We are happy to share with you the reflections from our Personal Well Being weekend 2023. Click here to download the pdf file.
Register Here
In this weekend we focus on holistic personal well-being by integrating all aspects of life for Women: Family, Work and Society. When properly integrated, these spaces can serve as the means to thrive and truly flourish, both individually and collectively. We shall dive into creating and managing healthy relationships by focusing on our own personalities.
Organised by Soka foundation in cooperation with SheSustains.
The program includes:
Day 1: Benefit dinner to support a social project in Nigeria: Welcome. Borrel & Games
Day 2: Two captivating stories of professional challenges and personal transformations. The narratives will pave the way for an insightful panel discussion on the role of women in today’s society. The day also offers ample opportunities for mindfulness and reconnection, featuring a serene nature walk and an enlightening Emotional Awareness Workshop.
Day 3: This day will be dedicated to the seminar “Anatomy of Peace, Resolving the Heart of Conflicts”, from the Arbinger Institute, experts in human relations. Husbands/partners and kids from 15 years and older are also welcome.
- The villa is homely and stylishly decorated
- The guest rooms are comfortable.
- The park with its monumental trees, wide lawns and lakes, surrounds the resort.
- The meals are tantalizingly tasty, healthy to suit each person’s dietary needs and well prepared by professionally trained europrof horeca opleidingen
Cost of Ticket: 185 Euros per person including food and accomodation. Separate ticket for partners and children for Family day
Register Here
Topics & Speakers
‘Emotional awareness’ painting session, Workshop by Veena Joseph; Forerunners Consulting & Coaching and Co-founder of SheSustains
‘Community & Support’ by Olivia Darby; Chief Programs Officer Wonder Foundation
‘The gift of empathy in relationships’ by Nkechi Juwah; married for 15 years, Talent Manager and Global Manager Organisational Culture & Leadership at Heineken
“Adjusting to the seasons of your life” by Irene Kyazze; onsite specialist – Learning event organizer at NIIT and owner of Irene.Kyazze_Cakes, a home baking business
Panel discussion with Fidelis Nthenge; Director of Curriculum Development, International Baccalaureate Organization
‘Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict’ by Marjanke Edeling; Founding Partner ✫ Facilitator ✫ Coach ✫ Consultant ArbingerNL, The Arbinger Institute & Partners In Leadership
Welcome and Closing notes by Christy Aikhorin, Director WECF NL, CEO UnikBlends & Co-Founder of SheSustains
Register Here
FULL PROGRAM
Day 1 Friday 29th September: 18:30 – 20:30: Benefit dinner to support a social project in Nigeria
20:30 – 21:00: Welcome by SheSustains Cofounders, Christy Aikhorin & Veena Joseph
21:00 – 23:00: Borrel & Games
Day 2 Saturday 30th September: 09:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 10:30: ‘Community & Support’ by Olivia Darby, Chief Programs Officer Wonder Foundation
10:30 – 11:00: “Adjusting to the Seasons of your Life” by Irene Kyazze, onsite specialist at NIIT
11:00 – 11:15: Break
11:15 – 12:00: ‘The gift of empathy in relationships’, storytelling by Nkechi Juwah, Talent Manager and Global Manager, Organisational Culture & Leadership at Heineken
12:00 – 12:45: Panel discussion on the role of women in today’s society with Fidelis Nthenge; Director of Curriculum Development, International Baccalaureate Organization
12:45 – 14:30: Lunch Break
14:30 – 17:30: Walking, enjoying nature
17:30 – 18:00: ‘Learning the Divine Mercy’, a meditation by Enrique Alonso, a catholic priest (optional)
18:30 – 19:15: Dinner
19:15 – 20:45: ‘Emotional awareness’, painting session by Veena Joseph, Transformation coach
21:00: Relax & Drinks
Day 3 Sunday 1st October: Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict (Family Day)
08:00 – 08:30: ‘How to live with love’, a meditation by a Enrique Alonso, catholic priest (optional)
09:15 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 10:45: H.Mass (optional)
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee & Tea
11:30 – 13:00 Lecture: ‘Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict’ by Marjanke Edeling
13:00 – 14:00: Break & Buffet
14:00 – 16:00: Workshop: ‘The pyramid of Influence’ by Marjanke Edeling
16:00 – 17:00: Take aways, closure and drinks by Christy Aikhorin
Please note:Teenagers 14+ can participate in the conference and workshop
There is a possibility for day care:
group 1: children 0-4
group 2: children 4-8
group 3: children 8-13
Information about day care: Mollynn
Tel: 0652447347
Email: info@mollynncares.com
Photos and Videos:
Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event. By Participating at the event, you grant SheSustains the permission to capture your photo/video of the event that may be used on social media and other communication channels.
If you wish not to be included in any photos or videos please notify us by sending an email to: SheSustains11@gmail.com
Register Here
Family, Work & Communities
