Team
Jos Dirkx – Founder and Director
Jos Dirkx was born in Rio de Janeiro and has since been traveling the world with her parents and brother. She has lived in Brazil, Bangladesh, Spain, Senegal, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and currently resides in South Africa.
Her passion for social justice and gender equality has propelled her participation in projects, debates, fund raising and campaigning for increased public awareness of women’s rights, and her hands-on experience with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has furthered her dedication to making social justice and gender equality a worldwide priority.
She has worked on various projects, including projects for victims of the Tsunami, as well as on services for commemoration of World War II survivors and victims and has volunteer experience teaching theatre in South Africa and English in Sudan. She has spoken in various European countries about Female Genital Mutilation.
She enjoys theatre, music, dance, traveling, reading, playing sports, and being with friends and family.
Sonia Bianchi – Co- Founder and Project Coordinator
sonia@girlsandfootballsa.com
Sonia Bianchi completed her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and History at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She has worked, volunteered and served on the board of directors for several charities and non-profit associations including, Together Against Poverty Society, positively AFRICA, Partnerships for Opportunities, Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition and The Land Conservancy of British Columbia. Currently, Sonia is a Masters Candidate at the University of Stellenbosch in International Studies: Political Economy and Conflict Dynamics. When not at school, Sonia enjoys reading unacademic books, learning how to make “local” dishes, painting lopsided works of art and exploring the world with friends. After school she hopes to continue to work in the non-profit sector, specifically with reconciliation programs in post conflict areas.
Katie Bozeman – Overseas Coordinator
Katie Bozeman is a candidate for a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology and Global Communications at Roger Williams University, Rhode Island, United States. She is a research assistant in the field of Youth and Activity, the founder and president of the campus organization Peer Pals, president of the Anthropology/Sociology club, and a staff writer for the university newspaper. Katie studied abroad in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where she was actively involved with the Stellenbosch University branch of UNASA, a student organization focused on the practical application of the UN’s objectives and the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Katie enjoys working out, hanging out with friends and family, horseback riding, traveling and reading in hammocks. After gaining her degree, she aspires to attain her masters degree in Social Work or International Relations, while keeping up her travels.
Dewi Spijkerman – Intern
Dewi Spijikerman is a Bachelor student in Human Geography and International Development Studies at the University of Amsterdam. As an intern for Girls & Football SA she is coordinating football life skills workshops, developing social media platforms and performing M&E. In Amsterdam she participated in the Millennium Battle an The Socionext Challenge and became interested in grassroots projects and education in South Africa. For her bachelor thesis she is focusing on the challenges girls face in completing primary and secondary education, and how NGOs combat these challenges. She as an interest in social responsibilities and alternative development initiatives, including social media/communities, south-south cooperation and social�entrepreneurship. Dewi has a passion for travelling, thai boxing, cooking and experiencing other cultures. After her bachelor’s she would like to do her masters degree in International Relations.
Niki Lintmeijer – Intern
Niki Lintmeijer recently joined the team of Girls & Football SA as an intern. She is currently studying Future Planet Studies at the University of Amsterdam, where she follows a major in Human Geography and International Development Studies. Her research fr her bachelor’s thesis at Girls & Football SA focuses on the impact of sport as a tool for the development of girls and young women. Niki has always enjoyed playing all kind of sports, but she grew a passion for basketball in her younger years. At the moment, she is an�enthusiastic�rower at a student rowing club in Amsterdam, where she hopes to win this year’s competition. Besides playing sports, Niki enjoys travelling, playing music, hanging out with friends and going out for drinks or dinner in the evening. After graduation, she would like to work in the non-profit sector.
