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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. 

Photography by: Nick Bookelaar

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.