We are so excited and happy to share with you our plans for this year’s retreat weekend from 30 September – 2nd October at Tilburgseweg 54, Moergestel thanks to our host Stichting Soka.
The retreat shall focus on a holistic personal wellbeing by integrating all aspects of life: Family, Work & Communities, for we believe these form the intricate spaces within which we operate. These spaces, if well integrated, can serve as means to thrive and truly flourish, individually as well as collectively.
The program includes:
Day 1: A ladies night of games, music and dance.
Day 2: An inspirational story of professional work, a talk about ordinary life, with ample opportunities to slow down with a walk in nature, a self care session and then a movie night to end the day.
Day 3: A story about family, hopes and dreams, an interactive workshop on wellbeing & purpose, a talk on family & community support and reflective session to recap the retreat.
Ticket Cost: 150 Euro per person.
Photos and Videos:
Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event. By Participating at the event, you grant SheSustains the permission to capture your photo/video of the event that may be used on social media and other communication channels. If you wish not to be included in any photos or videos please notify us by sending an email to: SheSustains11@gmail.com
Full Program
Day 1 – Friday 30th September
20:00 – 20:30: Arrival
20:30 – 21:00: Welcome by SheSustains Cofounders, Veena Joseph & Christy Aikhorin
21:00 – 23:00: Borrel, Games and Dance
Day 2 – Saturday 1st October
Work & Wellbeing
09:00 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00: The Greatness of Ordinary Life by Dr. Yolande Ramos, philosopher and biologist
11:00 – 11:15: Break
11:15 – 12:45: Dare to be a Girl by Dr. Sheetal Shah, Academic Director at Webster Leiden & founder of Bridge2Hope Foundation
12:45 – 14:30: Lunch Break
14:30 – 17:30: A Reflective Tour – An Opportunity to slow down with a walk in nature
17:30 – 18:30: Learning the Divine Meaning of Human Endeavour, a meditation
18:30 – 19:30: Dinner
19:30 – 21:00: A Self Care Session by Deepti Madaram of NaturallyU
21:00 – 22:00: Drinks & Chat
Day 3 – Sunday 2nd October
Family, Community & Wellbeing
08:00 – 09:15: How to live with love, a mediation followed by Mass (Optional)
09:15 – 10:00: Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00: Discovering ‘you’ through motherhood by Sally Tan, A mother of 3 kids, married to her sweetheart for 22 years.
11:00 – 11:15: Break
11:15 – 12:15: A Life of Purpose for overall well being by Veena Joseph, Forerunners Consulting & Coaching
12:15 – 12:30: Break
12:30 – 13:30: Community & Support by Olivia Darby, Chief Programs Officer Wonder Foundation
13:30 – 14:30: Lunch Break
14:30 – 16:00: Share highlights and takeaways, a reflective session to recap the retreat led by SheSustains Cofounders
16:00: Depart
Create Balance, To Stay Afloat
It is time for our annual Sharing Stories That Matter Event!
After more than a year spent trying to navigate the ongoing pandemic, most of us may have hit the wall, struggling to stay afloat with uncertainties, difficulties and loss. Our mental health and wellbeing may be experiencing extreme lows with the trauma of having to deal with foreboding stress and anxiety for a prolonged period be it in our personal, professional and/or business life.
It is for these reasons that we wish to explore together and encourage one another to keep our heads up high above the crushing waves and brave the unrelenting storms by listening to and engaging with three (3) phenomenal women as they share their incredible journeys of Creating Balance.
For 3 consecutive Saturdays in June, join us to listen to storytellers:
June 12th (13:00 – 15:00): Nelly-Otenyo Ibis;
June 19th (13:00 – 15:00): Lucy Lu;
June 26th (13:00 – 15:00): Jenny Arolinna;
Each story will be followed by a reflective workshop.
The first workshop will be led by Daniel Bernardus, followed by Ruth McCarthy on the 19th of June and on the last day, by Christy Aikhorin & Veena Joseph.
This event is € 10 and you can register here:
Zoom links for the 3 dates shall be shared after your registration.
Photos and Videos:
Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event. By Participating at the event, you grant SheSustains the permission to capture your photo/video of the event that may be used on social media and other communication channels.
If you wish not to be included in any photos or videos please notify us by sending an email to: SheSustains11@gmail.com
Why Stories?
The stories we listen to, believe in and share with others about ourselves often play a critical role in helping us interpret the meaning of events. They provide a framework through which we filter our experiences and transform them into worthwhile ventures.
Through sharing “Stories That Matter” UnikBlends and Forerunners Consulting and Coaching offers, the opportunity to connect with women who have powerfully engaging stories based on their actual experiences and hope these stories inspire others to reshape their own story to revive what lies within.
MEET 2021 STORYTELLERS

