{"id":844,"date":"2024-11-05T09:51:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T09:51:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/?p=844"},"modified":"2024-11-05T11:48:18","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T11:48:18","slug":"get-to-know-movement-on-the-grounds-new-ceo-patricia-vermeule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/news\/get-to-know-movement-on-the-grounds-new-ceo-patricia-vermeule\/","title":{"rendered":"Get to know Movement on the Ground’s new CEO- Patricia Vermeulen!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Patricia Vermeulen, the newly appointed CEO of Movement on the Ground, brings nearly two decades of experience leading humanitarian initiatives at global organizations such as The Red Cross and Amref Health Africa. Known for her collaborative, people-centered leadership style, Patricia is passionate about addressing the world\u2019s urgent displacement crises through innovative, community-driven solutions. In this interview, she shares insights on her journey, her vision for Movement on the Ground, and her partnership with co-founder Adil Izemrane as they work to expand the organization\u2019s impact.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can you share a bit about your journey in the nonprofit sector and what drew you to humanitarian work?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I studied International Business at Maastricht University and spent a year in Colombia, studying Spanish and doing a traineeship at Unilever. That experience made me question my path and wonder if I was meant for something more impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    A few years later, I had an opportunity at TNT, where I volunteered with the World Food Program in Malawi. It felt like a calling, affirming my desire to work in the nonprofit sector. Soon after, I joined the Netherlands Red Cross, where I spent nine years managing development programs, coordinating disaster responses, and working across multiple partnerships. This period was transformative, and I built many connections that I still value today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After that, I was drawn to a CEO role at Amref Flying Doctors. I spent nine years there\u2014seven leading the Dutch office and two on the Global Leadership Team in Kenya. I learned about leading an organization, fostering growth, and navigating crises like COVID-19. I also came to believe that real change happens from within communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Then, after a sabbatical, I was approached by Movement on the Ground. The mission, vision, and values resonated deeply, and I felt a strong connection with the Founders and Board. I feel bring knowledge, experience and network that the organization will benefit from. And I know that I will also be learning a lot again. A perfect match. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With nearly 20 years of experience in leading diverse teams across organizations like The Red Cross and Amref Health Africa, what key lessons have you learned that you plan to bring to Movement on the Ground?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Having a strategy and plan is great, but having the right team is much more important. A great team will deliver any strategy or plan. This is why I tend to focus a lot on the people side of our work. When people are doing well, when they know how they can contribute, and when they know what their contribution means, they will flourish. And so will the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Focus is also a keyword for me. Without focus, there is a risk of mission drift. It is easy to drift away from what you are set out to do. It is not easy to go back to the core of your work. So I believe that we need to always ask ourselves, why do we do this? Are we still on the right track? Are we spending our resources wisely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trusting your instincts, staying true to yourself, and creating space for dialogue\u2014even dissent\u2014strengthens both strategy and company culture. I believe in finishing what we start; as leaders, we must set that example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An African proverb resonates with me: \u2018If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.\u2019<\/em> This reflects the Ubuntu philosophy: ‘I am because we are<\/em>.’ Humanity is at the core of our work, and we achieve more together. We live on this planet together and we have the same rights and the same desires. For me, it\u2019s always about the collective ‘eco’ over the individual ‘ego\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you see your past challenges or success stories influencing your leadership style at Movement on the Ground?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My past challenges and successes have shaped my leadership style. I\u2019ve learned from my mistakes, and with each success, I\u2019ve gained confidence and certainty. Many of the situations I face now are familiar, which allows me to approach them with both experience and a sense of calm. Yet, I stay curious and open, and I am always eager to learn more. I believe this balance gives me inner peace, and people often tell me they sense my positive energy and want to be part of what I do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I lead from the heart, which is something people will see right away. I care deeply about my team and believe in a collaborative approach. I see myself as a central defender, like in field hockey\u2014leading from the back, with a strong view of the field, guiding the team forward, and clearing obstacles. I may not always score, but I set others up to succeed by creating space and removing barriers. My goal is to give my all, so others can achieve theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What specifically about Movement on the Ground and our \u201cCamp to CampUs\u201d methodology inspired you to join our organization as CEO?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I was initially drawn to Movement on the Ground because of the urgency of its mission. With over 270 million people forcibly displaced globally, this is one of the most pressing crises of our time. As a humanitarian, I feel a deep need to make a difference in these lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Movement on the Ground\u2019s young, dynamic nature also appealed to me. We have a small team with big ambitions, and over the organization\u2019s first nine years, remarkable achievements have been made. I\u2019m excited to build on these successes, reach our untapped potential and work closely with the Founders, whose energy and passion are truly inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Camp to CampUs methodology is especially meaningful to me. It enables displaced people to participate in managing their environment and CampUs and provides a sense of belonging\u2014crucial for those who have lost so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges facing displaced people and vulnerable communities today, and how do you believe MOTG can address these challenges effectively?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The challenges facing displaced people are profound. They\u2019ve often lost their homes, loved ones, and any sense of security, living with deep trauma, anxiety, and a lack of future prospects. While providing essential resources like shelter, clean water, food, and clothing is critical, it\u2019s equally important to address their need for community, belonging, and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Movement on the Ground stands out by prioritizing the human connection. Our approach transforms the way camps traditionally operate, creating environments where individuals are valued as people, not just as refugees. Many displaced people in our CampUs have become volunteers, and some have even joined our staff. These stories highlight how individuals can regain control, feel uplifted, and become active contributors to the communities they now call home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Given Adil’s previous role and involvement as one of the founders, how do you envision your partnership with him evolving?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first time we met, Adil and I shared an inspiring two-hour conversation that set the tone for our partnership. From that moment, we both felt we were starting a journey together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Though we approach things differently, there\u2019s a deep, almost invisible thread that connects us, and our differences make us highly complementary. Respect and trust will be essential as we build and nurture our partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I deeply admire Adil\u2019s courage in entrusting me with the CEO role. For a founder, stepping back is incredibly difficult, especially from something so personally meaningful and carefully built. Letting go takes immense trust, and I\u2019m honored that he is giving me his. Adil remains integral to our organization; he breathes the mission and is an inspiration for much of our team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As we move forward, Adil will lead our advocacy efforts, work on much needed policy change, conduct on-the-ground assessments, and open new doors. I will focus on leading the organization, making sure we all work together as a well oiled machine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Looking ahead, what is your vision for Movement on the Ground in terms of scope and impact over the next few years?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are ready to step up, and scale our Camp to CampUs methodology. To do this, we seek to strengthen and expand current partnerships and engage in new ones. These include partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, humanitarian actors, universities, companies and individuals. We continue to grow our network of support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We started our movement in Greece, on the island of Lesvos. We are still needed there but have in the meantime engaged in quite a number of other projects and countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Poland and the Netherlands. We will continue to go where we are needed, driving our mission forward. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Patricia Vermeulen, the newly appointed CEO of Movement on the Ground, brings nearly two decades of experience leading humanitarian initiatives at global organizations such as The Red Cross and Amref Health Africa. Known for her collaborative, people-centered leadership style, Patricia is passionate about addressing the world\u2019s urgent displacement crises through innovative, community-driven solutions. In this…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=844"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":878,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/844\/revisions\/878"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/movementontheground.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}