Meet the team
Wie niet waagt, wie niet wint!
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No risk, no reward!
Wie niet waagt, wie niet wint! • No risk, no reward!
Barbara tedder
Barbara grew up in Curaçao and Bonaire. She studied law in Amsterdam and worked as a Corporate Recruiter before earning an MA in Art History in New York. She then transitioned into the cultural sector, holding various roles at the Rijksmuseum, including leading Operation Night Watch. Currently, she manages Academic Programs in the Public & Education department. From the start, Barbara has been involved with the Children’s Museum Bonaire and now serves as chairman of the board.
Corine van der Hout
Born and raised on a farm in the northern Netherlands, Corine developed a love for the outdoors. She earned an HBO degree in economics while training as a real estate agent, starting her career in Zwolle. After four years, she opened her own office in Groningen before moving to Bonaire with her husband to run a real estate agency. Now, 24 years later, the business has grown significantly. Deeply connected to the island, she supports social initiatives and helps clients find the right properties. She also serves as the board's treasurer.
Ivy lo tam Soen
Ivy was born and raised in Suriname and studied Work and Organizational Psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. After working in the Netherlands and Curaçao in various advisory roles, she moved to Bonaire in 2016. She is deeply involved in the development of the Children’s Museum Bonaire, dedicating her expertise to its growth. In addition, she contributes to the Names Monument and collaborates on book projects with historian A. Sealy. As of August 1, 2024, she serves as secretary of the Project Group Climate Table Bonaire.
Astrid Duyff
Astrid has been visiting Bonaire since 1991, and in 2019, she made the island her permanent home. She worked in education in the Netherlands for 39 years, first as a teacher and later as a principal. After obtaining her MA in Educational Leadership, she worked as an independent consultant and interim principal, specializing in helping struggling schools improve. On Bonaire, Astrid is involved in various volunteer initiatives related to education, culture, and nature. She is also the co-author of "Nieuwe Politiek op Bonaire" and the author of the project plan for the Children's Museum Bonaire, where she continues to contribute to its development.
Robert Smaal
Robert has lived on Bonaire since 1997 and has closely witnessed the island and its developments over the years. Originally a physiotherapist, he is now an entrepreneur in the healthcare sector and owner of health center Bon Bida Bonaire, where he is committed to preventive care and the well-being of the community. In addition, he serves as secretary of the Supervisory Board of primary school De Pelikaan, which aligns with his broad involvement in the development and welfare of young people on the island. As a board member of the Bonaire Children's Museum, he contributes to the museum's growth and future. Robert is the father of two sons.