Nelly-Otenyo Ibis
On June 12, Nelly shares her story of loss and how this tragic incident is transforming into a path for balance and self care.
Nelly is a trained Pharmacist and a Global Health professional currently working in the medical device field, as an International Hospital Manager, in charge of the African continent.
In 2018, after years of charity work, she founded Angaza Creations, a platform for artisans from the slums of Kenya to showcase their work and move from Aid to Trade.
Nelly is also the founder of Angaza Foundation and the director of Nellie’s Cleaning Service based in Maastricht, Netherlands. In her limited free time, she writes blogs and creates videos about Faith, Hope and Love.
Lucy Lu
Lucy and her partner Rens, started Sunshine Au Pair in 2012. They are an IND sponsor Au Pair agency that helps families invite Au Pairs from all over the world for a cultural exchange programme in the Netherlands.
Lucy began her own journey as an Au Pair to the Netherlands in 2010 and through her experiences, have built Sunshine step by step. Sunshine Au Pair has seen more than 400 Au Pairs through their cultural exchange year.
In 2020, when Covid-19 crisis started, and all borders were closed, she came up with the idea of Culture Online, an online language centre for all starters who want to learn Dutch language, Culture and more.

Lucy Lu is SheSustains supporting partner, generously sponsoring all our zoom sessions, thus offering SheSustains the incredible opportunity to stay connected as a community and keep thriving.
Lucy looks forward to sharing her remarkable journey from China to the Netherlands as a student and hopes her story encourages women, young starters in particular to live their dreams. She will be live on June 19th.
Jenny Arolinna
“Everybody is important and everybody’s voice should be heard” is one of Jenny’s favourite quotes and lives by it.
Jenny, a mother to two amazing boys, is Finnish and has lived in the Netherlands for 13years. This IT professional who is also a MaryKay consultant, is passionate about supporting people and a learner for life, particularly self development for growth and empowering others with her vast experience be it personally or professionally.
Jenny has loads of interest including coordinating events within the Finnish community, healthy lifestyle & nutrition and fitness such as running, martial arts and dancing. She loves meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds as it readily offers her the opportunity of learning.
Jenny will be sharing her journey of motherhood, single parenting, career life & entrepreneurship and finding balance through intentional self care. Happiness is crucial for Jenny and part of it has been identifying and embracing herself as a multipotential. Join us on the 26th of June to hear more of this vibrant and energetic lady’s story.
MEET 2021 REFLECTIVE WORKSHOP HOSTS
Note: Each story is followed by a 45 minutes reflective workshop

