We are WaveMakers, Change makers, creators, sometimes rule breakers. Meet our awesome team and partners from across the globe.
We founded WaveMakers to help anyone be a leader in their own, unique way. That's important. Because millions of insanely talented individuals out there end up following instead of leading, despite their evident potential.
We believe that you can create a massive impact by being your best self - and you're not alone. We will help you navigate the ups and downs of finding your own path to make a difference in the world.
Make waves, move mountains.
Founder & CEO
Katja is a Berlin-based entrepreneur with a corporate background from Philips and SAP. As the founder of WaveMakers, Katja was awarded the Berlin Startup Scholarship and she’s a finalist of the Digital Female Leader Award 2021. Katja is responsible for the business and the team, and she facilitates the WaveMakers program. “Leadership comes in many shapes and forms. And that’s the beauty of it.”
Product
Vaida is an experienced UX Designer. She pivoted her career from Marketing to Design and has already mentored dozens of young professionals on their career paths. As a WaveMakers facilitator, she helps humans grow with her knowledge in Design Thinking and Psychology. “I am a WaveMaker because I believe that when we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending.”
Community
Anja is a digital nomad who’s traveling Europe with her van while taking amazing care of our program participants and alumni. She’s a social media creator and a co-facilitator of the WaveMakers program. “I believe everyone is a leader of their own life and I am a big advocate for being the change you want to see in the world. At WaveMakers one of our goals is to help you find your true self and be proud of it.”
Marketing Manager
Shalini is a storyteller who believes every person, place, and wave has a tale to tell. She crafts content and uses her amazing creative skills to grow our WaveMaker community through marketing channels. ‘I believe leadership comes from within. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.’
Project Lead Fundraising
Theresia is an investor, mentor and advisor for startups and social businesses in Sudan and Berlin. She is a passionate human being with a professional background in NGO, Fund and Project Management. Having witnessed WaveMakers' very first babysteps and being always a voluntary supporter, today Theresia leads our Fundraising Activities within WaveMakers.
Community Mentor
Paula is a spirited Latina with 5 years of experience in Product Management and operations. As a firm believer in the magic of self-discipline, curiosity, and networking, she's a true Wavemaker, turning dreams into reality. 'I am a Wavemaker because I believe in the power our inner and outer voice have.'
Community Mentor
Ankita is an experienced innovation manager who is always seeking new ways to keep her curiosity alive. With a passion for both numbers and creativity, she is a data-driven problem solver and visual storyteller who loves crafting cutting-edge solutions. "I am wavemaker because I believe in 'Let your life speak'."
Community Mentor
Shruti is an awesome DevOps Engineer based in Amsterdam with 8 years of experience. She believes that leadership goes beyond personal success. Hailing from India, she is passionate about nurturing and inspiring others, dedicated to guiding them on their path to personal growth and empowerment.
-fotor-2023082923441.png)
Community Mentor
Chrisyle is a passionate Diversity & Inclusion advocate who believes in connecting people with their purpose, opportunities, and each other. A lifelong learner, she encourages having a growth mindset to help us accept and learn from others' perceptions. "I am a WaveMaker because I want to contribute positively to the world around me and positively impact people's lives."
WaveMakers is not a leadership program, we redefine leadership. We help you discover the leader inside of you.
Because leadership is not a job title. You've got the power to lead - in your own, unique way.
We guide you to influence at all levels while being true to yourself. Learn, experiment, and grow alongside other WaveMakers.
Malcolm Larri
Founder /Leadership & Culture Consultant /TEDx Host
Stephanie Horwitz
Storyteller /Podcast Host of "What Should I Do With My Life?"
Marc Aden Gray
Messenger/ Speaker /Trainer, Professional Actor
Kave Bulambo
Founder @TalentDiverse / Diversity Advocate
Waves start small, but they can end up gigantic. Waves of influence are a force of nature, traveling thousands of miles. WaveMakers never stand still, but continuously move forward. They outgrow themselves to touch the lives of many.
One wave never comes alone. A wave creates ripples, pulling other waves along. But it always needs that one wave to ignite many. WaveMakers dare to lead and join forces with others. They change course and create new ideals - one wave at a time.
Every wave is unique. Think of audio waves, sun rays to the ocean. Some waters are deep and some are depthless, but you can never judge by looking at the surface only. WaveMakers embrace their natural forces as they spread out into the world.
JACKY MUELLER, PHD
Leadership Studies
VITALY VAINER
Product & Tech
PREETI SHETTY
Social Entrepreneurship
VADYM ZHERNOVOI
Market & Finance
Digital Female Leader Award 2021
Katja Kolmetz is a finalist in the category Digital Leadership. "A title doesn’t make a leader, and not every leader needs a title: Leadership comes in many shapes and forms - and that’s the beauty of it.”...
Virtual Coffee with Katja Kolmetz
Jennifer Pinheiro from SWIT interviews Katja Kolmetz, Founder & CEO at Wave-Makers, a Berlin-based startup focusing on leadership and self-empowerment. In this interview, Katja reflects on Female Leadership…
What Should I Do With My Life
None of us have it all figured out. Let's talk about it! Join Steph Horwitz, as she hosts a variety of awesome guests whose stories and experience are bursting with real-deal insights. In this episode, Katja Kolmetz…
We offer various workshops and events around next gen leadership, diversity, empowerment, and unconscious bias. You can also request the WaveMakers team for talks and interviews. Just drop us a message if you would like to collaborate with us!
