Ode to Ymke Rose Gote | Dare to claim your place in the world

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Ymke Rose Gote is a powerful, independent woman who has managed to carve out her place in the world. As a consultant at Accenture and a member of the Refugee Talent Hub, she has not only mapped out her professional path, but also embraced her personal growth. Her life story is an inspiring example of perseverance, self-confidence and the search for identity in a dynamic society.

Ymke was born in Washington D.C. in the United States, but grew up in the Netherlands, on the outskirts of Amsterdam in Amstelveen. With an American father and a Dutch mother, she grew up in a bilingual environment, speaking English at home and Dutch at school. Although she has traveled extensively and even studied in the US for four years, Amsterdam feels like her home base. “When I return to Amsterdam, a kind of tranquility washes over me,” says Ymke. “It is the place where my family and friends are, and that makes it home.”

Ymke remembers how she enjoyed playing with boys as a child and felt drawn to sports. However, this was not always accepted by society. “People often told me to wear dresses and play with dolls, while I preferred to play soccer and with cars,” she says. These experiences taught her to fight for her place and to follow her own path, regardless of the expectations of others.

A defining moment in her youth was an incident at primary school, where a boy physically pushed her out of frustration because she was better at table tennis. “That was a moment when I realized that I had to be smarter to deal with situations like that,” says Ymke. This incident made her more aware of the challenges women face and motivated her to position herself more strongly in the world.

These experiences have molded Ymke into the strong woman she is today. “I have learned to speak up and take my place,” she says. This self-confidence also helps her in her professional life, where she holds her own in a world often dominated by experienced men. “I now dare to give my opinion, even when I am surrounded by colleagues with decades of work experience.”

Ymke hopes that her story will inspire other women to speak up and claim their place in society. “Sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone and fight for your position,” she says. “It is important not to walk away, but to engage in the conversation.” For Ymke, it is all about togetherness and supporting each other. ”For me, Amsterdam feels like a sanctuary where everyone is accepted. Despite the challenges the city faces, it also offers opportunities to have open and honest conversations.”

A role model in her family

One of Ymke's greatest sources of inspiration is her mother, a successful lawyer who had to find her way in a male-dominated sector. “My mother used to have comments thrown at her about her appearance and clothing, but she didn't let it get her down. Her perseverance and strength have shaped me,” says Ymke. She grew up with her three younger sisters in a house full of strong women, which strengthened her motivation and self-confidence. ”We learned from our mother to make our voices heard and to stand up for what we think is important.”

A message of solidarity and diversity

Ymke is grateful for the opportunity to share her story and inspire others. “I think it's great that we bring women with different perspectives together. We all have our own challenges, but by supporting each other and embracing diversity, we can make the world a better place.” With her experience and perseverance, Ymke remains an example of how women can find their strength and use it to realize their dreams. Her message is clear: don't be afraid to make your voice heard and dare to claim your place in the world.