Join us for the first-ever GINI Impact Gala, a night of inspiration, connection and celebration.
This evening is about bringing diverse voices together, visionaries, creatives and changemakers who care about impact, inclusion and representation. Whether you’re in business, entrepreneurship, policymaking or simply passionate about a more just world, this is a space to be inspired.
Enjoy trailblazing voices sharing powerful stories, a soulful live performance and a unique small art auction showcasing emerging artist Rere Olifant. All while enjoying shared bites and drinks that honour the richness of our communities.
Together, we create space for new conversations, celebrate voices that deserve to be heard and build connections that make a difference.
If you believe in the power of storytelling, representation and meaningful exchange, this night is for you.
Join us for an evening of impact and inspiration!
The GINI Impact Gala is a night to celebrate inclusion, amplify often unheard voices and spark meaningful change. This first-of-its-kind event brings together changemakers, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are shaping a more just and connected world.
Experience trailblazing talks, a soulful live performance and an exclusive art auction, all in a vibrant atmosphere of community and celebration.
Enjoy shared bites and drinks, engage in powerful conversations and be inspired by the incredible ways people and businesses are driving impact.
Be part of an evening filled with connection, creativity and inspiration.
Join us for this milestone first edition!
19:00 – 19:30 | Welcoming Drinks, Bites & Networking
Start the evening with a warm welcome, light bites, and drinks. Meet like-minded changemakers, creatives and entrepreneurs, and connect with a community that values inclusion, impact, and storytelling. This is your chance to build new relationships in a space designed for meaningful conversations.
19:30 – 19:45 | Opening Speech – Virginia Scheele
Hear from the heart of GINI as Virginia Scheele shares why this event matters, the stories that brought us here and the impact we can create together. This moment sets the tone for the evening, bringing us together for an inspiring and meaningful experience.
19:45 – 20:15 | Keynote Speech – Karim El Oteify – The transformative power of travel
How does travel shape the way we see the world and ourselves? Karim El Oteify, founder of Wheels of Impact, believes that travel isn’t just about discovering new places, but about transforming perspectives. Through his powerful story, he will challenge the way we think about inclusion, identity and belonging, showing how meaningful travel can break down barriers and create deeper connections. Get ready for a talk that will open your mind, shift perspectives and inspire you to see travel as a force for change.
20:15 – 21:15 | Trailblazing voices
A series of thought-provoking talks by trailblazers who challenge the status quo and redefine impact:
Virginia Scheele – Inclusive impact travel
Travel has the power to change lives, but who gets to be included? Through GINI’s vision, Virginia Scheele shares what inclusive, impact-driven travel truly looks like, challenging the effects of neo-colonialism and showing how tourism can be a force for real connection, representation and change
Jamila van de Voort – ‘The Love Strategy’
What if leadership wasn’t just about hard skills but heart skills too? Jamila van de Voort introduces a transformational approach to leadership and connection, blending strategy with emotional intelligence to create stronger, more authentic relationships.
Jo Sarah – Own your well-being, own your life
How we care for ourselves shapes how we show up in the world. Founder of Umaversity, Jo Sarah, combines the power of music, movement and mindfulness to help people reconnect with themselves. Through her story, she will inspire you to prioritise well-being, embrace self-expression and take ownership of your mental and physical health.
Nadia Eliseeva – Step into the true power of your spirit
What if illness wasn’t an enemy, but an invitation? A call to step into your inner healing power? Nadia Eliseeva knows firsthand what it’s like to face a life-altering diagnosis, but instead of surrendering to fear, she chose a different path. Through the power of the mind and natural healing, she transformed her health without relying on daily injections or endless pills. In her talk, Nadia will inspire you to reclaim ownership of your body, your well-being and your life.
21:15 – 21:30 | Small Break & Bites
Take a moment to recharge, enjoy delicious bites and continue the conversation. This is an opportunity to reflect on the evening so far and connect with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
21:30 – 21:45 | Small art auction
Discover a few exclusive art pieces by emerging artist Rere Olifant (AKA Virginia’s mom). This intimate auction offers a chance to own meaningful artwork while supporting creativity and impact.
21:45 – 22:15 | Soulful music performance
Let music bring us together in a breathtaking live performance that celebrates culture, creativity and unity. Through sound and storytelling, this moment connects us beyond words.
22:30 – 23:00 | Final speech & closing celebration
Virginia Scheele closes the evening with a powerful reflection on identity, impact and community. Raise a glass, enjoy the final moments of music and connection, and leave inspired to carry this energy forward.
Location – A Beautiful Mess – Amsterdam
The GINI Impact Gala will take place at A Beautiful Mess, located right next to Amsterdam Central Station. This unique venue embodies the belief that being a refugee is a temporary status, not a defining identity. Through its social enterprise, A Beautiful Mess provides job opportunities, culinary training, and language support for refugees, helping them build new futures.
Getting there & parking
- Public Transport: Easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station—just a short walk away.
- By Car:
- Nearest parking: Parking Centrum Amsterdam Oosterdok (closest option).
- More affordable option: Kattenburgerstraat, with a scenic walk through the Marineterrein to reach the venue.
Dress code
It’s a gala, so feel free to dress up! We encourage you to bring your best gala look, but we also want you to feel comfortable and be yourself. Whether you want to wear your finest attire or something that lets you express your unique style, come in what makes you feel good. Comfort is key and we can’t wait to see your individuality shine.
Accessibility
The venue is accessibility-friendly to a certain extent. The main space is fully accessible, but the event space for talks and the auction may present some challenges. We have on-site support available and can reserve spots to ensure a comfortable experience for those who need it.
