Roxanne Hehakaija | resilience & impact

Expert, Athlete

1 hour

NL

Storytelling,
Personal development,
Performance,
Football

Motivate,
Dealing with adversity,
Dealing with change

As a little girl, Roxanne Hehakaija dreamed of one thing: playing soccer in sold-out stadiums. That dream took her far. Through Junior Oranje and international street football projects, she traveled the world. But the biggest gamechanger in her life came unexpectedly, off the field. There she discovered the real power of sports: connection, self-confidence and social change.

At 18, Roxanne ended up in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Between poverty and violence, she saw something special emerge as soon as the ball started rolling: fun, equality and connection. That moment was the starting point of her mission. Soccer turned out to be not just a sport, but a means for young people to discover that they themselves can be role models.

When a severe knee injury ended her professional career, Roxanne decided to turn her experience and vision into action. She founded Favela Street: a personal development program that guides young people worldwide through street soccer, mind training and social skills. Today, Favela Street is active in Brazil, Haiti, Curaçao and Sudan, among others.

What Roxanne talks about
In her lectures, Roxanne knows how to connect effortlessly with both small teams and packed halls. She combines a personal story with humor, interaction and practical insights from top sports, youth work and international cooperation. Her story touches, confronts and motivates.

Themes covered:
Dealing with adversity and sudden change
Positive mindset and belief in one's own abilities
The power of sport as a tool for social impact
Getting young people moving and growing
Motivation: success as a marathon, not a sprint
Impact measurement and meaningful development cooperation

Roxanne shows that what is said to you often enough can become reality - and that many young people simply don't hear often enough that they are superheroes.

Experience & impact
Roxanne works with international organizations, governments and brands such as Nike and UEFA, and is a consultant for social impact programs. She taught an acclaimed master class "Turn Your Skills Into Value," was included in the BBC 100 Women list and received a nomination for World's Most Innovative Women, alongside Michelle Obama, among others.

Practical Information
Type: Lecture / Keynote / Inspiration session
Duration: In consultation, fully customized

Whether for a conference, educational institution, corporate event or social gathering, Roxanne Hehakaija shows how resilience, sports and mindset can change lives.

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