Judith Fischer

I was referred to THNK by Judith Frankenhuis.

I am a social justice advocate with over a decade of experience working for a range of international and non-profit organizations in – mostly – post-conflict settings, in the field of democratization, human rights and humanitarian assistance.

I got involved in emergency relief work in the wake of the Kosovo war, following NATO’s bombardment of Yugoslavia in the late 1990s. As a student, I coordinated the collection of humanitarian goods and managed the central Amsterdam warehouse for War Child. I went on to lead Mara Foundation, a national student organization delivering humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflicts in the Western Balkans. In this capacity, I oversaw the delivery of numerous truckloads of humanitarian supplies to displaced populations.

I have since worked for international organizations in Liberia (UNMIL), London (UNHCR), Eastern Europe and CIS (OSCE/ODIHR) and Dutch civil society organizations (Hivos, Spark). I helped shape – and acted as trailblazer for – a variety of local public interest initiatives. In 2013, I quit my job at Doctors without Borders to focus fully on providing on-demand, hands-on (strategic) advocacy support to nonprofits and to complete a Dummies manuscript.

I hold law degrees from Amsterdam Law School and Utrecht University, but do not ‘love’ the law. Instead, I strongly believe in in the desire of individuals to make a difference, and in the multiplying power of humanity to leverage or otherwise catalyze change. Co-workers appreciate my strategic mind, my no-nonsense approach, and my ability to mobilize and connect people around a joint cause.

I live in the North of Amsterdam with Klaas, a serial internet entrepreneur (e.g. M4N, ZEEF), and our three young kids. I love engaged, witty and visionary people, and good food – and am a staunch off-piste skier.