5 Things We Learned... Valentina Salmeri-Bijzet

The Business of Art. Law. Five Spoken Languages. Classical Ballet. Philanthropy. Valentina Salmeri-Bijzet is a unique powerhouse in the global art and cultural spheres. After living in Germany, England, and France, Valentina moved to the Netherlands in 2016, making her first impact as Head of Development and External Relations for the forward-thinking Unseen Photo Fair. In 2017, she founded the Dutch branch of Féminin Pluriel, an international non-profit organization that originated in Paris. Its mission is to bring together influential women around the world who excel through their professional skills, open-mindedness, and courage. She currently serves as club President, leading membership and programing. This year, Féminin Pluriel Amsterdam was selected as the official host of the Global Congress, an annual, elite event that takes place March 27th to March 29th, 2020. This year’s theme is The Impact of Women on a Sustainable Society. If you’re curious about the diverse efforts and opportunities surrounding sustainability, grab a ticket! Valentina’s club has assembled an incredible array of female leaders across the spectrum of sustainability to speak on topics such as finance, fashion, law, and environment.

And in case you didn’t think she was busy enough…Valentina also serves as Account Manager at the Rijksmuseum, where she is responsible for the Rijksmuseum Fund and managing the museum’s private donors. 

Here are 5 Things We Learned about Valentina.

What made you...you?

Besides my Italian roots and my German upbringing and friends, my professional Ballet education has had the biggest impact on who I am today.

When are you happiest?

When I’m sitting on the rocks in Bogliasco - a little fishermen’s village in Liguria near Portofino, but far away from the crowds.

Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?

I’d rather amuse…

Who do you admire?

The dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch - she could see right through people's souls and could find beauty in every person. According to her, everyone is special. One only needs to be allowed to own one's own uniqueness, cherish it and allow for it to blossom. I've always admired her love for mankind.

What is important?

To not turn ambition into destructive self-critique. We need to remain kind to ourselves.