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Valérie Rafat is Head of Brand Strategy & Organisational Effectiveness at zenGate Global.
Valérie Rafat.

How did you come up with the idea to become a REC Impact Fellow at UvA?

My journey to becoming a REC Impact Fellow at UvA stems from my previous role at the French Embassy in Singapore, where I focused on forging partnerships between Singaporean and French universities. I've always been captivated by the interplay of academic rigor and the fresh perspectives students bring. When I joined zenGate and realized the wealth of data we possessed, coupled with a new technology that could greatly benefit from an academic framework, this fellowship became an obvious next step.

What was your first experience on campus?

My first impression of the UvA campus was how its recent renovation and thoughtful design truly encourage interaction. It's a space that facilitates crossover and communication among people at various stages of their careers. We not only get to meet researchers and students but also professionals from startups and even other fellows from multinational corporations, fostering a dynamic collaborative environment.

What do you hope the Fellowship will bring you?

I hope to forge a network that strengthens zenGate’s position as an innovative company, specifically by providing farmers and co-ops access to a global market through our blockchain technology.

On a personal level, given my role in human resources, I aim to bridge the gap between business and this domain by expanding my knowledge and sharing insights-including challenges and tips- on creating successful and essential organizational structures.