Adrienne Axler, former CEO of Sodexo, was matched with Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen through BoardCompanions' speed-dating process. What made the match extraordinary was her own story: Adrienne fled Czechoslovakia in 1968 at age 14, arriving in the Netherlands without family, friends, or language.
"By getting in touch with Vluchtelingenwerk, I got to know a very different world, populated by tremendously young, capable people who are committed to human rights and equality, rather than career or profit making. They are all people who work for refugees of all origins with an incomprehensible fighting spirit and dedication. I have tremendous respect and admiration for that."
Her personal refugee background creates a deep connection to the organisation's mission — a reminder that the best board matches are about more than skills on paper.