Esther Paulus-Maalsté, store manager of Bijenkorf Eindhoven and Top Woman Limburg 2021, succeeds Hannie Bovens as chairwoman of the Top Women Limburg Foundation with effect from 1 September.
Hannie had been a board member since 2021. As chair, she particularly emphasised the power of female leadership and female entrepreneurship. Besides the annual Election of Top Women Limburg, the first Young Female Talent Limburg Award was presented under her chairmanship. She also initiated connections with other networks of and for women. Together with them, the foundation has organised a large number of meetings on female entrepreneurship in recent years.
Hannie Bovens: "Over the past few years, I have enjoyed dedicating myself to the Foundation's activities, thereby also building equality for women in our beautiful province. Something that unfortunately is not yet a given. For many years, the Election has shown how powerful women can be role models for others, and with the Young Female Talent Limburg Award, the foundation is building on that. Although I am unfortunately ending my activities for the foundation due to busy business activities, I am proud and grateful that Esther Paulus-Maalsté is taking over my duties as chairman. As a former Top Woman Limburg, she knows better than anyone what it is like to be in the spotlight as a finalist and what she can mean to others as a role model."
New chairman
Esther has extensive experience as an executive in the retail sector. After many years as Head of Sales responsible for over 100 stores of a women's fashion chain, she made the switch to Bijenkorf in 2017. As Store Manager, she was ultimately responsible for the Maastricht branch until 2023. A role she has since fulfilled at Bijenkorf in Eindhoven. For several years, Esther has been involved in social activities as an ambassador for the Dress for Success Foundation in Maastricht and as a jury member for the Hospitality Award at the Maastricht Awards. And in 2021, Esther herself won the title Top Woman Limburg!
Esther Paulus-Maalsté: "My motivation is both personal and professional. I know from my own experience what it means to be Top Woman Limburg and what preceded it. As the new chairman, I would like to work together with the other board members of the foundation to increase the visibility of women in top positions. There is still a gap between men and women in the Netherlands, both on the labour market and in the workplace. Female Leadership not only contributes to a more inclusive and equal working environment, but also to strengthening women's position and influence within organisations. Top Woman Limburg should include a strong network of women who support and inspire each other. The winners of the title Top woman Limburg play an important role in this as role models for other women. Mentoring young talents and emerging female leaders is also a key focus."
Election of Top Woman Limburg
The annual election Top Woman Limburg is an appealing tribute to top women in Limburg who make a valuable and striking contribution to business, community, government or science. The election puts inspiring top women in the spotlight. In this way, attention is created for the valuable additions made by these top women and they can set an example for others and encourage them.
Young Female Talent Limburg
The Young Female Talent Limburg pageant focuses on young female talent in the province. With the presentation of the Young Female Talent Limburg Award, young talented women get the chance to express their ambitions in front of a large audience.
The Final Night
The 12th edition of the election Top Female Limburg and the presentation of the second Young Female Talent Limburg Award will take place on 7 November 2024, at the Toon Hermans theatre in Sittard. Ticket sales have now started, for more infomation please visit: Election Top Woman Limburg | do 7 November 2024
