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Emma Lesterhuis
Programme Coordinator Water for Life
Professional Background
Emma Lesterhuis is a dedicated environmental professional with a remarkable career spanning various roles in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. Currently, she serves as the Programme Coordinator for the Water for Life project at Vitens Evides International, where she is pivotal in implementing impactful water solutions across various communities. Throughout her career at Vitens Evides International, Emma has displayed a consistent commitment to improving water management and access, which is crucial for sustainable development.
Before stepping into her current role, Emma was instrumental in several capacities at Vitens Evides International. As a Project Manager for the Football for Water initiative in Ghana, she showcased her ability to lead large-scale projects that intertwine sports and water education, effectively reaching diverse audiences. Her previous experience includes roles as Coordinator and Operations Officer, where she managed day-to-day operations, ensuring that project goals aligned with the organization's mission to promote accessible and sustainable water resources.
Education and Achievements
Emma holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from the prestigious Universiteit Antwerpen, where she honed her understanding of environmental challenges and solutions. Her undergraduate education was in Public Management from NHL Hogeschool, equipping her with a solid foundation in governance, policy-making, and community engagement. This unique blend of education has fostered her comprehensive approach to managing complex projects in the environmental and WASH sectors.
Emma’s journey in the professional world began early, with internships that provided her invaluable hands-on experience. Notably, she was an intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands, gaining insight into the intersection of policy and environmental strategy at a national level. Furthermore, she contributed to the Frisian Urban Sanitation Programme at Wetterskip Fryslân, where she developed practical skills and collaborated on innovative sanitation solutions.
Notable Achievements
Emma's achievements extend beyond her roles at Vitens Evides International. During her tenure as Project Assistant for LightChallenge 2011 at Gemeente Heerenveen, she played an important role in promoting sustainability initiatives that received recognition for their effectiveness in community engagement. Her work with Aqua Vitens Rand Ltd. in Ghana not only laid the groundwork for her future roles but also exemplified her capability to balance technical knowledge with local insights
Emma has a strong commitment to youth and community engagement, demonstrated by her involvement with DWARS Groningen, the youth wing of the GroenLinks party in the Netherlands. Her active participation exemplifies her dedication to empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Overall, Emma Lesterhuis is recognized for her professionalism, passion for environmental science, and unwavering commitment to improving water and sanitation infrastructure through collaborative efforts and sustainable practices.
