Meet the Team

Photo by Joris Maas Visuals

Get to know the passionate individuals who form the heart of CCD-NL! Each member brings unique expertise and commitment, driving our mission forward. Meet the faces behind our projects, and learn how they contribute to empowering communities and preserving cultural heritage. Together, we strive for a brighter future through art, culture, and sustainable development.

Yetty Haning, Founder

Yetty Haning graduated from ISS Erasmus University and is a former affiliated fellow of the International Institute of Asian Studies, Leiden University carrying out research on Maritime Law. She has extensive training and experience in various International Governmental and International Non-Governmental Organizations including the UN Tribunal. She has established and led a number of international organizations and foundations. She has also worked with various donors and funders in The Netherlands, USA and Indonesia. During her affiliation with Leiden University, she was awarded a fellowship from the Asian Cultural Council in New York to conduct an extensive study on culture and heritage in Laos, Cambodia, India and Japan.

Julita Oetojo, Advisor

Julita Oetojo has been an advisor and member of the CCD-NL board since 2019. She takes part in many different activities, including conducting field research, managing projects in a team, and giving speeches in some webinars. She is working on her dissertation and research for her doctorate at the University of Bonn in Germany. Her research and dissertation look at the fascinating past and new uses of ikat textiles in eastern Indonesia. She is also a lecturer at Bonn University, where she teaches Southeast Asian art. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Trier University in Germany and a Master of Arts in Product Design from Trisakti Indonesian University. She has taught fashion design and business at some universities of art and design in Indonesia. This has given her even more experience in the field. She also has almost twelve years of experience working with global companies in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian fashion retail and textile businesses.

Juliana Ortega, Office Manager

With a passion for cultural exchange, Juliana Ortega has built a dynamic career in diplomacy, human rights, and cross-cultural collaboration. As a diplomat in China, she gained extensive, hands-on expertise in foreign policy, consular processes, and bilateral cultural preservation initiatives. Her studies in Asian languages and cultures, complemented by her professional experience in China, have provided her with unique insights into the importance of cultural exchange and the protection of heritage in an increasingly interconnected world. Previously, as Fundraising Coordinator for an NGO advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, she spearheaded partnerships and initiatives to expand access to essential health services across Colombia. Now based in the Netherlands, Juliana continues her commitment to cultural resilience and community empowerment through volunteer work as Office Manager at CCD-NL, where she is excited to support strategic partnerships, heritage preservation, and global empowerment for underserved populations.

Kenji Miu, Social Media and Content Coordinator

Kenji is currently a Social Media and Content Specialist at the Center for Culture and Development (CCD-NL). His passion for learning languages extends to exploring and understanding different cultures. Studying History and International Relations at his university has equipped him with strong research skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to address critical issues with clarity and confidence. His extensive experience in volunteering, intercultural communication, and expertise in international relations enables him to contribute meaningfully to the broader objectives of cultural preservation and development.

Natalia Jiménez, Newsletter Coordinator

From a young age, Natalia has had a deep passion for storytelling, which guided her to pursue a degree in Audiovisual Communication at Universidad del Istmo in Guatemala. Her journey continued as a journalist for a Guatemalan digital newspaper, where she delved into the realms of culture and art. This experience inspired her to further her studies in research and writing in Taiwan, where she earned a Master’s degree in Cultural and Creative Industries from Taipei National University of the Arts. Her dedication to storytelling and its role in cultural preservation has brought her to CCD-NL, where she is currently Newsletter Coordinator.

Erato Vaitsi, Fundraising Coordinator

Erato Vaitsi is a Fundraising Coordinator at the Center for Culture and Development (CCD-NL). Particularly, she is working in the Ikat Project. She has a passion for cross cultural exchange and sustainable development. Her prior experiences in the field of fundraising as well as the cultural sector and specifically intercultural exchange have prepared her accordingly for this role and thus to positively contribute to the mission of CCD-NL for cross cultural exchange.

Rachel Sarah Philip, Project Coordinator

Rachel Sarah Philip is a dedicated Project Coordinator at the Centre for Culture and Development (CCD NL), where she assist the team with the Ikat Project. With a strong background in social sciences, she ensures accurate project documentation and facilitates team objectives. Driven by her commitment to fostering cultural understanding, Rachel contributes significantly to initiatives that bridge communities and promote meaningful exchange.

Leon Bordea, Book-project Associate

At the Center for Culture and Development (CCD-NL), Leon Bordea works to bring cultures closer through storytelling and shared heritage. His current project explores Indonesia's rich literary traditions, where he combines research, fundraising, and project coordination to ensure these stories reach a global audience. With experience spanning public relations, project management, and policy analysis, Leon focuses on creating initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster cultural understanding, and build connections that resonate across communities.

Karthika Yegnanarayanan, Project Coordinator

As an architect and a heritage professional with a master's degree in World Heritage Studies, Karthika has a keen interest in the intangible cultural heritage and has been instrumental in formulating, planning, and executing the Indian Ikat project as the Project Coordinator.

She thrives on working with CCD-NL by exploring the many possibilities of the Ikat weaving tradition, particularly in India.