Denise van Kemenade

My technical foundation is built on knowledge of subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. However, in my opinion, the most essential component is analytical insight. Because of that, I am able to observe, evaluate, and ask the right questions in a critical manner.

The challenging aspect in technology is that, apart from general ways of thinking, there are numerous different specifications. Fortunately, it’s in my nature to fully comprehend things. I embark on investigations patiently, seek the right advice, and consult my best friend Google until I understand something down to the smallest detail.

During my study, I was engaged in organizational activities through committees. Not only did this energize me immensely, but I also discovered that I have a knack for both aspects. In a technical team, I enjoy focusing on the human element, ensuring that everyone can showcase their strengths and we work together as a strong team.

I appreciate it when people around me are empowered and when a team is collaborating harmoniously. Still, this does not prevent me from standing up for myself assertively. Through my research and observations, I know what I believe and what I want. I share my well-considered opinion kindly and modestly, but always in a clear way.

The Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Foundation (ALVF) funds scientific cancer research at the AVL and has experienced significant growth in recent years. This created the need for someone to identify and research new sponsors: The Prospect Researcher. I quickly came to the conclusion that most new donors have often donated before, so having a good database and CRM system is crucial. Through many consultations with my team of relationship managers and the software systems administrators at both AVL and KWF, I succeeded in setting up this database and associated workflow and in ensuring that it remains the basis for the future. In addition to this change project, I also did preliminary research on major donors, wealth foundations and corporations to look for a potential match in policy, goals and budget to make requests to support specific research. When I started, there was very little at all. I am proud of how I managed to see opportunities and needs for this position and turn it into an addition within the Foundation. I thought it was really cool to see up close how this whole organization is so passionate about their work, to help as many people as possible through cancer research. This motivated me tremendously.

As a project leader at ASML Motion, I worked on an optimization project for the production of actuators that enable component movement within ASML machines. To increase production capacity, we improved the winding part of the process and organized the production lines using lean principles. 

In a multidisciplinary scrum team, I took on the role of product owner. The biggest challenge was balancing the expectations of external stakeholders with the needs of my team. My technical background was invaluable in translating complex information. 

Ultimately, my project improved the production lines, resulting in significant capacity increases and space efficiency. I am most proud of the collaboration within our team. We built a close bond that enriched our work and allowed space for openness and learning through mistakes.