Meet Council Member Rachel Kraaijenbrink
My name is Rachel Kraaijenbrink. I’m 46 years old and have lived in Aalten for almost my entire life. I was away for five years while I studied Information Services and Management in Deventer, but I came back fairly quickly after finishing my degree. I’m married to Mathijs, and together we have two daughters, ages 14 and 16.
I run my own business as an information specialist, and in my free time I enjoy playing the saxophone with Eendracht Aalten, trying my hand at the piano, and reading books.
For the past year and a half, I’ve been able to officially call myself a wine expert. What started as an interest in wine has since grown into a hobby that I really enjoy spending time on.
Why did you become a council member?
It all started with casual coffee dates—first with Rik and later with Hans—during which they asked if politics might be something for me. For several years, I brushed that idea aside, until in 2021 I thought: why not, actually? I always felt that a certain “cultural voice” was missing in the municipality, so perhaps I could use my involvement in culture to represent that perspective myself. So, in the end, I ran for office, and that’s how I’ve been a council member since 2022.
To me, it’s important that the city council reflects society, with room for different backgrounds, interests, and experiences. Community organizations play a valuable role in this. Whether you’re on the sports field, making music together, or heading out with a camera: that’s exactly where you meet people and have conversations about what matters to them. For me, those are valuable places to listen and stay connected to what’s going on in the community.
What topics do you find important?
My interests lie primarily in the social sector, with a particular focus on culture in the broadest sense of the word, but also on issues such as inclusivity. I believe it’s important that everyone can participate, join an organization, and feel seen and heard within our municipality.
I’d like to work toward creating a village where people enjoy living and where there’s plenty for young people to experience and do. I think it’s important that young people not only enjoy growing up here, but also have the opportunity to stay and build their future here later on. That’s how we’ll keep our village vibrant and attractive for all generations.
I'd love to chat with you! So if we run into each other and there's something you'd like to share or discuss, feel free to say hi!
Rachel Kraaijenbrink, CDA Aalten-Dinxperlo