Our Team
At help for women we have a phenomenal team helping us to push the vision of this organization forward. We introduce to you the team that makes it all happen.
Board Members
Sandra Koomen
Founder
Pastor Sandra Koomen, ordained by pastor Ben Kroeske of River Nederland, is the founder and heart behind the Help for Women foundation. Before settling in the Netherlands, she lived undocumented in four countries. It was an encounter with God that brought stability and direction to her life.
At the age of 29, she began training as a hair stylist and went on to open her own salon in Haarlem, a business now successfully run by her daughter. Sandra then completed three years of training at the River Bible Institute.
Through faith and God’s guidance, Sandra has grown into a strong and passionate leader with a deep calling to help women overcome hardship. In recent years, she made the bold decision to move to Ghana, leaving behind the comfort of the Netherlands to dedicate herself full-time to those in need.
As an entrepreneur and mentor, she has empowered countless women and children to rise above challenging circumstances. In 2012, she received a vision that became the foundation of Help for Women. Since then, she has been the driving force and visionary behind an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across Ghana
Denis Darko
Head of finance
Denis, born and raised in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, embodies a multicultural background. With a happy marriage and two children, he decided to embark on a new chapter by relocating to the United Arab Emirates with his family, while maintaining strong ties to his roots by frequently visiting Ghana.
Professionally, Denis is a distinguished Dutch Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in finance and risk management. His career spans various leadership roles in renowned Big4 consulting firms, providing him with a wealth of expertise across diverse industries. Notably, he has dedicated a significant portion of his career to supporting Africa-centered social enterprises and foundations, aiding them in enhancing their internal controls over financial reporting.
Denis’s commitment to community service continuous through Help For Women. This initiative reflects his desire to give back to the community that has played a crucial role in shaping his identity. Through this endeavor, Denis aims to contribute to the betterment of Ghanaian women, showcasing his dedication to social responsibility and community development.
Dylan Leonora
Head of communication
Dylan is, together with his wife, the founder of The Leonora Group. With a strong background in sales, marketing, and leadership, he now works as a consultant to corporate businesses, advising on strategies that combine profit with genuine human connection.
He is also a leading voice on LinkedIn, known for blending personal storytelling with practical business insights. Dylan’s sharp eye for detail, strong sense of commitment, and strategic mindset makes him a valuable asset in any organization.
Within Help for Women, Dylan serves as the Marketing and Communications Lead, helping shape the foundation’s message and expand our impact.
Vida Asare
Secretary
Vida, born in Ghana, moved to the Netherlands at a young age with a strong mission: to learn as much as possible and apply her knowledge to drive economic transformation in Ghana.
Vida’s experience includes studying Law at the UVA, participating in the Young Lady Business Academy and delivering various public speeches to share her personal story and political aspirations. She has spoken at venues such as the NH Provinciehuis in Haarlem and appeared on national television.
Vida now brings her passion and vision for change to the board and is mrs Sandra’s right hand woman.
Meet the volunteers…
Khuliso Mashua
Khuliso has been faithfully serving the Help for Women Foundation for about three years. As a vital part of the communications team, Khuliso manages all social media channels and helps tell the stories of the incredible women and children we serve. Her personal goal is to share updates that inspire, inform, and connect with our community.
In addition to her work with Help for Women, Khuliso is a certified digital marketeer who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the table.
Leona Heuker
Leona has been a true all-rounder at Help for Women for years, and this year she officially formed the missions team together with Esmee Winklaar. She has a long history of organizing various events in both church and non-profit settings.
Leona is known for her wisdom beyond her years, which has led to many leadership roles in both ministry and business. She is a go-getter and a strategist, and with her extensive knowledge and experience in organizing mission trips, we are grateful to have her on our team.
Esmee Winklaar
Esmee has also been serving the Help for Women Foundation faithfully for many years. She is well known for her work with children and in the care sector, where she radiates love and compassion. That’s why we felt she was the perfect person to organise mission trips and guide people on these journeys.
Esmee is a born leader and a strong, powerful woman. She is also active in ministry, and we look forward to seeing and experiencing even more of what she has to offer.
Want to volunteer with us?
Send an email to us sharing why you’d love to join, and we’ll be in touch shortly!
Partner with us
The work of this foundation is being pushed forward by generous donators like yourself. We invite you to partner with us. See the various giving options on the donation page.