Join us for the second edition of the GINI Impact Gala, a curated evening bringing together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives, investors, organisers and ecosystem builders rooted in African diasporic contexts.
This gala intentionally bridges for profit entrepreneurship and non profit or community rooted initiatives. We recognise impact as value created across culture, economy and community, whether through businesses, foundations, collectives or informal structures.
Through keynote reflections, a moderated dialogue on money and access, and a pitch showcase featuring both entrepreneurs and initiatives, the evening creates space for honest exchange, visibility and connection, without competition pressure or performative narratives.
Whether you are building a company, running an initiative, allocating capital or shaping policy, this is a space to listen, connect and explore what sustainable, community rooted impact can look like in practice.
Tickets and live updates are hosted on Luma. This page serves as the official programme overview and reference for the GINI Impact Gala.
The GINI Impact Gala is a curated evening that brings together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives and ecosystem builders working across African diasporic contexts.
This edition centres on impact as value creation across culture, community and economy. Through keynote reflections, a moderated dialogue on money and access, and a pitch showcase featuring both for profit ventures and non profit or community rooted initiatives, the gala creates space for visibility, exchange and connection.
The evening is designed to be conversational and grounded. Guests share bites and drinks while engaging in honest conversations, meeting people across sectors and exploring how impact can be built in ways that are sustainable, dignified and community led.
This is not a showcase of finished success stories, but a moment to connect, listen and recognise work in progress.
Optional cultural prelude
(confirmed only if sufficient interest)
17:45–18:00 Arrival at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum
18:00–18:40 Museum visit (guided highlights or self-guided)
18:40–19:00 Reset and light bite
GINI Impact Gala
Cocktail-style evening with light bites and drinks (no seated dinner)
19:00–19:30 | Doors open, welcome drinks and networking
19:30–19:40 | Opening and framing
Virginia Scheele (GINI) opens the evening and introduces the intention of this edition, the themes and how to be present with one another in the space.
19:40–20:00 | Keynote or inspirational perspective
Reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership and impact within African diasporic contexts.
20:00–20:20 | Moderated dialogue – Money, access and reality
A reflective conversation bringing together perspectives from entrepreneurship, grassroots or non profit initiatives and the investment or ecosystem side.
The focus is on lived experience, structural barriers and responsibility across sectors, not on presenting solutions or institutional roadmaps.
20:20–20:30 Short break
20:30–21:30 | Pitch showcase: entrepreneurs and initiatives
Founders and grassroots initiatives share their work. 3-minute pitch, 2-minute jury reflection.
21:30–21:40 Jury reflections
21:40–21:45 GINI surprise
21:45–22:00 Optional open mic
Short contributions from the room, reflections, invitations or acknowledgements.
22:00–23:00 Free-flow networking and closing drinks
Programme subject to light adjustments.
The GINI Impact Gala is for entrepreneurs and founders, grassroots and non profit initiatives, and people who support, fund or enable impact work, including investors, policymakers, ecosystem builders and connectors.
It is for those building businesses, organisations or community initiatives rooted in African diasporic contexts, as well as for allies who want to listen, learn and engage more intentionally across sectors.
Whether you are early stage or more established, attending to pitch, to connect or simply to be present, this evening welcomes people who value impact as something created collectively, across different forms of work and contribution.
Your ticket includes access to the full GINI Impact Gala programme, featuring keynote reflections, a moderated dialogue, the pitch showcase, open mic moments and free-flow networking.
Throughout the evening, shared bites and drinks are provided in a standing, cocktail-style setting, allowing space for conversation and connection.
Guests may also choose to join an optional cultural prelude at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum before the gala begins. This short museum visit offers historical context and a calm transition into the evening and is confirmed only if there is sufficient interest.
All ticket types include participation in the main gala programme. Optional elements are communicated separately in advance.
Guests may opt to join a short cultural prelude at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum before the gala.
This optional museum visit offers historical and cultural context connected to the venue and serves as a gentle transition into the evening. Participation is separate from the main gala programme and is confirmed only if there is sufficient interest.
Details, timing and any practical information will be shared in advance with guests who register interest.
