Designing for diversity and inclusion: Jip Roijakkers on their work placement at BO Diversity

What drew you to the work placement at BO Diversity, and can you tell us more about the organisation?  

Jip: ‘BO Diversity is a non-profit organisation that focuses on projects related to gender emancipation, sexuality, and racism. For example, we have the “WHIP bus,” which travels to festivals providing the kind of sex education and information about gender and relationships you wish you’d had in secondary school.’   

‘Recently, we launched a new project called “Pro-Now”. Pro-Now is for anyone who wants to practice using pronouns. Whether you have a child who uses new pronouns, interact with trans and non-binary people in your work, or simply want to learn, Pro-Now is there to help.’ 

‘BO Diversity also runs the “Diversity Academy", a creative programme empowering young people to explore social issues like gender inclusion, sexual freedom, and anti-racism, and express their insights through art forms like film, photography, or spoken word. We address both national and local issues, offering training sessions, hosting events, and even running a website where people can report street harassment. It is a small team of five, and two interns, myself as the design and media intern.’ 

‘Last year, I interned at BNNVARA and among other things I was part of their diversity and inclusion team, but I feel I can make a bigger impact at BO Diversity, where this work is at the forefront.’ 

Could you share a project you are currently working on? 

Jip: ‘My work at BO Diversity is quite broad, but my main responsibility is social media design. I create concepts and content, such as reels from events and new campaigns. For Pro-Now, I have been designing a lot of informational posts and social media templates. I have been involved since midway through its launch, attending all the shoot days, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, and designing much of the social media content. It is incredibly rewarding to see how people use the tools we have created.’ 

‘I will also be starting on a Christmas card design soon and organising our year-end gathering. It is a mix of design and event planning, which keeps things interesting.’ 

How has your Creative Business study prepared you for this work placement? 

Jip: ‘The work placement involves a lot of marketing, especially in social media. At BUas, I have worked on design-heavy projects, like creating magazines, which helped a lot. Initially, social media wasn’t my main interest, but I have grown to really enjoy it.’   

‘We have also done event organisation in Creative Business, which ties into my current role at BO Diversity. This balance between creative design and strategic planning is a good fit for me.’ 

What role do you think diversity and inclusion play in the creative industry? 

Jip: ‘Even at large media organisations who prioritise inclusion, there is a lot of room for improvement. For example, it is rare to have it standard that your pronouns are added to your email signature. That is why I prefer smaller organisations. There is less hierarchy, and you can truly focus on meaningful change without losing your passion for the work.’ 

What skills have you developed or hope to develop further during this work placement?   

Jip: ‘I have sharpened my skills in Adobe Illustrator and learned to use Canva effectively. I have also improved in making short social media videos, which I hadn’t done much before. In a small team, you take on multiple roles, which is great for gaining experience.’ 

Do you have a mentor at BO Diversity?  

Jip: ‘My team as a whole feels like mentors. Professionally and personally, I have learned so much from them. My supervisor Jip Kuijper (X-they/them), has been especially supportive. We regularly exchange experiences, and they have helped me in my process.’ 

What are your plans after completing your studies?   

Jip: ’Before this work placement, I planned to take a gap year. But now, I am considering looking for work at a creative organisation where I can combine my passion for design and production.’ 

Any tips for students interested in work placements with social impact?   

Jip: ‘Follow organisations that align with your values. That is how I found BO Diversity. I had been following them for a couple of years after seeing the WHIP bus at an event. Look for a place you are genuinely passionate about and start your search early.’