Last night, the VIVA400 awards celebrated the most inspiring women of 2016 at its ninth edition, themed 'On the Move.' This year, the list expanded to include Creatives, Smart Heads, Powerhouses, World Improvers, and Business Wonders. The public also voted for the Audience Award. Jury-selected winners included Mea Dols de Jong, Nupur Kohli, Sanne Wevers, Sanne Bolkenstein, and Lenneke van Ingen. Sisters Najima and Rachida Kharbouch claimed the Audience Award.
Creatives: Mea Dols de Jong
Jury verdict: "The Dutch film scene is unpredictable, making it hard to stand out. Yet Mea premiered her graduation film 'If mama ain't happy, nobody's happy' at IDFA to sold-out crowds. Her accolades include Best Documentary at DOK Munich and jury/audience awards at Berlin Sehsüchte International Film Festival. Variety named her one of the top 10 European filmmakers to watch, and her film is in the running for the 2017 Oscars. Mea's blend of boundless creativity and business savvy, plus her openness to audiences, earns her this well-deserved win in Creatives."
Smart Heads: Nupur Kohli
Jury verdict: "At just 26, Nupur's achievements are remarkable. She graduated from Harvard Business School last year, holding a master's in medicine from the University of Amsterdam. At 22, she was the youngest TEDx Award winner at TU Delft and has delivered over 60 global talks. Her research on productivity via stress management culminated in 'Chill! How to survive stress and improve personal and professional productivity: symptoms and solutions to chronic pressure,' soon releasing internationally in the US and Canada. Now a strategic healthcare consultant at Ernst & Young, Nupur is a standout in Smart Heads."
Powerhouses: Sanne Wevers
Jury verdict: "Sanne's gold medal on balance beam at the Rio Olympics is a global triumph in fiercely competitive gymnastics. Her journey began at age six, training with father Vincent and twin sister Lieke since 2001—both competed in Rio, securing a historic seventh for the Dutch team. Prior wins include World Cup silver in Glasgow and Olympic test event gold. Sanne's discipline and dedication make her a powerhouse exemplar."
World Improvers: Sanne Bolkenstein
Jury verdict: "Sanne proves small initiatives drive big change. In Uganda, she saw girls missing school due to menstruation and lack of pads. Her solution: AFRIpads, washable pads made by local women. Now, 150 women produce them, with over one million kits sold. Her mission—daily school for all girls—transforms futures. Unanimously, the jury crowns her World Improver."
Business Wonders: Lenneke van Ingen
Jury verdict: "Lenneke spots opportunities and seizes them boldly, running five thriving companies. Starting with A Million Faces in 2007 for scouting talent in film, TV, and ads, she expanded to Creative Connectors for young media talent, pioneering vlogger integration. Bluebirds yoga offers unique 'super classes' for fitness and zen; her Amsterdam B&B, Steel, excels. As a visionary entrepreneur, she's the ultimate Business Wonder."
VIVA400 Audience Award 2016: Najima and Rachida Kharbouch
With over 38,000 votes, the public chose these sisters. Four years ago, they transformed their health, shedding 50 kilos together. Answering countless queries, they launched Healthysisters—a hit blog, YouTube channel, and social media presence—as the Netherlands' first Moroccan-Dutch health influencers.
