Meet the team
Anneleen Ophoff
— Editor-in-chief
Anneleen believes European journalism should be a one-of-a-kind experience. Always on the lookout for the human angle in the ruins of conflict and injustice, she’s fascinated by human rights and resilience, LGBTQI-issues and the environment. Every now and then, Anneleen retreats to the mountains or the forest to run away from life.
Eddie Stok
—Creative Director
Eddie is responsible. It’s not entirely clear what he’s responsible for, but we think it’s something to do with how everything looks and is designed—the stories we publish in print, on our website, and on social media. When he’s not being responsible, you’ll find him playing games, drawing, writing haiku, and navigating the middle way.
Gabriella Mikiewicz
— Communications and PR
Gabriella manages the communications and public relations of Are We Europe. She has an academic background in journalism and social sciences, and has lived and work in more than 10 countries. Her experience includes the development strategic communication campaigns, public relations and media management, social media management, web and graphic design, and more. In response to being called “a jack of all trades but a master of none,” she argues, “that’s better than a master of one!”
Gleb Bondarenko
—Analytics and Marketing Strategist
Gleb is working on optimizing all of Are We Europe’s marketing channels. Working on inbound and outbound strategies, he ensures better brand awareness and delivering content to the widest audience. When he leaves the office, Gleb shoots movies and designs posters.
Juli Simond
—Deputy editor
Juli is the deputy editor of Are We Europe. Having studied anthropology with a soft spot for death rites and rituals, she now works as a freelance writer and editor. In her role, she is the sheriff’s (Anneleen’s) deputy and is an activist in favour of the truth. In her spare time, Juli enjoys writing surreal short stories about her daily life and sharing laughs with people she likes.
Kyrill Hartog
—Co-founder
As a Dutch-Russian-Spanish third culture kid with a knack for words and languages, it’s no surprise Kyrill ended up in European journalism. He has written for The Guardian, The Independent and other publications. When he’s not working on Are We Europe’s long term future, he’s locked away in his room producing and recording his own songs.
Mick ter Reehorst
–Co-founder and Managing Director
One of the originals. Since 2015, not a day goes by where Mick doesn’t feel proud of the unique mix of journalism, design and entrepreneurship that Are We Europe has become. Mick oversees most things and is focused on the long run. Audio and multimedia stories make him tick.
Stijn Frankfoorder
—Head of Awe Studio
Stijn wandered around Europe for a while, studying in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Copenhagen. He can occasionally be found in Brussels at Are We Europe’s HQ. He’s always had a big crush on technology, startups, and journalism. He loves going on adventures and podcast recommendations. Stijn previously worked at Too Good To Go and Frisse Blikken.