These are the 10 Women to Watch of 2025

Mariëlle Smit, raised in an entrepreneurial family, sold two successful companies and launched SJUMO in late 2024, a bedding brand that was an instant success. Driven by the belief that her products add value, she is a commercial strategist with a creative mind. At 21, she started MME Hospitality, followed by Mama Deli in 2021. She […]

Marielle Smit

Mariëlle Smit, raised in an entrepreneurial family, sold two successful companies and launched SJUMO at the end of 2024, a bedding brand that was an instant success. Driven by the belief that her products add value, she is a commercial strategist with a creative mind. At 21, she started MME Hospitality, followed by Mama Deli in 2021. She sold MME in 2022, won the Bold Future Award, and Mama Deli became A-brand of the year. At the end of 2023, she sold Mama Deli and focused on SJUMO. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Mariëlle is the mother of two daughters, engaged, sporty and always looking for new opportunities.

Rebecca Booklet

Rebecca Boektje is a podcast maker, columnist and founder of the travel and lifestyle platform MyTravelBoektje.com. She inspires her audience with trends, storytelling and lifestyle, both online and in the media. Rebecca combines content with character in columns, podcasts and travel tips. As an entrepreneur and mother of three, she shares real life with humor and style. Her creative stories and craft tips reach thousands of mothers every day, and she knows how to combine work and family life like no other.

Leonie Timmerman

Leonie started her career in marketing and public relations before switching to real estate in Amsterdam. After a break, she focused on Deblon, a niche label focused on female empowerment. She took over the brand and transformed it into an 'All day luxury lifestyle brand', with an emphasis on sports lifestyle and athleisure. Deblon has a loyal online community and is known for quality, with a large number of returning customers. The team, based in Laren, works on innovative and sustainable collections, with storytelling and branding at its core. Leonie is happy with her partner and two children and remains driven by her passion for Deblon, where challenge and innovation are central.

Eva de Mol

Eva de Mol is co-founder and managing partner of CapitalT, a venture capital fund committed to diversity in the startup world. With a PhD in economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and UC Berkeley, Eva has a deep understanding of teams and entrepreneurship. This expertise makes her a changemaker in the international investment industry. At CapitalT, she focuses on supporting startups with diverse teams, with the aim of fostering both financial growth and social impact. Eva's work reflects her belief that diversity and inclusivity are essential for the success of modern companies.

Evelien Kahn

Evelien Kahn founded beauty company MDV at the age of 21, while studying at the University of Leeds. MDV is now a multi-million dollar enterprise, connecting popular beauty brands with 25.000 stockists across the UK and Europe. Evelien is the sole shareholder and has seen the company become recognised as one of the fastest growing Dutch companies. She is a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship and is committed to breaking down barriers for women in business. Through mentoring and speaking engagements, she aims to see more female entrepreneurs break the £1.000.000 mark in revenue.

Lorraine Duterloo

Lorraine Duterloo started the Grotius Labor Law specialization program in 2014 and has since continued to build her career as a lawyer, partner and office director at The Legal Group, a modern law firm with offices in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. With her legal expertise and strategic insight, Lorraine offers entrepreneurs smart and practical solutions. She is committed to the visibility of women at the top of the legal profession. Within TLG, Lorraine is known as the reliable partner for disputes in labor and corporate law, where she combines calmness and professionalism for optimal results.

Ratna Ho

Ratna Ho, founder of Fraenck, creates stylish bags and accessories from upcycled materials such as sailcloth and seat belts. Fraenck combines aesthetics with a sustainable vision and social impact. The label collaborates with companies such as Zeeman and the World Wildlife Fund, resulting in unique, sustainable product lines. These partnerships emphasize Fraenck's ability to make a creative and economic impact in the Dutch fashion industry.

Vivienne van Eijkelenborg

Vivienne, former CEO of Difrax, built the company into an international baby brand and sold it at the end of 2022. She is active in board positions, was President of the World Association of Bottle and Teat, and won the title Businesswoman of the Year 2016. She currently coaches management teams and is committed to (female) entrepreneurship. She lives in Bilthoven and combines work with volunteer activities.

Annemarie Renes van Asselen

Annemarie Renes – van Asselen founded WDB after fifteen years in management positions at companies such as Google and Heineken. WDB helps female professionals redefine their leadership, aligned with their own values ​​and strengths. With her expertise in systemic work and coaching, Annemarie facilitates women to flourish within complex systems. WDB members come from various sectors and share the desire to be authentic and effective. Through programs, coaching and events, Annemarie strives to make a lasting impact and break down barriers for women in business.

Neslihan Kiyak

Neslihan Kiyak graduated from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute in 2009 with a specialization in Fashion & Branding. After ten years of experience in the international fashion and publicity world, including work for ELLE, Vogue and InStyle in Istanbul, she launched Studio NK in 2018. This brand stands for premium quality prêt-à-porter, handmade with high-quality fabrics and sleek tailoring, and combines a powerful feminine aesthetic with a masculine touch. Neslihan's mission with Studio NK is to support and empower women by offering them a platform for self-development and financial independence. The studio in Istanbul offers work to women, with Neslihan consciously focusing on women's emancipation and support of the community.