A Natural Shift into Tech
I never really thought of myself as a “woman in tech” – I was simply drawn to the field because of its impact. The world is undeniably moving toward digital transformation, and I love being part of that shift. What excites me the most is working on solutions that children can use responsibly. Being in edtech allows me to contribute to something meaningful – helping shape the future of learning through technology.
Growth and Opportunity at Futurewhiz
One of the things I appreciate most about Futurewhiz is the sense of equality – it never feels like I have fewer responsibilities just because I’m a woman in tech. Everyone has access to opportunities, and that’s how it should be. There’s a culture of support, and it’s encouraging to see that leadership at Futurewhiz actively fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Importance of Representation in Leadership
Tech is often seen as a male-dominated world, but Futurewhiz is proving that change is possible. As Elise and Ellen have mentioned, there are many women in leadership positions here, which is inspiring to see. I hope that by being in this role, young girls can look at me and realise that tech is not just for men – if they have an interest in it, they absolutely belong here. Representation is powerful, and the more women step into these roles, the more the industry evolves.
Advice for Young Girls Interested in Tech
The best advice I can give is simple: stay curious, seek opportunities to learn, and find people who inspire you. Tech is a field full of possibilities, and there is space for everyone. If you’re passionate about it, go for it – don’t let stereotypes dictate where you belong.
The Future of Women in Tech
In the next 10 years, I hope that it becomes completely normal for women and girls to work in tech—no more questioning or justifying why they’re here. It should be second nature for companies to see women as equal contributors in the tech world. The industry is evolving, and I’m hopeful that we’re moving toward a future where diversity is the standard, not the exception.
The journey toward equality in tech is ongoing, but with more visibility, representation, and opportunities, we can create an industry where everyone truly belongs.
Finding My Passion In Tech
Like many young students, I wanted to align my career with my strengths. Initially, that led me toward mechanical engineering. However, as I progressed, my curiosity for development grew, and I gradually transitioned into software development. It wasn’t until the final years of my master’s degree that I realised just how passionate I was about coding and problem-solving. That moment of clarity set me on a path that I continue to follow with excitement today.
Working in technology, especially in edtech, has been a very fulfilling experience. The ability to combine technical skills with a meaningful purpose—empowering learning through innovation—is what excites me every day. Seeing firsthand how technology can enhance education and provide equal opportunities to learners across the world is very inspiring
Growth and Opportunity at Futurewhiz
One of the things I appreciate most about working at Futurewhiz is the opportunity to take on new challenges. I’ve never felt any distinction between myself and my male colleagues, which creates an environment where I feel fully supported in my growth. Transparency is also a core value at Futurewhiz, especially when it comes to salaries. Knowing that there is no gender-based pay gap here reassures me that I am valued based on my skills and contributions.
The importance of Representation in Leadership
Female leadership in tech is incredibly important. At Futurewhiz, having a management team that represents all genders makes a difference—it builds trust and shows that there are people advocating for women in the industry. Seeing women in leadership roles is not just encouraging for those of us already in tech, but it also serves as an inspiration for the next generation of female professionals. Representation matters, and when young women see others who have paved the way, it becomes easier to envision their own success.
Advice for Young Girls Interested in Tech
If I could offer one piece of advice to young girls considering a career in technology, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to take up space. It’s easy to shrink back when faced with male-dominated environments, whether in the workplace or in education. But the truth is, women belong in every space where decisions are being made, where ideas are shaping the future, and where innovation is happening. If you have a passion for tech, pursue it boldly—your voice and contributions are needed.
The Future of Women in Tech
Looking ahead, I hope to see a world where women pursuing STEM careers is completely normalised. The idea that certain fields are “male-oriented” needs to become a thing of the past. More importantly, companies must actively ensure that women are represented in management and leadership roles. When leadership reflects diversity, it fosters a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone.
At the end of the day, progress in the tech industry is about breaking barriers and opening doors for those who come after us. I’m excited for a future where gender is no longer a defining factor in career choices, and where young girls can confidently say, “I belong here.”
Curiosity, Ethics, and a passion for tech!
For me, the journey into tech started with curiosity—how does technology shape the world around us? Beyond just functionality, I’ve always been fascinated by the ethical and legal aspects of technology, especially its intersection with privacy and human rights. During my master’s, I had the chance to dive deep into IT, and my internship focused on privacy in tech. This experience solidified my passion for responsible and ethical technology use, ensuring that innovation aligns with human rights and privacy considerations.
Growth Opportunity at Futurewhiz
Futurewhiz has been a great place for my personal and professional growth. The company actively supports not just career development but also social initiatives and environmentally responsible decisions. Work-life balance is valued, and having women in the management team is a strong reminder that it’s possible to combine a successful career with family life. The inclusive environment at Futurewhiz makes all the difference!
