The WBII Entrepreneurial Awards are presented annually on International Women’s Day in recognition of the core values of the Women’s Business Initiative International; Ambition, Social Innovation, Networker of the Year and the STRONG award. The intention of these awards is to shine the spotlight on women who are successful and living these core values.
The Ambition Award this year went to Inge Zweerts de Jong, owner of ZJHT Risk and Insurance Specialists BV. Before founding her company nearly 10 years ago, Inge was Global Risk manager at Wolters Kluwer. Based in Wassenaar, ZJHT is continually expanding, adding staff and areas of specialization. In addition to running a successful business and raising triplet sons, two whom require special care, Inge served for the past 8 years on the City Council of Wassenaar. Inge makes a special effort to help other women in the start up phase of their business.
The Social Innovation Award went to Dr. Marie Thompson. Marie is the perfect example of building a portfolio career. She transplanted her private psychology practice, Vivamus, from London to The Hague when she moved here. She is also the head of the Psychology Department at Webster University. Marie carves out part of her work week to work with trauma victims of human trafficking, the cause she is passionate about. Marie is making an even bigger impact by getting Webster University involved in the Bijlmer Project.
The Networker of the Year Award goes to Ceci Wong, D.C., Partner in North Sea Chiropractic Health and Wellness Practice. Ceci made the step to start her own practice this year and understands the importance of networking to build her busines, despite being self-proclaimed shy. Ceci is the ultimate example of authentic and she wins everyone over with her true desire to connect and collaborate.
The STRONG Award was introduced in 2012 to recognize and applaud women who are Role Models of strength and courage. The 2013 STRONG Award goes to Marike van Lier Lels for flexing her muscle in the boardroom, one of the very few Dutch women to do so. It was an honor to award the 2011 Most Powerful Business Woman in the Netherlands, with the STRONG Award.
