My Childhood

Growing up with two brothers and being the only daughter, made me feel sometimes a little lonely in my childhood. Nevertheless I was a happy child, never bored and not knowing what to do. This made me more creative. It also contributed to me being more responsible and even sometimes a little bit mischievous. Some of my favourite passed times were playing being a teacher, dressing up and organising events for other kids in the neighbourhood. Thinking back on my childhood I realise how this reflected and stil reflects on my career. 

Education was very important to my parents especially my father. Despite his strictness he has a great sense of humor. My Mom was beautiful, poised, elegant and above all dedicated to her family. My mom was a full-time professional. She managed a 30 staff jewellery-/China ware store. Through her I learned to appreciate the finest chinaware & jewellery and how to take care of these. Time management was one of her strengths. Her management skills reflected on her balancing her family activities with her professional life. 

We never missed one Judo class, going to the Library for school projects, swimming, and to my Ballet classes. Despite the fact that we had a housekeeper my brothers and I were responsible for certain household chores. Our housekeeper was lovely to us and of great support to my mom. My parents goal were to raise responsible children. They spend quality time with the family. Always  offering comfort and security to their kids. As a child you couldn’t ask for more. 

I got a great example in how important it is to be organised, neat and aware of one’s own appearance. This doesn't mean having expensive clothes rather being proper and clean. I am thankful to my parents for a beautiful childhood, a quality upbringing and for the person I have become. All this acquired knowledge I can pass on to others during my Seminars and  trainings.

Beauty Queen

Picture


On a mothersday May12th 1985 I was elected Miss Curaçao. Never thought about participating in any beauty pageant but life is like a Pandora box full of surprises. 

By winning this beauty pageant I learned a great lesson: never underestimate your own potentials. It taught me how to turn  obstacles into opportunities. Standing at only 5'2" tall and without any catwalk experience my chances of winning this pageant was very unlikely yet I turned obstacles into opportunities. 
I was honoured to represent my country at the Miss Universe pageant in Miami together with 89 Contestants from all over the world.This was an unforgettable experience. I learned to always stay focused and be the best representative first to your self and than to my country. Looking meticulously and always keeping a smile on my face was important despite the long hours of training, lack of sleep and being in an unfamiliar surrounding. This motivated me to pursue my university studies, in Puerto Rico,  as soon as my one year reign was fulfilled. After completion of my studies I worked with the Consulate of the Netherlands in Puerto Rico for 2 years.

​My position within the Consulate allow me to organise events for dutch expats and by hosting dinners for diplomats at the Whitehouse of Puerto Rico. After this experience I was ready to go back home to my Country. 

The Professional

Public Relations Officer

During 10 years I was Public Relations Officer for one of the most important government owned Oil Company on the Island of Curacao. I was responsible for internal and external communications, and produced and hosted a 30-minute educational TV-Program about the Oil Industry. I was responsible as coordinator for several major community projects supported by the Oil Company on my native Island.
I had the opportunity to live and show my creativity by creating among other things the Company's mascot!

The Lime Light

Franchise HOLDER / National Director for the Miss Universe and Miss World Beauty Pageants

It was an honour to be granted the Franchise and be the National director for the Miss Universe and the Miss World Beauty Pageants for the island of Curacao.  For many years I organised the national beauty pageant for Curacao and also travel along with the delegates to support them at the pageants.

Being a former participant myself I was a valuable asset for coaching the delegates. Setting up this event with limited recourses was a challenge especially after working as Public Relations Officer of an Oil Company where money wasn’t an issue. In 2006 I was honoured to be granted the Franchise of Miss Universe for The Netherlands.
The organisation was a great challenge especially in a Country where beauty pageants were not so popular. After both the challenges of the Miss Curaçao-Netherlands / beauty pageants I realise that it was time to move to another professional level in my life.