The Importance of Representation in Leadership
For me, female leadership in tech is about more than just gender—it’s about paving the way for diversity in all forms. Representation matters, and seeing women in leadership roles sends a powerful message: success in tech is achievable for everyone and I hope to inspire others by sharing my journey, and being able to lead by example. The more visible women in leadership become, the more young professionals will see a path forward for themselves.
Advice for Young Girls interested in Tech
You absolutely belong! Stay curious, seek out opportunities to learn, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Find mentors who inspire you, and remember that even the experts were once beginners. The more diverse minds we bring into tech, the more innovative and inclusive our solutions will become.
The Future of Women in Tech; what does it hold?
In the next 10 years, I want to see more women in leadership roles, greater diversity across the industry, and a culture where different perspectives are truly valued. Visibility matters—when women are represented in tech, it changes the narrative. Looking at AI, for example, increasing diversity in the field can lead to less biased solutions and better outcomes for all. The future of tech should be shaped by a wide range of voices, and I’m excited to be part of that change.
We all arrived at the warehouse with a palpable sense of purpose driving us on our mission to ensure as many children as possible have the chance to enter a world of wonder and exploration regardless of their circumstances.
We knew that every box full of books held the potential to ignite a spark within a young readers imagination, and open doors to new worlds, encouraging curiosity and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
With this mission in mind, and teamwork driving us forward, we spent the afternoon packing boxes until they overflowed with potential adventures, fantastical worlds and invaluable knowledge, for those who need them the most.
We are thrilled to have partnered with Kinderhulp, and join them on their dedicated journey to ensure every child can access the wonders of literature.
We’re grateful that you reminded us of the joy that comes from ensuring every child has the chance to dream, explore and get lost in their imagination.
To the children that will soon have these books in their hands, we hope they find solace and adventure at the turn of every page and that you are inspired to continue reading for life.
The transformation of the office truly set the scene for what was ahead of us this Halloween. From fake blood, to cobwebs galore, the office soon resembled the perfect setting for the thrilling events of the day to take place.
With a playful twist, our team of accomplices laid out the rules of the Murder game, which had everyone looking over their shoulders in anticipation of murderous colleagues. The game really brought us all together in a somewhat unexpected way, but don’t worry there was no real foul play involved! We instead used our imaginations and were assigned “murder weapons” such as soup ladles and pieces of fruit!
What followed in the evening, were some truly frightening, and iconic costumes, from zombie brides, to Disney characters, dinosaurs and vampires – the fancy dress competition definitely bought out everyones creative side!
No Futurewhiz party would be complete without some classic karaoke, so of course, the microphones made an appearance, it was great to see many people getting involved, and performing their favourite hits!
As we look back at the day, we are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a team and strengthen the bonds which make Futurewhiz such a great place to work. It’s great to be able to combine the impactful results we all strive for, with our shared spirit for fun!
We’re sad to see the back of spooky season, but excited for the next event!
With wide eyes, and enough curiosity to fill the office, the 20+ children were about to embark on a fun filled day which they’ll never forget. The morning kicked off with the sound of giggling and chatting echoing across the office, as the kids familiarised with their parents workplace, and took a peek into the magic that happens behind the scenes of their favourite learning platforms Squla, StudyGo and Studira.
Before long, the young explorers were taking part in games like Mario Kart, playing Ping Pong, and channeling their inner Picasso. With their crayons and markers at the ready, they turned our office into an art gallery showcasing a collection of creative brilliance.
Lunch time. This brought even more excitement as our future innovators grabbed a seat at the table, as it was time for a true feast of friendship and flavours, ready to fuel them for the remainder of the day. It was heartwarming to see them creating memories and bonds which we hope will stay with them forever.
Before the day drew to a close, the children put on their “game tester” hats, and got an exclusive preview into some of the games we’re developing, and in return we got their feedback. Their insight is invaluable for us here at Futurewhiz, as our users are at the heart of what we do.
With our Bring your kids to work day, we demonstrated that great magic comes from young minds colliding with imagination and that laughter is the soundtrack to learning. The day reminded us that we’re all kids at heart, forever curious and on a constant learning journey here at Futurewhiz.
Here’s to future innovators, dreamers, and explorers – at Futurewhiz, we’re excited to be a part of their incredible journey!
It started with a sprinkle of hagelslag:
In her very first interview, Tijntje faced the prospect of joining a fledging start up with around 13 employees. Coming from the land of Marktplaats, it was a brave leap of faith to embark on an extraordinary adventure with such a young edtech company. As she sat down to interview in the Lunch spot which doubled up as an interview room, she discovered a few hagelslag sprinkles left behind on her seat, following someones tasty Dutch lunch. Undeterred by the misplaced treat, she grabbed a seat, before embracing the conversation with Serge, and 10years later here we are!
With her marketing prowess, Tijntje has sprinkled magic across our brands, people and users. She ignited the growth of our Squla user base, and set us up to succeed with her expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission to empower children to grow through personalised education.
