Mensen van Veldhoven Live

People of Veldhoven Live offers an evening full of inspiration and connection. Admission is free, but reserve your tickets quickly via our website. We hope to see you on November 11 in Theater de Schalm!

Sjeel Lathouwers – SOK, Carnival in Veldhoven
Sjeel Lathouwers lives in Veldhoven and combines her work as a Social Media Marketer at Makita Netherlands with her passion for dance, communication and club life. As chairman of the SOK (Carnival Organization Foundation), she enthusiastically contributes to the vibrant carnival life of Rommelgat. In her presentation she talks about the organization behind the parades, events and the choice of the Grand Prince - and how carnival is alive in Veldhoven like never before!

Kaspar van Leek – Walls that connect: The power of public art
Kaspar van Leek, together with Niels van Swaemen, forms the street art duo Studio Giftig. Their impressive murals adorn walls at home and abroad and often carry a strong social message. In his presentation, Kaspar shows how art in public space not only beautifies, but also connects, and how the creative process from idea to implementation can contribute to involvement and community.

Marcel van den Hurk – My daughter and I, from the darkest darkness to the brightest light
Marcel van den Hurk was born and raised in Veldhoven, has worked in home furnishings all his life and is married to Jolanda Helversteijn. Together they have five children and four grandchildren. His youngest daughter (now 27) went through a difficult time from the age of ten to twenty-three, with out-of-home placements, foster homes, suicide attempts, an end-of-life clinic, closed institutions, bulimia and anorexia. In his presentation, Marcel explains what this has done to him as a father and how he managed to hold his own. His message is one of perseverance and hope: never give up, because there is always a glimmer of light.

Bianca Kuijpers – Powerlifting
Bianca Kuijpers combines her busy daily life with her passion for strength training. Married to Marti and mother of Daniel (19) and Evy (17), she shares her love for the gym with her son. In her presentation, Bianca explains what powerlifting is exactly, why it is so fun and challenging, and what her own path in this sport looks like. From the first training to her very first match.

Ron Eliëns – Friends of Suriname
Ron Eliëns is a born and raised Zeelst resident from Veldhoven and owner of Eliëns Carwash Area on the Kempenbaan. In addition to his entrepreneurship, he is actively involved in various local initiatives and is currently chairman of the Business Club of vv UNA and secretary of the Friends of Suriname Foundation. In his presentation, Ron talks about the history, economy and future of Suriname, and about the valuable work that the foundation does there.

Rowen Coolen and Jelte Brasse – The world of theater
Rowen Coolen (student teaching theater maker) and Jelte Brasse (student stage and event technology) share a great passion for theater and culture in Veldhoven. Together they work on events such as the Poppendokter and Verrassend Veldhoven and are committed to making culture accessible to everyone through Cordaad Zorg en Welzijn. In their presentation they explain how theater influences their lives, which projects they realize and they hope to inspire you to dive into the world of theater too!