Simon van Melick

In the last decade, I have worked with youth in fragile and conflict-affected regions as head of communication and programme manager at SPARK, a Dutch NGO based in Amsterdam, with offices in 11 countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Together we have been running entrepreneurship programmes and awareness campaigns to create pathways for youth – in often the most challenging circumstances – to participate in political, social and economic spheres of life. My work is all about creating jobs, supporting youth leadership, and achieving non-violent social change.

The team is everything. Leadership means creating a safe space that allows for exchanging all kinds of opinions and ideas. It means that your colleagues feel trust and confidence. Leadership also means creating an environment in which ideas are brought to fruition.

However, I am more than just this guy working for a development organisation. I am a Limburger and an Amsterdammer. I am a writer and party organiser. I am a runner and coach my daughter's football team. I am a music lover and from a butcher's family.

I look forward to joining the THNK class 17. Ready to walk some new pathways myself.