Marleen Siers

A Tukker (= Twente native) by birth, with a keen eye for SMEs and diverse cultures gained through my international work experience.

Day to day, I work as a Marketing & Business Architect through my own companies, Raken and Greentale. My philosophy is simple: I do not believe in ad-hoc busywork. I build strong foundations where short-term marketing, automation and sales tactics and long-term strategy reinforce each other.

Many local businesses offer brilliant products or services. However, there is often untapped potential in bridging the gap between marketing and sales. By optimising their strategic backbone, they can seamlessly translate their vision into the market. I help align these systems so they can genuinely lead the way.

I bring this same architectural mindset to the Young Twente Board. I apply my business perspective on growth, professionalisation, and the labour market to drive the strategic development of both the board and our region.
As a returned entrepreneur, I focus on issues close to my heart: retaining local talent, looking beyond our borders, and building a region tailored to diverse entrepreneurial profiles.

Above all, we must show more audacity and confidence. We need to value talent at every single level. That means shaping our region across employment, housing, and leisure to serve us all.

Initiatives like ‘Bruto Twents Geluk’ (Gross Regional Happiness) and the 'Employer Spotlight' build vital bridges. They connect local talent with Twente’s innovative, under-the-radar leaders.

I do not see our region as the edge of the Netherlands, but as the vibrant hub of a 360-degree network. To claim that role, we must take a critical look at how we position ourselves and collaborate. We need to turn our ambition into reality. A strong region demands a solid foundation, decisiveness, and room for a fresh youth perspective.
Fortunately, we have Twente. And fortunately, I get to help build its future.