Women in Business
Women in Business: Empowering the Next Generation
Women in Business is a career event organised by the EBF for female students of the Faculty of Economics and Business, designed to empower women at the start of their professional careers. The event combines inspiration and recruitment by connecting students with female role models at the top of the business world and companies actively seeking ambitious female talent. Through personal stories, open dialogue and targeted networking, Women in Business encourages students to pursue their ambitions with confidence and take the next step towards their careers.
The programme starts with an inspiring speaker session, featuring female role models who will share their career journeys, challenges and key lessons from their professional lives. Following the individual talks, the speakers will take part in an interactive discussion panel, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions and actively engage in the conversation.
After the speaker programme, the event continues with a high wine at The Market Hotel. During this networking session, students will rotate between all participating companies, allowing everyone to have personal and meaningful conversations. You will have the chance to network in an informal setting with top companies such as Deloitte and Van Oord, as well as with fellow ambitious students.
Overview of participating companies:
Deloitte is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, offering audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory and tax services. With a strong international presence, Deloitte works with organisations across industries to tackle complex business challenges. The firm is known for its focus on innovation, impact and the development of early-career talent.
Van Oord is a Dutch family-owned maritime contracting company with a history dating back to 1868. The company specialises in dredging, offshore energy and marine infrastructure projects worldwide. Van Oord is strongly committed to sustainability and plays an active role in the energy transition through innovative offshore solutions.
Overview of speakers:
Manon Wolters is currently the CEO of Hanzevast, an investment company that has invested approximately €4 billion since 1995 in real estate and maritime sectors. Previously, she worked at KPMG for ten years, after being part of the founding board of the EBF.
Marianne Brackel is a member of Optiver’s Corporate Strategy team, specialising in government relations in the Netherlands. She's worked in European financial markets since 2015, with a focus on proprietary trading and market structure. Before joining Optiver, Marianne was a Senior Liquidity Provider Manager at Euronext.
Sakura de Vries is the youngest speaker of the day, but has an impressive career for her age. After graduating cum laude from the master of Economic Development & Globalisation (now IE&SD), she landed a competitive traineeship at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, where she now works as an economic policy officer.
Moderator of the day: Myrthe Smit. Myrthe was the Project & Inclusion Officer of the 2022-2023 EBF Board. She has also been the moderator during the 2025 EBF Conference and her background shows a clear affinity with the topic of Women in Business.
Women in Business is designed to help you gain confidence, broaden your perspective and take concrete steps towards your future career, whether you already have a clear direction or are still exploring your options.
📍 Location: The Market Hotel, Grote Markt
📅 Date & Time: 18 February 2026, 13:00-17:00
🕐 Deadline: Sign ups close Thursday 12 feb at 23:59
THIS EVENT IS CV SELECTED. Please upload an anonimous cv.
👉 Are you a female student looking to invest in your future? Sign up for Women in Business and get inspired by leading women in business.
If you have any questions or want to know more about this event, please contact Mark den Boer at m.denboer@ebfgroningen.nl
If you are selected but do not show up, a fine of €30 will be charged. If you are not selected, you'll receive a refund.