Ramadan considerations
We acknowledge that the gala falls during Ramadan and will be mindful of this throughout the evening. If you have any specific needs or requests, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate.
Your ticket to an unforgettable evening
Your ticket includes entry to the GINI Impact Gala a night of trailblazing talks, soulful performance art, shared bites and meaningful connections with social impact leaders. Celebrate identity, explore how businesses drive change and be part of a vibrant, inclusive evening filled with community, inspiration and joy.
Making the gala accessible for all
We believe impact should be for everyone. Thanks to sponsorships by our partners, all tickets are already 20% off and for those who need extra support, an extra 20% discount is available. Please message us at contact@lifeofgini.nl.
This event is partly sponsored by our partners, ensuring a diverse and welcoming space for all. If your organisation would like to support this mission, reach out to us directly.
GINI Impact Gala
- A Beautiful Mess - Amsterdam
from
p.p.
- Trailblazing keynote & talks
- Soulful live music performance
- Connect with impact makers
Celebrating identity and empowering communities
GINI Impact Gala - Amsterdam
The GINI Impact Gala in Amsterdam is an evening dedicated to inclusion, impact and transformation. Hosted at A Beautiful Mess, a venue that embodies social impact, this event brings together changemakers, entrepreneurs and visionaries who are passionate about building a more united world.
Guests will experience trailblazing talks, soulful performances and a live auction featuring exclusive art. The gala offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the power of community.
Amsterdam, with its rich diversity and forward-thinking social movements, sets the perfect backdrop for this gathering. The GINI Impact Gala welcomes business leaders, policymakers, social entrepreneurs and anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive world.
GINI believes impact should be accessible to all, which is why we offer discounted tickets and sponsorships for those who need them. Whether you’re looking to support overlooked communities, explore transformative initiatives or be inspired, this event provides an unforgettable evening of connection, purpose and action.
Join us at the first-ever GINI Impact Gala in Amsterdam and be part of a movement that is reshaping the future of inclusive travel, ethical business and social change!
Greater equality through travel & storytelling
GINI's impact
GINI is on a mission to create greater equality through travel and storytelling. We believe travel should be a bridge that connects people, uplifts overlooked voices and strengthens local communities.
Our focus is on impact travel, designed for those often excluded from mainstream tourism, people of colour, queer travellers and those with accessibility needs. We create safe, inclusive and deeply immersive experiences that honour identity and culture while ensuring local economies thrive. From group trips to Suriname to community-led experiences with Indigenous artisans, local chefs and cultural storytellers, our journeys are about supporting and empowering communities, not just visiting them.
But GINI is more than just travel. We offer local experiences in the Netherlands, including workshops, events and retreats that bring diverse people together to celebrate culture, identity and social impact. The GINI Impact Gala is one of these key moments, a space where changemakers, entrepreneurs and visionaries unite to share ideas, support impactful initiatives and take action toward a more inclusive world.
By joining us, whether through travel, events or community initiatives, you become part of a movement reshaping tourism, empowering communities and creating lasting change.
Let’s make travel a force for change.
Empower change, leave an impact
Support inclusivity, create connection and drive change
Buy
Gift
Donate
If you don’t see an experience that fits your plans right now, you can still make a meaningful difference through our buy-gift-donate movement. Treat yourself to a voucher for a future experience, gift it to someone you love, or donate it to someone who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
Your support goes beyond travel, it creates lasting social impact. Every purchase, gift or donation helps fund inclusive workshops, retreats and community-based adventures designed to empower overlooked communities and foster authentic connections.
Together, we can make travel a force for change.
Empowerment
Why GINI?
Empowering Overlooked Communities
Saamhorigheid en inclusiviteit bevorderen
Impactvolle reiservaringen
Duurzaam & Eerlijk Toerisme
Answers to guide your impact
FAQ
What is the GINI Impact Gala?
The GINI Impact Gala is an annual event in Amsterdam that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and social impact. It features inspiring lightning talks, bicultural food, and stories from social impact companies, aiming to spotlight overlooked communities and foster meaningful connections.
Is the event open to everyone?
Yes, the gala is intersectional and welcomes everyone to join in celebrating identity and community
What does my ticket include?
The ticket includes entry to the event, small bites and drinks, access to all talks and activities throughout the evening. Additionally, your ticket supports GINI’s mission to empower overlooked communities and create impactful travel and events.
Can I attend alone?
Absolutely! Many attendees come alone, and the gala is designed to create connections in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Where is the event located?
The GINI Impact Gala takes place at A Beautiful Mess in Amsterdam, conveniently located next to Amsterdam Central Station. This venue embodies the belief that being a refugee is a temporary status and actively contributes to social impact by providing job opportunities and skills training for refugees.
How can I get to the venue, and is parking available?
The venue is easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. For those driving, parking is available at Parking Centrum Amsterdam Oosterdok. More affordable options are available at Kattenburgerstraat, which involves a scenic walk through the Marineterrein to reach the venue.
Is the venue accessible for individuals with disabilities?
The location is accessibility-friendly to a certain extent. While the main areas are accessible, the event space for talks and the auction may present some challenges. We have on-site support available and can reserve suitable spots for those who need assistance.
What considerations are there for attendees observing Ramadan?
We acknowledge that the gala falls during Ramadan and are mindful of this in our planning. If you have specific needs or requests related to observing Ramadan, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Ready for impact?
GINI Impact Gala - Amsterdam
Step into an experience that inspires change, book your GINI experience today!
