Looking Back at 2024 | Nora Taylor
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride as I reflect on my second and final year as Chair of the Lovinklaan Foundation. It has been a year of transformative milestones, meaningful connections, and inspiring progress, all made possible by the unwavering dedication of my fellow Board Members and the incredible Arcadians we serve.
A cornerstone of my role as Chair has been guiding the Foundation in its dual responsibility: serving as a major shareholder in Arcadis and championing initiatives that invest in Arcadians. As a responsible shareholder, we play a critical role in ensuring that Arcadis remains focused on the long term—balancing stability with innovation. This strategic stewardship aligns with our core mission of fostering long-term growth and investing in the people who make Arcadis exceptional.
A significant highlight this year was the transition of two of our beloved programs, Shelter and Expedition DNA (EDNA), to Arcadis. This marked a milestone for Lovinklaan as both programs, nurtured under our guidance and funding, have proven their value and are now positioned for long-term success. Watching these initiatives flourish and become fully integrated into Arcadis is the ultimate testament to the Foundation’s mission as an incubator of people-first initiatives.
Connecting across borders
Our March Board meeting in Rotterdam set the tone for the year ahead. It was a time of dynamic updates, strategic planning, and deepening connections with colleagues. Among the memorable moments were the insightful staff presentation at the Arcadis Rotterdam Office and the enriching dinners with program managers and senior leaders. These interactions underscored the power of collaboration in driving innovation and fostering a shared sense of purpose.
In June, we traveled to Sydney, Australia, for our second Board meeting. The vibrant exchanges with Arcadians across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane reaffirmed our commitment to creating long-term value. From productive discussions to heartfelt social gatherings, this meeting highlighted the strength of our global network. We also celebrated the extension of Zakiya Seymour and Maricel Atienza to their second three-year terms on the Board. Their contributions have been pivotal to the Foundation’s success.
For our final in-person Board Meeting of the year, we gathered in London in November. It was truly inspiring to see how far we’ve come as a foundation and as a partnership with Arcadis. From aligning our strategic priorities with the company’s long-term goals to engaging directly with Arcadians through town halls and intimate dinners, it was a week filled with meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Investing in the future
We continued supporting our flagship initiatives, including Quest, Skills Powered Organization, IMAGINE, and Sustain Abilities this year.
We also launched two exciting new programs: IGNITE and the Energy Transition Academy (ETA) —and there’s more to come in 2025. IGNITE empowers Arcadians to drive client-centric innovation through a two-stage journey of virtual training and masterclasses. Meanwhile, ETA has equipped over 300 Arcadians—and counting—with the skills to lead in the energy transition, aiming to upskill 2,500 professionals by 2027. These programs embody Lovinklaan’s vision of fostering a sustainable future through meaningful action.
We had the privilege of sharing heartfelt stories from Arcadians about how Lovinklaan programs have touched their lives and careers. I invite you to read these inspiring accounts and celebrate the incredible impact we’re making together. I’m particularly proud of the deep connections we’ve built and the ways in which our programs continue to resonate across different regions, inspiring growth and innovation.
A fond farewell
On a personal note, this year marks a significant milestone in my journey as Chair. Succession is essential to ensuring the Board’s ability to sustain its impact into the future, and I am confident in the Foundation’s continued success under new leadership. While I pass the baton, I am grateful to have one more year as a Board member to support the new Chair and contribute to this exciting next chapter for the Lovinklaan Foundation.
As we step into 2025, I encourage all Arcadians to continue embracing the opportunities offered by Lovinklaan programs. Let’s keep driving meaningful change and shaping a brighter future for Arcadis, its clients, and our world.
Serving in this role has been an incredible honour.