Tijntje has continued to demonstrate that the power of knowledge, passion and some wise (and efficient) decision making, make it possible to turn even the most daunting challenges into triumphs. She has enabled us to reach 30,000+ users of StudyGo and the impact this has on our children’s education is invaluable.
A guru of Getaways and foodie feasts:
Beyond her wonderful work, Tijntje has become well known for her recommendations, whether a holiday destination, or a delicious eatery, she has the answers to our travel and dining dilemas.
We will we raise our sparkling hagelslag filled glasses and celebrate Tijntje’s decade of brilliance and wonder here at Futurewhiz. Her impact is immeasurable and we’re all extremely grateful for such hard work and dedication.
Congratulations Tijntje, on this marvellous milestone, and for being at the heart of Futurewhiz!
Today, we are thrilled to share just how this experience has motivated us even more to continue to make our platform inclusive and representative of every child we we serve.
Diversity is not just a buzzword, it is the heart and soul of progressiveness and innovation. By committing to dismantling barriers our children may face because of unique differences, we’re paving the way to an more equitable and inclusive educational experience. Our children are a vibrant tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and the course allowed us to delve in and understand just how we can truly represent them.
Sexism, Racism and Ableism (as well as many other forms of “ism”) were thoroughly examined throughout the duration of the course. We all realised, that it is not enough to merely examine their existence, but we must actively combat them starting with recognising our own biases and committing to dismantling them.
We unpacked Privilege which can often be an uncomfortable topic, again due to the self reflection aspect. However, this was explored in a truly open minded manner, with empathy and openness, and group discussions. Some of us were comfortable enough to share our personal experiences, guided by Dr. Ellen-Rose and Dr. Fadie, who ensured that we as colleagues, we could open up to each other, whilst feeling in a safe space. Being given this opportunity was truly invaluable.
We began to comprehend the influence of privilege in our lives, and how it can effect educational opportunities. Armed with this knowledge, we aim to level the playing field on our platforms, and create equal opportunities for all of our learners.
Our journey towards inclusivity was further enhanced by engaging with the specifically selected content which included thought provoking documentaries, enlightening Ted Talks and powerful literature, all of which broadened our horizons and challenged our perceived notions.
As we culminated our Diversity and Inclusivity course, we were tasked with finding ways to make our platform services and offerings more inclusive and representative of all children. With renewed passion and commitment, we brainstormed and developed actionable strategies, and presented them at the end of the course.
Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or identity, can access high-quality educational resources that resonate with their unique experiences. We are excited to embark on this new chapter, as we work tirelessly to ensure our products are a beacon of inclusivity, representing and empowering all children.
Together, let us build an educational landscape where diversity thrives, prejudice is challenged, and every child can flourish, and unlock their full educational potential. We must remember that every step taken towards inclusivity has the potential to shape a brighter, more harmonious future for all children. Collectively, through inclusivity, we are shaping the future.
A big thank you to The Rutu Foundation for Intercultural Multilingual education for providing this wonderful course, which they tailor made for us – you can find out more here: www.rutufoundation.org
Lisa and Alieke, from our fabulous culture crew are the masterminds behind this amazing event, and rallied us all up for an evening of sand, sun and of course spectacular outfits. From fairies, Barbie & Ken Duos, The Glitter Bomb Squad, to the human pizza, you name it we certainly caught a vibe with our outfit efforts.
Time for the real competition. With the teams assembled the volleyball action kicked into high gear. Perhaps The Aloha Squad needed a bit more practise before making it to the olympics, but it was their enthusiasm and unwavering determination that won the hearts of everyone present.
When the dust settled, two victory hungry teams emerged from the volleyball battlefield and so began the showdown between team Volley-Dolls and Fairy Nice. The atmosphere was electric with victory in sight for both teams. Tamiya was a constant beacon of support for her team, a cheerleader going above and beyond to try to rally her team to win!
In the end, following a remarkable display of volleyball technique, and teamwork it was team Volley-Dolls who took the victory and became champions of this years summer activity. They wore their medals and wigs with pride!
With everyone in need a refuel, we headed to the park to relish in the fun of the evening over a delicious pizza feast. The laughter continued, with tales of epic serves, improbable saves and of course, a few sandy mishaps.
No tournament would be complete without referees, supporter and Head of Games so to everyone who participated on or off of the sand, your spirit and dedication is greatly appreciated! The Futurewhiz Volleyball tournament reminded us that there is great power in team spirit, and embracing being out of our comfort zone, and in doing so, we are continuing to strengthen the bond between our team mates.
Futurewhiz’s volleyball tournament was more than just the sporting competition, it was a testament to our spirit of coming together as a team of colleagues. So, until our next amazing adventure, we’ll keep the playful spirit alive and never be afraid to dive into new experiences, whether that’s in the world of education or on the shores of fun!
Stay curious, stay cool and keep the vibe rocking those fabulous costumes!