Daniel Bernardus
Being Human in Balance
In his interactive workshop on June 12, Daniel will explore how insights from modern, classical, and Christian philosophy can help us get to know ourselves more deeply. He invites us to apply this self-knowledge to try and find new balance in our lives.
Daniel Bernardus a religious biologist interested in the human heart. He would like to help people to get to know their own hearts and find the way to integral personal growth through non-fiction and stories. He writes for people of all backgrounds who are interested in personal growth, and are open to being inspired by an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates insights from science, philosophy, and (catholic) Christian religion and spirituality.
Ruth McCarthy
Ruth’s workshop on the 19th of June is entitled “Listening for life: the promise that changes everything”
Following a successful first career in mainstream UK book publishing and journalism, in 2007 Ruth discovered the profound, deeply human power of Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment®, began her inspirational TTT training, and is now a member of the Time to Think Global Faculty.
In 2008 Ruth launched her own consultancy Think It Through and regularly leads TTT open and qualifying courses in the UK and Ireland, including supervising participant practicums. Working in-house her leadership development experience includes corporate and public sectors, start-ups and SMEs.

Ruth says she is ‘on a mission to transform meetings from dull to dynamic’ through teaching and leading in a Thinking Environment. Ruth was Chairman for five years of a national grant making Trust, is Development consultant to Midas PR, a member of the Association for Coaching, and a Fellow at the RSA.

Christy Aikhorin & Veena Joseph
On the 26th of June, Christy and Veena will co-host the workshop, which will include a discussion panel on Identifying Anxiety, Stress & Burnout.
Christy Aikhorin and Veena Joseph are the founders of SheSustains.
They are two good friends though with different backgrounds yet share the same aspirations to support and encourage women through sharing stories that are real and raw for personal development, breaking out of barriers, and creating new narratives.
Build Your Core with Resilience & Personal Leadership
February 5 at 8 pm – February 7 at 1 pm
SheSustains invites you to her annual retreat.
This year, it shall be even more special as you are invited to create your own personal space to retreat as we explore philosophical topics on Self-Limiting Beliefs, the importance of Personal Critical Thinking and Self Reflection.
It is a 3-day programme that consists of:
– Friday Ladies Night
– Personal Leadership Workshops
– A Story of Resilience forged by “Trusting the Process’
– A Reflective Chat on How to Make Positive Change
This event is for women including young professionals and students.
Ticket fee: 30 Euro per person (A discounted price of 10 Euro per student)
Partial attendance is possible, however note that day 2 is the main day which covers the ticket price.
Full Programme
Friday, 5 February:
20:00 – 22:00: A Ladies Night of Virtual Games & Drinks
Saturday, 6 February:
10:30 – 11:05: Welcome by SheSustains & Host of Personal Leadership Seminar (Stichting Soka)
11:05 – 13:00: Landmerk Workshop ‘Lead by example’ by Niko Schonebaum, Lecturer of rhetoric and
philosophy
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30**: SheSustains Workshop on ‘Building Resilience in Your Core’ by Veena Joseph,
Forerunners Consulting & Coaching & Co-founder of SheSustains
15:30 – 16:15: Leadership, Service & Communication by Caroline Richelle, European Commission
16:15 – 16:30: Concluding words by Margriet Krijtenburg, Personal Leadership Moderator
16:30 – 17:00: SheSustains Recap of Day 2
Sunday, 7 February:
10:00 – 11:00: Personal Story of Positive Change by Rawia Liverpool, expert on behavior change, Owner
of Recipes4Change
11:00 – 12:00: A Reflective Walk & Chat
12:00 – 12:30: Share highlights and Takeaways
12:30 – 13:00: An Interesting Wrap-up by Christy Aikhorin, Owner of UnikBlends & Co-founder of SheSustains
How to prepare for a Virtual Retreat
Meet the Speakers

