Martine is a development economist by training and an experienced program and team manager in the field of livelihood development and health. During her career at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Terre des Hommes Netherlands – an international child rights organization – and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Netherlands she devoted her time to improving the rights and health of children, youth, and women.

Martine is a strong advocate of community health system strengthening. She worked with over a hundred grassroots and other civil society organizations in South Asia and East and Southern Africa in their mission to improve access to and quality of health services and empowerment of marginalized women, their children, and families.

After 20 years in the international arena, Martine currently works as a manager in public health in the Netherlands. At Heights and Minds, she will be part of the board overseeing organizational and strategy development and assisting with fundraising.