If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be spending my weekends dressed in medieval gowns while my husband fought with steel swords in a castle courtyard, I might have laughed. But life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?

My life is a tapestry of roles: I’m a logistics professional at WEPA, but also a budding safety engineer, a wife, a mother, a medieval volunteer, and even, as a hobby, a social media manager. My journey has been anything but ordinary, and that’s just how I like it. Each thread weaves together to create something unique and fulfilling.

I began my career at WEPA in the logistics department, and from that time I’ve been the only female at the Swalmen plant who can drive a forklift. It was a bold choice, considering logistics isn’t exactly teeming with women. Yet, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Today I split my time between the office, where I manage orders, and the warehouse floor, where I still jump on the forklift when needed. That combination keeps me active and connected to the pulse of operations.

But I wanted more. Driven by the desire to expand my skills, I decided to pursue training as a safety engineer. Balancing full-time work, studies, volunteering and family life isn’t easy, but I see the long-term value. In the future, I will be stepping into a new role as the only female safety manager at WEPA – and it’s a role I take pride in, not just for myself but for the representation it brings.

Outside of work, my weekends take me to the enchanting world of Castle Hoensbroek. My husband, our son and I volunteer as part of a medieval reenactment group. While he takes on the role of a knight in staged sword fights, I slip into the character of a castle lady. It’s a vibrant, historical escape where we entertain up to 1,500 visitors.

For me it’s more than a hobby; it’s a chance to connect with the community and support the castle. I even manage their social media pages voluntarily. These activities offer a creative outlet, a stark contrast to the precision-driven logistics world that I’m surrounded by during the week.

At WEPA, I’ve learned that diversity isn’t just a policy – it’s a culture. It’s about embracing who we are, finding our passions, and being supported to follow them. Whether I’m managing safety plans or donning a medieval gown, I’m living proof that life’s complexities make it all the richer.

After all, who says a knight’s tale can’t include a forklift?

Fotocredits: Paul Tolenaar