Sandra Bos

Background

About Sandra Bos

Urban pioneer & developer with a historical background (PhD), internationally oriented, team player and analytical thinker. A professional in building networks in urban settings, creating opportunities for capacity building and experimenting with local governance. I am drawn to wicked problems in sustainable city development, to cooperating with unusual partners and finding solutions that go beyond the obvious. After my PhD (history of the social security system, 1998) I started my career in the public sector at the ministry of Housing, developing strategies for citizens' participation and experimenting in combining social and built environment. My international career commenced with the appointment as programme manager at UNEP & UN-Habitat, in Nairobi, Kenya. Working for the Sustainable City Programme, with the emphasis on the environmental aspects, that enriched my multidisciplinary integrative approach. For the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences I designed, created and coordinated the executive Master Urban Management using my experience in local, national and international systems. In the design of the educational program, I integrated the participatory approach and value driven design. Currently, I am the project leader of the research (2018-2022) regarding the Amsterdam Experiment of Social Welfare (Bijstand). My latest responsibility is leading the Burennetwerk Foundation in Amsterdam (> 2021). An energetic, young team of committed employees and volunteers matches people who want to meet and help their neighbours, by doing simple jobs like grocery shopping, taking care of the garden or playing cards. In this way Burennetwerk contributes to the social basis of our city and society: mutual care.