(confirmed only if sufficient interest)
17:45–18:00 | Arrival at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum
18:00–18:40 | Museum visit (guided highlights or self-guided)
18:40–19:00 | Reset and light bite
The GINI Impact Gala offers a rare opportunity to be in a room where entrepreneurship, grassroots initiatives and ecosystem voices meet on equal footing.
It is a space to listen to lived experiences around money, access and impact, to gain visibility for work in progress and to build connections across sectors in an intentional setting.
Whether you come to share your work, to support others or simply to be present, the evening invites reflection, exchange and the possibility of future collaboration beyond the event itself.
Join if you value thoughtful conversation, community rooted impact and connections that go deeper than business cards.
Saturday 28th Feb
- Schiedam - Netherlands
- Entrepreneurship and grassroots
- Money & access dialogue
- (No pressure) pitch showcase
Entrepreneurship, initiatives and access
GINI Impact Gala - Schiedam
The GINI Impact Gala in Schiedam is a curated evening that brings together entrepreneurs, grassroots initiatives and ecosystem builders working across African diasporic contexts. Hosted at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum, this second edition creates space for reflection, exchange and visibility across both for profit and non profit impact work.
The programme combines keynote reflections, a moderated dialogue on money and access, and a pitch showcase featuring entrepreneurs and community rooted initiatives. Rather than competition or performance, the focus lies on lived experience, shared responsibility and future potential.
The gala welcomes founders, investors, policymakers, organisers and allies who are interested in how impact is created across culture, economy and community. By intentionally mixing perspectives and sectors, the evening invites more honest conversations about funding, access and building work that lasts.
The GINI Impact Gala functions as a yearly convening platform, offering connection, recognition and the possibility of meaningful follow up beyond the room.
Connecting people across cultures
GINI experience
GINI believes that travel should remember, restore and reconnect us to stories that matter.
It should be a way to engage deeply with place, honour the past, and support a more just and inclusive future, especially by helping to rewrite the narratives that have long been distorted or erased.
That’s why we offer journeys and experiences that go beyond the surface, rooted in community, shaped by lived histories and carried by the power of decolonial travel & storytelling.
All our experiences are built on three pillars:
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Leave an impact – Every journey and experience invites conscious participation, awareness and cultural respect
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Support local economies – A portion of profits supports grassroots foundations local businesses and community-led initiatives.
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Cultural remembrance – We create space for truth, healing and intergenerational that honours what came before.
This approach shows up across our journeys, local experiences and events, including the GINI Impact Gala.
This is what GINI stands for: travel as a force for truth!
What is the GINI Impact Gala?
The GINI Impact Gala is an annual event in Amsterdam that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and social impact. It features inspiring lightning talks, bicultural food, and stories from social impact companies, aiming to spotlight overlooked communities and foster meaningful connections.
Is the event open to everyone?
Yes, the gala is intersectional and welcomes everyone to join in celebrating identity and community
What does my ticket include?
The ticket includes entry to the event, small bites and drinks, access to all talks and activities throughout the evening. Additionally, your ticket supports GINI’s mission to empower overlooked communities and create impactful travel and events.
Can I attend alone?
Absolutely! Many attendees come alone, and the gala is designed to create connections in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Where is the event located?
The GINI Impact Gala takes place at A Beautiful Mess in Amsterdam, conveniently located next to Amsterdam Central Station. This venue embodies the belief that being a refugee is a temporary status and actively contributes to social impact by providing job opportunities and skills training for refugees.
How can I get to the venue, and is parking available?
The venue is easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station. For those driving, parking is available at Parking Centrum Amsterdam Oosterdok. More affordable options are available at Kattenburgerstraat, which involves a scenic walk through the Marineterrein to reach the venue.
Is the venue accessible for individuals with disabilities?
The location is accessibility-friendly to a certain extent. While the main areas are accessible, the event space for talks and the auction may present some challenges. We have on-site support available and can reserve suitable spots for those who need assistance.
What considerations are there for attendees observing Ramadan?
We acknowledge that the gala falls during Ramadan and are mindful of this in our planning. If you have specific needs or requests related to observing Ramadan, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.