Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 41 and women by 2026. With this goal achieved, she hopes the impact of the CFYE will create a ripple effect of positive change. The businesses it supports will continue to grow, enabling better prospects for many more people for years to come. And Whitney’s ambitions don’t finish there. She says, “I want to be a strategic force of innovation for social impact programmes or organisations. One day, I would like to lead a social impact organisation. But most importantly, I am in this sector for a reason, I would like to leave the world a better place.” To find out more about CFYE and The Palladium Group, please visit the links below. Contact: Whitney van Schyndel Company: The Palladium Group Web Address: https://thepalladiumgroup.com ℓ https://fundforyouthemployment.nl Most Influential Impact Marketing Businesswoman 2024 (Netherlands): Whitney van Schyndel The Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE), managed by The Palladium Group, Randstad and VSO, is a 7-year and €134 million initiative funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme aims to create a prosperous future for 230,000 young men and women across the Middle East and Africa. CFYE supports demand-driven, productive initiatives that offer work opportunities across 12 countries. By providing stable income and safe working conditions, CFYE contributes to the personal development and social protection of each individual. With extensive experience in impact marketing and digital strategy, Whitney van Schyndel joined forces with CFYE and The Palladium Group in February 2020. A time when digital transformations quickly became a number one priority. She tells us, “CFYE was starting the programme when the first COVID-19 lockdowns hit. It had a far-reaching impact on operations and we had to move fast. I had worked in digital marketing for social impact for almost a decade by then, which meant I knew how to translate non-profit best practices into the programme quickly. That contributed to the programme rolling out on time.” Navigating this major challenge has led to CFYE gaining a reputation for successful digital systems and processes. Whitney views this as the biggest achievement of her career so far. Her contribution to the programme has enabled CFYE to position itself as a thought leader in international development despite the potential setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in international development is challenging, and having a healthy sense of humour is essential. Whitney says, “Each different culture presents something new to learn. Being able to relate to a wide range of people through humble enquiries makes a world of difference. If you’re a woman, with a specific or slightly odd skill set in your sector, for example, a mix of technical, creative and interpersonal skills, don’t hide it. Speak up! Your unique perspective might be exactly what’s missing. In my sector, in the past, communications have been treated as a tickbox exercise. But pairing solid marketing strategies with the stories we discover when communicating can have tremendous transformational potential for the world.” In the social impact sector, women are seen to be in the majority, until the top level. Whitney explains, “It is still men who dominate the boardrooms. For women, it is harder to break through the glass ceiling. Diversity and inclusion are hot topics for us, and we give them plenty of attention. In my work, I can be myself and I’m appreciated for that. In consultancy, long-term futures tend to be insecure. Everything depends on the clients’ budgets and new programmes being launched. It can be tough to plan a career, but overall the sector is doing well in regards to diversity and equality and I feel supported by the men around me.” Looking to the future, Whitney hopes to see CFYE reach its ultimate target of creating, matching or improving jobs for 230,000 young men Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, Impact Marketing specialist Whitney van Schyndel is on a mission to make the world a better place. With more than 12 years’ experience in global marketing, Whitney is an expert at bringing worthy causes to the attention of those who can help and those who stand to benefit. Currently working with the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment and The Palladium Group, Whitney has found a place where her diverse skillset can shine. We speak with her to find out more.
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