Personal Leadership Symposium by Margriet Krijtenburg, Personal Leadership Moderator; European Studies Programme, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
Do you want to be more “in the lead” of your life? Looking for your purpose in and your contribution to a better world? Then sign up for the Personal Leadership Symposium!
Be someone who gives direction to his or her life in a meaningful way and who can deal with societal issues. Meet new people plus learn more about leadership as serving others and making a valuable contribution to a better world.

Niko Schonebaum, teacher of rhetoric and philosophy at the Landmerk Foundation, provides the means to develop into happy people with a clear understanding of reality, a balanced character and a strong ambition to use your talents and skills for noble purposes.
The seminar “Lead by example” will kick off with a general session. The goal is to learn something from two archetypical leaders from history: Socrates, who leads by rationality, and St. Paul, who leads by faith and hope. After the general session participants will be given a small assignment in which they apply acquired insight to a concrete case. The assignment will be either to give a speech or to write a letter. At the end of the seminar we will listen to several of the assignments and share feedback and insights.
The Landmerk Foundation offers education to young people that is based on a sincere and optimistic vision of the person and is aimed at broad and deep intellectual growth. In terms of content, it’s all about the big questions and it usually takes the form of practice in correct and clear reasoning, speaking and writing.

SheSustains Workshop: Building Resilience in Your Core
Topic: Trusting the Process to Become Overcomers by Veena Joseph
Veena is a Personal and Business Transformation Coach. She shares key learnings from the process she went through in different phases of her life. More recently going through a rigorous internal process of continuous redefining, perseverance and patience forming the new version of her company’s logo.
How to shift away from a sense of entitlement and victimhood to gratitude and victory?
Topic: Trusting the Process to Become Overcomers
Subject: Veena shares key learnings from the process she went through in different phases in her life. More recently going through a rigorous internal process of continuous redefining, perseverance and patience forming the new versions of her company’s logo.
Immediate Intended Outcomes:
- How to recognize patterns of being stuck
- Recognizing belief systems that limit our growth
- How to build resilience when faced with adversities and uncertainties
- How to ask for support, who to ask support from for
- How to shift away from a sense of entitlement and victimhood to gratitude and victory
Long terms Outcomes (Keywords to align to First part of the day Talks):
- Know yourself, your identity, your roots – What makes you, YOU
- Identify your values and align decision and actions accordingly
- Forming and maintaining good ‘daily’ habits/practice (Virtues)
- Educating others about your beliefs, your code of ethics, your choices

Personal Story of Personal Change by Rawia Liverpool is a behavioural change coach at her practice Recipes4Change.
Rawia is passionate about supporting people in overcoming obstacles that they perceive to be holding them back. She typically works with people who might be going through a big life-changing situation, who feel stuck, anxious, afraid and overwhelmed, those who lack assertion, self-esteem and self-confidence or those having communication and relationship issues. Rawia has lived through the experience of change in more ways than one.

An Interesting Wrap Up by Christy Aikhorin, Owner of UnikBlends & Co-founder of SheSustains.
With a background in chemical engineering and a career built in project management, Christy loves fusing ideas and collaborating with people to create sustainable realities to solve global sustainability challenges. Her passion for nature and sustainability, combined with a desire to contribute sustainable value led her to create UnikBlends.
UnikBlends promotes ethical, fair and sustainable production of contemporary outfits and accessories handmade from sustainably-sourced African fabrics and she will be bringing some of this colourful vibe to wrap-up the retreat.