The Netherlands - “Making my shit a hit”, a force for change - the story of Riane Kuzee-Hoogeveen.

The Netherlands - “Making my shit a hit”, a force for change - the story of Riane Kuzee-Hoogeveen. Once part of Herman Brood’s tour crew, today Riane channels decades of life experience into empowerment and advocacy as an expert by experience on poverty and social exclusion at Expertisecentrum Sterk uit Armoede (The Netherlands). After facing personal challenges — from relationship violence to financial hardship — she transformed her lived experience into strength, compassion, and professional skill. At the age of 55, Riane returned to school to train as an experience expert and has since become a bridge‑builder between people in vulnerable situations, professionals, and policy. Today, her work spans local and European levels: she’s a member of advisory councils, ambassador for Alliantie van Kracht, steward at Knop Om, and active in the EAPN - European Anti Poverty Network, advocating for energy justice and social inclusion. Riane’s story reminds us what experiential knowledge can bring to society, credibility, empathy, and connection grounded in real life. It’s proof that lived experience is not a limitation, it’s expertise. 🌍 From the merchandise stand to the policy table, Riane embodies what it means to turn pain into purpose.