The best puzzles are about people

Today, Yvonne puts that passion into practice as a Senior Data Scientist Operations Research at Conclusion Intelligence. At the beginning of 2026, she asked herself a question: could I use my knowledge of data and AI to support a good cause too? Through Conclusion, she discovered SpikeUp AI, a programme that helps highly educated refugees find work in data and AI in the Netherlands.

Yvonne soon discovered that sharing knowledge works both ways. On one occasion, she was frustrated when a participant arrived late for a work-shadowing day. She later found out that one of his friends had taken an overdose that morning. Despite what had happened, he still came into the office afterwards. It made Yvonne realise how easy it is to judge someone else’s situation from the perspective of your own reality.

Supporting the participants therefore gives her more than just an opportunity to share her knowledge. In return, she gains new perspectives herself. And is she enthusiastic about continuing? Absolutely: “These are the most grateful people ever. I definitely want to do this again next year.”

In Move on Up, Yvonne Smeenge shares more about her work at Conclusion Intelligence, her experiences with SpikeUp AI and what she herself learnt from the participants.