Dear Friend,

Life is full of surprises that keep us on our toes. And I know, sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. We have our work, our families, our children. For many of us, we also carry the weight of what is happening in our countries and in the world.

And in the middle of all this, life keeps moving. Even in small ways. Like me deciding to change my newsletter provider because the old one started charging money. Rapid decision, quick change. Not a perfect one, but improving with every step. ( and thank you for bearing with me as I find my way and make this space better again.)

Because this is also how life works, doesn’t it? It takes us to places we did not plan.

As I write this, I am in Cairo. Not something I planned much, but rather something I allowed myself to flow into. Cairo is very close to my heart. This is where I spent some of my most formative professional years, some 25 years ago. Working with refugees from troubled parts of Africa. Building friendships that have stayed with me until today. Learning about the world, people, cultures, history, languages.

Coming back, even for a short business trip, brings it all back. Memories. Emotions. A carefully excited sensation of wanting to be everywhere at once. Of wanting to revisit all those parts of Cairo that formed me into who I am today. The sound of adhan that is like a tingle on my skin. The pavements that were never there, the warmth and vibrant flaire of Cairo nights ( sadly to be restricted by energy crises).

But also knowing that I cannot bring back that time. And somehow that is a good thing. Because revisiting places gives us perspective. It shows us how we have changed.

Fifteen years ago, during my last visit, I would have reacted differently. Today, I feel I have grown, moved on, expanded and I can hold more grace. There is something deeply freeing in that.

And maybe this growth is also reflected in what we now feel called to offer.

Which brings me to something I feel truly honoured to be part of.

What's new?

I am super excited to invite you to Beyond Aid Summit taking place between April 8–11, 2026.

I feel deeply grateful to be one of the speakers and to share what I have learned along the way;
to bring my experience, my reflections, and my voice into this space. And to be alongside such an incredible group of purpose driven women.Speakers — Beyond Aid Summit.

Because spaces like this matter.

In our work, we often speak about the impact we create in the world, but much less about what this work asks of us. And what it quietly takes from us.

From our bodies.
From our nervous systems.
From our identity.
From our relationships.

Beyond Aid is a free 4 day online summit exploring the inner life of women working in humanitarian, human rights, development, and social impact spaces.

Across four days, 15 speakers will share their perspectives and lived experience on what it truly takes to sustain yourself in this work without losing yourself in it.

What you will explore:

Day 1 · Honouring the Female Body in a World Built on Disconnection
Day 2 · From Survival Mode to Aliveness
Day 3 · Beyond the Role: Choosing Yourself at Every Transition
Day 4 · Leading from Within: Embodied, Regenerative Leadership in Action

Free to attend. Live on Zoom. Replays available.

If this speaks to you or to someone you care about you can register here:
👉 www.beyond-aid.com​

Maybe life takes us in directions we did not plan. But sometimes those are exactly the places where we meet ourselves again.

With Love,

Viki

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