Our Team
MIRCURY consist of a dedicated team that supports the vision of developing new and creative ways of approaching international conflicts. Our team is a diverse collective, with members originating from different parts of Europe and encompassing a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and professional experiences across various continents. Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary approach to conflict resolution, which draws upon our unique perspectives to foster innovative solutions. By embracing our diversity, we create an inclusive environment that nurtures collaboration and enables us to make a tangible impact in promoting peace and understanding.
Our Founders
Patrick de Vries
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Patrick is a diplomat and a professional in conflict resolution and a former lawyer. He has practiced law in the private sector for several years and conducted international diplomatic negotiations in various capacities, most notably during his assignments in Washington, Beijing, Brussels, Kabul, and the Middle East.
Patrick is fascinated by and committed to bridging mindsets of people in violent conflict in different international and cultural settings. He aspires facilitating a roundtable with multiple perspectives that participate equally in conversations. From a young age on, Patrick has traveled across the world. He believes in the value of diversity, distinct views, and listening.
Patrick loves to be active; he used to be a competitive football player and he enjoys reading historic novels.
Vasilis Polemitis
Co-Founder & Chair of the Board of advisors
Vasilis is an international executive, business entrepreneur and former ambassador of Cyprus to the United Arab Emirates with 20 years experience in diplomacy.
A strong advocate of the multidisciplinary approach to the resolution of current and future societal, political and economic problems, Basil is a proponent of sustainability and innovation both in concept and in application. In between his diverse endeavours and responsibilities, Vasilis strives to find time to continue to learn how to draw and write comics, hoping one day to contribute meaningfully to a graphic novel. In the meantime, he does find time to cook, but never follows a recipe.
Blanche Voorneman
Senior Director
Blanche Voorneman brings nearly a decade of diplomatic experience and a deep commitment to fostering social cohesion and systemic change in conflict-affected regions.
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As Senior Director at MIRCURY, she leads multidisciplinary peacebuilding initiatives, combining expertise in psychology, business, and international diplomacy to address complex
challenges.
With a background spanning the UN, EU, and regions such as Latin America and
Sub-Saharan Africa, Blanche specializes in building trust, bridging divides, and designing
innovative solutions that empower communities.
Thomas Plomp
Senior Programme Officer
Thomas is currently pursuing his Master's degree in International Relations & Political Science at the Geneva Graduate Institute after having completed his interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
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He is driven by his desire to foster a more peaceful and prosperous world, and he firmly believes in the power of empathy and respect to drive positive change on a global scale.
Stefan Hageman
Senior Programme Officer
Stefan is a political economist with experience in international development, academic research and project management. He specialises in institutional and economic development, politics and international cooperation, as well as human rights in conflict situations.
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Stefan is a multidisciplinarity enthusiast, with a strong belief that sustainable peace and growth can only be accomplished through cooperation and inclusivity. Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic writer, home cook and horseback rider, and can often be found in coffee houses enjoying his beloved espresso’s.
Lejla Hamzakadić
BiH Programme Officer
Lejla Hamzakadic holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in International Relations from the International University of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lejla is passionate about languages, sociolinguistics and the overall impact language has on the international community, especially in regards to peace. She believes that language and communication are at the core of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
Alma Dzehverovic
BiH Programme Officer
Alma is currently enrolled in a Master's program in International Relations and Diplomacy in Sarajevo. Her dual academic background and extensive knowledge of the socio-political configurations acquired during her studies enables her to understand various aspects of post-conflict societies. Though a researcher at heart, she aspires to demonstrate that theories, as intrinsic hermeneutical spirals, have the power to change the world.
Outside of expanding her knowledge and delving into her interests, Alma dedicates her free time to volunteering at a local dog shelter, enjoying bike rides with friends, and occasionally fostering kittens.
Arturo Simone
E&W Development Officer
Arturo is communication and security policy specialist, originally from Italy.
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With a background in European and American affairs, his research projects focuses on hybrid warfare and interregional cooperation in the EU, working for GLOBSEC and TNGO.
Arturo holds a Double MSc in European Governance from Utrecht University (The Netherlands) and Masaryk University (Czech Republic), with a focus on foreign affairs in the Eastern flank.
Nedžla Kurtćehajić
BiH Programme Officer
Nedžla Kurtćehajić is a young professional from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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She is the author of the book "Bosnia from its beginnings to the recognition of the UN" and has published three scientific papers on relevant socio-political challenges. She has joined MIRCURY as a BiH Intern.
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Nedžla actively participates in regional initiatives for peace and cooperation, and her professional development was additionally enriched by trainings in the field of communication, youth advocacy and conflict transformation in the Western Balkans.
Board of Advisors
Our board of advisors is comprised of distinguished experts in conflict resolution, each bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to our mission. With diverse backgrounds in diplomacy, mediation, international law, and community engagement, our board members are united by a common goal: to create sustainable solutions for peace and harmony. Together, they guide our initiatives with strategic vision and unwavering commitment, ensuring that we effectively address the complex challenges of conflict in today's world.
Mari Fitzduff
Board of Advisors Member
Sally Painter
Board of Advisors Member
Joseph Borghese
Board of Advisors Member
Supervisory Board
Our Supervisory Board is made up of esteemed professionals in the field of or affiliated with the mission of conflict resolution, each contributing extensive expertise, experience, and passion to our mission. With backgrounds spanning from diplomacy, mediation, international law, business development, and community engagement, they bring a rich diversity of perspectives. United by a shared commitment to fostering sustainable peace, our board members provide strategic guidance and insight, helping us navigate the complexities of conflict in today’s world and driving our initiatives forward with a clear and focused vision.
Diederik Sillevis Smitt
Supervisory Board Member
Diederik Sillevis Smitt is a seasoned corporate development professional with a robust legal background. Currently serving as Director at ING, he leads M&A transactions and strategic stakes for the Group Investments team. With over 20 years of experience, including senior roles in business development, strategy, and legal advisory, Diederik has overseen key global initiatives, from restructuring programs to strategic divestments across Brazil, Asia, and the USA. A graduate of New York University School of Law and the University of Amsterdam, Diederik is known for his diplomatic communication style and ability to navigate complex transactions with a focus on sustainability.
Willem van Nieuwkerk
Supervisory Board Member
Willem van Nieuwkerk is the Dean of the Faculty of Public Management, Law & Safety at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in international relations, policy development, and institutional reform, he has led teams across Europe, Asia, and Africa, focusing on rule of law programs. Willem holds a degree in Political Science from Leiden University and has managed projects for organizations such as the European Commission and CILC. His work continues to bridge academia, public governance, and international development.
Saar van Waegeningh
Supervisory Board Member
Saar van Waegeningh is a partner at BINGH Advocaten, a boutique law firm in Amsterdam specializing in employment law, corporate litigation, and intellectual property law. With over 25 years of experience, she is an expert in employment law, both in the private and public sectors. Saar has successfully managed complex conflicts, ranging from individual dismissal cases to large organizational restructurings. She is an active member of professional organizations like the European Employment Law Association and frequently publishes and teaches in her field. Saar holds a Master’s degree in Law from Leiden University and completed her specialization in Labour Law at Grotius Academie.
Our Partners
MIRCURY Alumni
Our cherished former team members, who contributed to MIRCURY's development in varying capacity.
Marleen Boersma
Program Officer
Assi Korhonen
Program Officer