Core de Reeper - “You see the growth happening before your eyes”
team
After 100 days on the job, Program Manager Core reflects on a flying start at Refugee Talent Hub. From the world of area development and tech startups, she slowly but surely found her way to the social sector.
Before joining Refugee Talent Hub, Core worked in marketing & sales and was a project manager on various public space projects. Yet, she felt something was missing: she wanted to do work that truly mattered to people and society. When she heard about a vacancy at Refugee Talent Hub during a BNR broadcast, her attention was piqued.
She previously volunteered on Lesbos. "That was confronting. You help people in the moment, but you don't know where someone will end up or what happens next," says Core. "Here in the Netherlands, I can contribute to that next step: helping newcomers build a network, start a life, and find work. You want them to be able to participate, shape their future, and integrate into Dutch society."
On paper, you only see a resume with a gap or a foreign degree. But once you talk, you see the person behind it. That's when it really happens.
Core de Reeper
Building bridges
As a program manager, Core connects employers and newcomers. She works closely with partnership managers: while they maintain contact with employers, Core takes care of the implementation, from recruiting candidates to organizing events and monitoring progress.
A good example is the mentoring program with Triodos Bank, where employees guide newcomers. "I arrange the matching, organize the meetings, and maintain contact with both parties. During the closing, you see how mentors and mentees have opened themselves up to each other to learn and grow. I find that incredibly rewarding."
"You know what it is: on paper, you only see a resume with a gap or a foreign education. But as soon as you talk to each other, you see the person behind it. That's when it really happens."
Proud moments
At Refugee Talent Hub, everything revolves around personal encounters. “During a speed dating or mentoring program, prejudices quickly disappear. It's a matter of testing the waters at first, but once you find common ground, a connection forms. A newcomer is no longer a stranger, but just someone coming to interview. Employers then say, 'Wow, so much talent here!'”
Core's proudest moments are the participants' successes. "You hear about how people found jobs or traineeships and how the participants motivate each other. You literally see the growth happening right before your eyes."
Sometimes the impact is visible in unexpected places. Core laughs: “My camper broke down. At the ANWB, a very driven young mechanic helped me. A few days later, I discovered he worked for ANWB through the Refugee Talent Hub! That makes our work very tangible and concrete.”
Triodos Mentor Program closing event, May 2025
Image formation as a challenge
Yet, there's still much work to be done. "The perception of newcomers remains a challenge. Unfamiliarity breeds unlove. That's why we keep sharing stories and organizing meetings. We have so many wonderful success stories within the organization; we want to make employers realize the importance of an inclusive workplace and the amount of untapped talent."
What strikes Core is the positive attitude of many companies. "In the news, it sometimes seems like employers are reluctant, but in practice, large corporations genuinely want to contribute. I find that encouraging."
In the news, it sometimes seems as if employers are reluctant, but in practice, large corporations genuinely want to contribute. I find that encouraging.
Core de Reeper
Looking to the future
Core focuses on partners who value sustainability and social responsibility. At the same time, she wants to maintain the human touch by staying in touch with candidates at the Refugee Talent Hub: “Retention is a key component of our programs. Even after participants have been placed, I want to hear how they're doing. That helps us continuously improve our programs.”
Her enthusiasm for the Refugee Talent Hub team is immense. "It's a super-committed group of people. No slow organization, no hierarchy, just getting on with it and doing it. Everyone works hard, but with their hearts in the right place."
Nodding, she concludes: “I'm fine here for the time being.”
