
Sounding board
The Brainport Eindhoven region is home to thousands of international professionals, students and families. Every day, they contribute to the strength of our innovation ecosystem. At the same time, it is essential that we continue to listen to their experiences. What works well? What can be improved? That is why the sounding board was established in 2022. A group of internationals and locals who share their perspectives and help shape a more inclusive and attractive Brainport region.
What is the sounding board?
The sounding board consists of a diverse group of 15 professionals from all over the world, living and working in the Brainport region. They meet four times a year to exchange ideas and experiences about living, working and studying in the region.
During these sessions, they provide input on initiatives from the International Talent Program and give feedback on new concepts and plans.
What does it contribute?
The sounding board supports Brainport Development in:
testing new ideas and initiatives
validating insights and research
understanding the needs of international talent
capturing signals from the region
improving existing programs and campaigns
By sharing their perspectives, members directly contribute to a strong, inclusive and future-proof region.

Join the sounding board
Would you like to contribute to the future of international talent in Brainport? At the end of 2026, we will welcome a new group of members.
Joining the sounding board offers you the opportunity to:
share your experiences and ideas
contribute to initiatives that impact the region
expand your network with internationals and locals
actively help build an inclusive Brainport region
What do we ask from you?
Commit to one year of participation
Attend 3–4 in-person meetings per year
Actively contribute to open and constructive discussions
Occasionally support initiatives outside the meetings
After your term, you may recommend someone from your network to join.
Interested?
Get in touch with Noortje and discover how you can contribute to the future of Brainport.
Meet the current sounding board members
Who are the people behind the Sounding Board? Get to know a diverse group of people living and working in the Brainport region, sharing their experiences to contribute to a more inclusive and attractive region.

Ghadeer Alkhansa
Chemical engineer, el star dynamics

Matthew Levin
3D scanning expert

Reinoud van Santen
CPO, Withlocals

Sayra Hakim
BSc Industrial engineering, TU/e

N G Vishwanath
Founder, Mama's Regal

Daniel Vakulov
Domain architect, Canon Production Printing

Marta Martinez
Engineer, SCIL

Mouna Albaccouch
Embedded software engineer, NXP

Jonathan Conep
Manager, Technificent

Desiree Monteiro
MSc Data science & AI, TU/e

Elias Efstathiou
MSc Sustainable energy, TU/e

Ibrahim Obada
MSc Innovation management, TU/e

Ioanna Panagiotopoulou
BSc Electrical & electronics, Fontys

Patricia (Patty) Lansang
Client success manager, F19 Digital Reporting

Maria Fernanda Malvestio
Project manager, Kenvue

Goran Mitevski
AI Innovation architect, pioneer town b.v.