We are delighted to welcome to our team Reante Kaal-Poppelaars, as our Project Manager for Internal Processes. We could not be more excited, as with the growth of the organisation we want to put in place robust processes to be more effective and efficient. Another reason to celebrate is the fact that Renate is joining the FH Europe Foundation as our first volunteer in the project team, demonstrating our commitment to building opportunities for volunteers within our operational structures.
Renate will lead activities focusing on internal processes review and improvements, organising FH Europe Foundation’s SharePoint, and laying the groundwork for a customer relations management tool (CRM) implementation. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by inherited lipid disorders and having a personal family experience with it, she is eager to apply her professional experience, skills and knowledge to help streamline the Foundation's operations and enhance the team's impact.
"I am deeply motivated to join the FH Europe Foundation, not only to share my experiences but also to learn from this community. Having lived through the challenges and revelations of managing elevated Lp(a) within my own family, I understand the importance of support, awareness, and education in navigating these health issues. This year I turned 54 and the stark reminder is that my father passed away from a heart attack at the age of 53—a milestone I have now passed. I look forward to collaborating with the Foundation, its members, and the wider community to contribute to our collective efforts in improving patient care and outcomes. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact." says Renate about her motivation to join the FH Europe Foundation.
About Renate
Her connection to the cause of FH Europe is very personal. Living in the Netherlands with her husband, Edwin, and their children, Aedan and Indy, her family has navigated the complexities of FH and elevated Lp(a). While she was relieved to discover that their children did not inherit Edwin's FH, she learned that Aedan and herself both have elevated Lp(a), a revelation that has explained much of their family's medical history, including her father's heart health challenges. This journey has brought their family closer and intensified her commitment to health awareness and support for those on similar paths.
In addition to her role at FH Europe, Renate is involved in running her family's company. Her career path before joining the family venture had been varied, spanning several key industries. She had held positions as a Project Manager and in managerial roles within banking, healthcare insurance, and medical services in Amsterdam, as well as with the Amsterdam municipality. A consistent theme in her career has been her gravitation towards creating and enhancing organisational structure. In her spare time, she loves reading, spending time with her family, and walking her three dogs.
"I could not be more thrilled to be able to bring to our team someone like Renate. Her joining as a volunteer demonstrates the value we create to the community in a greater sense. Since coming on board, Renate brought a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to our team about getting our processes sorted. That is a good sign and a very critical step in our growing organisation!" – added Magdalena Daccord, FH Europe Foundation's CEO.