Claudia Zapata Castaño

Originally from Columbia, Claudia has called Belgium home for almost 20 years. Aiding internationals relocating to Belgium and Tervuren has added to Claudia's own personal insight into how building strong relationships is key to integrating Tervuren's growing community of 44% non-Belgians.

"We need to embrace diversity, not shut out people who are different. Diversity is something to be proud of," says Claudia. Both Dutch and Spanish are the lingua franca in Claudia's Duisburg home thanks to her Flemish husband and son.

"I'd love Tervuren to be more inclusive, embracing non-Belgians so they can participate in decisions, events and projects. And I'd like to see better bus routes and instead of an decreasing the number of buses from January. And we need safer pedestrian paths," she says.

Claudia's professional background spans various industries, from telecommunications and GPS technology to global mobility services. She currently works as a business planner and project leader for an international recruitment and relocation group.

She has a passion for community engagement, previously serving on the board of directors for the Belgian-Colombian Chamber of Commerce (BelCol) and volunteering for the British Childbirth Trust (BCT). Cross-cultural dialogue and women's empowerment are also close to her heart, also as a former board member of the Brussel Women's Club.

Claudia has also taught at university in Colombia.