Learning and Building Together for the
Future
Jenny’s Role in Shaping Stichting Gildelab
Learning and Building Together for the Future
Jenny’s Role in Shaping Stichting Gildelab
At GildeLab, it's all about creating, learning, and
growing together. Jenny Sinton plays a crucial role within this organisation
and is clearly proud of it. Her journey with GildeLab began in 2022 when a
former colleague approached her, asking if she had ever considered working at
GildeLab. It was a challenge she embraced with both hands; especially given the
difficult period the organization was going through due to the impact of
COVID-19.
From the moment she started at GildeLab, Jenny focused on the daily operations in the studio. Thanks to her background in the fashion industry, she quickly found her footing. She soon grew to be the head of the studio, and her work ethic perfectly aligned with GildeLab's mission. She even describes it as the best step in her career.
Since GildeLab's founding in 2014, much has changed. What began as an initiative to provide a safe and social environment for women has grown into a production studio that specifically focuses on women with a migrant background who face barriers to employment. Initially, the focus was on introduction and integration, for example through workshops. Now, it is more about participation in the labor market, with training and skills that directly enhance their job prospects.
Jenny began her career at GildeLab by getting to know the studio and strengthening the brand. Within six months, she was managing the Stichting. Her first focus was to ensure that the women felt comfortable. She then worked on professionalizing GildeLab, which led to more clients, projects, and collaborations with partners.
One of the highlights of Jenny's work at GildeLab is the recognition by the CBF, an independent foundation that oversees fundraising for charities. It was a lengthy process, but the recognition confirms GildeLab's status as a serious and reliable foundation. Additionally, she is proud of her team's strong work ethic and the achievements the women have achieved, which significantly boost their employment prospects.
For Jenny, the most important aspect of GildeLab is that the women continue to develop and work towards employment. The projects they collaborate on are all aimed at the success of this plan. It is inspiring for her to see how the women’s self-confidence grows during their time at GildeLab. They often leave the organisation with an incredibly strong self-image, and that deeply moves Jenny.
The working conditions at GildeLab are anything but stressful. Learning is central, and making mistakes is seen as an opportunity to grow. The women appreciate seeing their end results, as it helps them truly realize what they have accomplished. Jenny loves seeing how some women become independent and start making their own choices. She enjoys helping them reach that level of independence by assigning tasks that match their abilities and supporting them where needed.
There are challenges as well, including some women finding it difficult to transition out of GildeLab. Jenny envisions a future where she can offer employment opportunities, allowing women to become employees, while still maintaining the volunteer program. She believes that seeing the progress and achievements of employed women will inspire volunteers to develop their own skills and pursue employment, not just within GildeLab, but beyond, but this remains a future goal she hopes to achieve.
Additionally, the work takes a lot of time, and there is always the pressure to meet deadlines. Jenny sees it as a learning process where the women gain valuable work experience. Moreover, obtaining grants and donations is a continuous challenge since GildeLab, as a foundation, does not make a profit and relies on external funding and client projects to continue to run.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at GildeLab is warm and familial. The day begins relaxed with coffee and conversations, and during lunch, dishes and cultures are shared, with Jenny always discovering something new. In this safe and supportive environment, all women can be completely themselves.
The success story of GildeLab impacts not only the development of the women but also Jenny herself. She looks forward to the future with great anticipation, and to the growth she can continue to achieve together with the women.
From the moment she started at GildeLab, Jenny focused on the daily operations in the studio. Thanks to her background in the fashion industry, she quickly found her footing. She soon grew to be the head of the studio, and her work ethic perfectly aligned with GildeLab's mission. She even describes it as the best step in her career.
Since GildeLab's founding in 2014, much has changed. What began as an initiative to provide a safe and social environment for women has grown into a production studio that specifically focuses on women with a migrant background who face barriers to employment. Initially, the focus was on introduction and integration, for example through workshops. Now, it is more about participation in the labor market, with training and skills that directly enhance their job prospects.
Jenny began her career at GildeLab by getting to know the studio and strengthening the brand. Within six months, she was managing the Stichting. Her first focus was to ensure that the women felt comfortable. She then worked on professionalizing GildeLab, which led to more clients, projects, and collaborations with partners.
One of the highlights of Jenny's work at GildeLab is the recognition by the CBF, an independent foundation that oversees fundraising for charities. It was a lengthy process, but the recognition confirms GildeLab's status as a serious and reliable foundation. Additionally, she is proud of her team's strong work ethic and the achievements the women have achieved, which significantly boost their employment prospects.
For Jenny, the most important aspect of GildeLab is that the women continue to develop and work towards employment. The projects they collaborate on are all aimed at the success of this plan. It is inspiring for her to see how the women’s self-confidence grows during their time at GildeLab. They often leave the organisation with an incredibly strong self-image, and that deeply moves Jenny.
The working conditions at GildeLab are anything but stressful. Learning is central, and making mistakes is seen as an opportunity to grow. The women appreciate seeing their end results, as it helps them truly realize what they have accomplished. Jenny loves seeing how some women become independent and start making their own choices. She enjoys helping them reach that level of independence by assigning tasks that match their abilities and supporting them where needed.
There are challenges as well, including some women finding it difficult to transition out of GildeLab. Jenny envisions a future where she can offer employment opportunities, allowing women to become employees, while still maintaining the volunteer program. She believes that seeing the progress and achievements of employed women will inspire volunteers to develop their own skills and pursue employment, not just within GildeLab, but beyond, but this remains a future goal she hopes to achieve.
Additionally, the work takes a lot of time, and there is always the pressure to meet deadlines. Jenny sees it as a learning process where the women gain valuable work experience. Moreover, obtaining grants and donations is a continuous challenge since GildeLab, as a foundation, does not make a profit and relies on external funding and client projects to continue to run.
Despite the challenges, the atmosphere at GildeLab is warm and familial. The day begins relaxed with coffee and conversations, and during lunch, dishes and cultures are shared, with Jenny always discovering something new. In this safe and supportive environment, all women can be completely themselves.
The success story of GildeLab impacts not only the development of the women but also Jenny herself. She looks forward to the future with great anticipation, and to the growth she can continue to achieve together with the women.
