MY JOURNEY

Introduction

Hi, I’m Juliette, an IT professional with a deep passion for education, peace and conflict resolution, and feminism. My journey in tech began at the age of 12 when I first started programming. By 23, I had founded a startup dedicated to developing simulations and games for educational and training purposes. I’ve also served as an AI research lead, focusing on AI for Good projects.

Today, I work as a Product Owner at an international financial company, contributing to functional architecture and frameworks for engineering enablement. I’m also dedicated to supporting and empowering women in tech through various initiatives and networks and volunteer for an organization focused on peace dialogue.

My Journey

I grew up in my grandparents’ rose nursery, surrounded by the technology that sparked my early interest in systems and engineering. The greenhouses and various worksheds on our land, including my father’s car workshop, were my playgrounds. I loved helping my father and even revised a Mercedes 190 engine on my own, but under his supervision. My uncle introduced me to programming at age 12, which set the foundation for my future career.

I’ve always been curious and eager to learn, fascinated by patterns and systems. This love for analytical thinking drove me to explore and innovate. By 23, I had founded a startup dedicated to developing simulations and games for educational and training purposes. Along the way, I pursued multiple university programs to broaden my knowledge and skills. This blend of practical experience and formal education has been instrumental in shaping my approach to problem-solving and innovation.

My interests are incredibly broad, encompassing everything from side projects and idea development to conducting research and learning new skills. I’m also an avid reader and always eager to learn. Although sometimes misunderstood as an overachiever, the truth is much simpler: this is actually what I consider fun. I’m just a big nerd enjoying herself, and for me, these are my hobbies.

I’ve been called strange, different, overly ambitious, a know-it-all, unrealistic, and difficult. But I’ve also been described as inspiring, motivating, innovative, a visionary, and kind. There is probably some truth in both, and I relish the idea that learning and growing is a never-ending journey!

Focus Areas

There are four areas that I am truly passionate about, and they keep coming up throughout my career. Alongside these themes, I have what I call my ‘approach’—my preferred method of working. I am just as enthusiastic about projects in these four areas as I am about those where I can apply my approach. For me, it’s the same excitement but with a different kind of motivation. It’s about finding my purpose versus doing the work I genuinely enjoy and thrive on. The sweet spot, of course, is when both come together.

I am passionate about transforming education through innovation. Combining university programs led me to develop my own learning method based on autodidactic research on didactics, and this was my first educational model. I’ve since worked on educational projects at Leiden University, developed an educational game, and created a framework and data model to better categorize skills, making learning more effective and personalized. Initially designed for physics education, this framework is now applied in IT within corporate settings. My projects also include educational research, experimenting with AI to develop skill databases, and more creative and fun initiatives like setting up an educational YouTube channel. I love learning and want to help others enjoy the process too, whether they are 8 or 80.

I am deeply passionate about feminism and actively involved in initiatives supporting women in IT. Through various interviews, I have become an advocate on the topic, handing out awards and receiving recognition for my efforts. I founded and chaired a corporate network for women in IT, creating a community that empowers women in technology. I developed a framework to support women in IT within corporate settings, promoting equal representation and fostering partnerships with male allies. Additionally, I established a Dutch Alliance connecting corporate Women in IT initiatives. I blog to highlight the achievements of women, support allies, and share valuable resources. I’m also developing a comprehensive database to support women in IT. My goal is to create environments where women in technology can thrive.

I am deeply passionate about human rights and international security. My academic journey includes Korea studies with a focus on North Korea, Security studies, and an online minor in nuclear energy. My coursework covered counter-terrorism and war studies, fueling my interest in these critical issues. One of my proudest achievements was leading an AI research project where we coined the term ‘inverse surveillance,’ using AI to empower citizens. I also explored digital states and international border regulations through personal research. With my startup, we developed simulations of urban terrorism for governmental use to improve preparedness and response strategies. At The Hague Peace Projects, I volunteer as ‘kwartiermaker,’ initiating the ‘Innovate for Peace’ program, teaching IT professionals about conflict and wicked problems, culminating in a hackathon for innovative solutions. I am excited to share my insights on conflict and peace innovation. My goal is to deepen understanding of these complex issues and promote peace and security through my work and writing, and this work is deeply rewarding to me.

By sharing my personal journey, I aim to inspire and motivate others, serving as a mentor and role model. I have always been inspired by others and know the positive effect this can have on your dreams and career. I never expected to be labeled a role model myself, especially with my background of not fitting in, but it just seemed to happen. Over time, I have learned to embrace this role. If this is the impression I leave, I want to be intentional about it and truly help motivate and inspire others by sharing my story. Not because I am perfect or have all the answers, but precisely because I am not, and I believe that being genuine and authentic in my imperfections can be just as inspiring. Because in the end, greatness is never achieved by great people; greatness is achieved by average people who become great through their actions. (And yes, I too am surprised my brain generated this pearl of wisdom, although I am also certain similar quotes exist, haha).

My Approach

I leverage technology, develop innovative frameworks, empower others, and focus on teaching to drive success in my focus areas. These are my ‘means to an end’—the tools and skills I use to achieve my goals.

My work spans the entire process: identifying problems, devising solutions, developing visions, creating operational models and implementation plans, and seeing through full implementations. Much like a ‘kwartiermaker,’ I engage stakeholders and advocate for projects with a special focus on technology, frameworks, and functional architecture.

Research is central to my approach. I start by identifying problems, then dive into literature and desk research to shape my models and frameworks, and finally assess their feasibility. I’m passionate about forming alliances, collaborating, and effectively pitching and speaking about my projects. Crafting business strategies and providing consultancy are also key aspects of my work. Bringing people together and empowering and teaching others is at the heart of what I do.

Conclusion

Some projects might not fit neatly into my main focus areas, but they are still an important part of my approach. These might be work or hobby projects that help me hone my skills or opportunities where people seek my expertise. Whether these projects align with my focus areas or simply reflect my approach, I love sharing them because they contribute to my growth and keep me inspired to learn and innovate.

Every project, big or small, is a chance to make a difference and drive positive change. This work is deeply rewarding, and I’m always excited about the possibilities ahead. I hope it inspires and motivates you as much as these experiences have enriched my life.

And last but not least, thank you for taking the time to read my page and explore my story.