.

The challenges in Delft-West

Her work in the neighborhood has given her a keen insight into the challenges residents face. She sees that some parts of Delft-West struggle with poor housing conditions and that residents are not always heard. Despite these challenges, Marie-José actively seeks solutions. Behind the scenes, she engages with residents and uses her network and knowledge to support them as best she can. She brings people together and looks for practical solutions that contribute to structural improvements in the neighborhood.

The power of collaboration

One of the common threads in her work is the importance of collaboration and connection. She sees that active residents are often crucial to the well-being of the neighborhood, but their efforts are not recognized enough. 

Inspiration for others

Marie-José emphasizes that anyone who wants to make a difference can start small. "Don't wait for permission or the perfect circumstances. Talk about your ideas, connect people and don't be afraid to ask for help. Together you will get further than you think."

Her work shows that local initiatives, no matter how small, can have a big impact. By bringing people together and giving them space to use their talents, she helps create a stronger, more connected community.

Marie-José is a futurist within New Future Lab and is affiliated with the Delft Boost Lab program.

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