Mentors
Marjan de Jong
Marjan de Jong is a passionate changemaker focused on regenerative agriculture, food systems, and circular solutions. Born and raised in Friesland, she has lived in England, Norway, and Australia before settling in The Hague and later moving to Bergen to embrace nature and create a mini food forest.
With a background in marketing and business development, she transitioned from corporate roles to freelancing, realising her passion for impact-driven companies.
She co-founded a protein startup, gaining firsthand experience in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and has worked with governments, businesses, and communities to drive positive change. Now at We Are Changemakers, she empowers startups through programmes, events, and mentoring, while also lecturing and guiding student entrepreneurs. Her strategic mindset, customer focus, and hands-on approach make her a valuable mentor for those looking to create a lasting impact.
Gerrit Jan van ‘t Veen
Gerrit Jan van ‘t Veen is an inspiring and enthusiastic mentor, known for his thoughtful guidance and unwavering support. With a background in civil engineering, he possesses a natural talent for understanding complex systems and crafting long-term strategies that stand the test of time.
His journey has been shaped by both failure and success, giving him a deep appreciation for the challenges and triumphs that come with innovation and growth. Gerrit Jan thrives when collaborating with ambitious, forward-thinking teams, helping them chart uncharted paths toward success.
His passion lies in building a more inclusive and sustainable world, where every project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. His positive energy, combined with his strategic mindset, makes him a valued partner in any endeavour aimed at driving change and fostering progress.