How I got here
“Equality is the basis for an inclusive culture that benefits both men and women“
Esther-Mirjam de Boer, Owner and CEO GetDiversity
What was your dream career as a girl?
At the age of twelve I wanted to become an architect, have four kids and live on a farm. My husband would take care of the farm, the grandparents would look after the kids and I wanted to go to work in the city.
What role models did you have as a student? What or who were key influencers when deciding on your career path?
It was rather defiance and resistance to doubters that pathed my way. Years later I started to appreciate role models among my friends.
What was your aha-moment when you realized that gender stereotypes may (or do) have an impact on your career development?
How did you deal with it?
It was a professor at the ETH who insinuated that female students just planned to find a proper husband as their reason for the study choice.
That’s when I started to expose myself publicly in student politics and in a female city planning group.
What is your number 1 advice for career aspiring women?
Just do it, don’t limit yourself.