Floor Kloosterman: The one who broke the rules
Winner of the Women’s Visibility Award 2026 in the category ‘The One Who Broke the Rules’
‘You’re so smart – and then you become a construction worker?!’
It’s a remark our colleague Floor Kloosterman (27) has heard more than once. And perhaps that is exactly why her story resonates so strongly. Floor shows that you are allowed to choose your own path, even when it differs from what others expect.
After completing her Master’s degree in Sustainable Business Administration, a future in policy and strategy lay open to her. Yet something was missing. At the end of the day, she wanted to see what she had made something tangible.
‘I wanted to work with my hands, to create something real. To make a contribution.’
The courage to break the rules
That desire had always been there. Her ‘Sinterklaas’ surprises were full-scale constructions - often detailed models and even maquettes. After graduating, Floor joined BAM as a trainee, working across several departments, including HR and process optimisation, where she focused on improving efficiency and sustainability on site.
But the feeling never quite went away. And then she did something that perfectly reflects the award she has now won. She approached her manager and asked whether she could spend six months working on site as a carpenter. She was given the space to do so.
‘I know this is a management traineeship and that this isn’t the usual route… but this is what I want to do.’
In Barendrecht, Floor helped build a new residential area. She worked on staircases, ceilings and stood quite literally at the heart of the construction process. It was there that everything came together: her academic perspective, her knowledge of sustainability and her love of making things.
Visibility that makes a difference
Floor’s story challenges stubborn assumptions. Being smart and working with your hands are not mutually exclusive. Construction is creative, precise and meaningful work - demanding craftsmanship as well as insight.
With the Women’s Visibility Award 2026 in the category ‘The one who broke the rules’, Floor is rightfully being recognised. Not because she wanted to be different, but because she stayed true to what felt right for her. Her story shows how much space opens up when you dare to ask — and dare to take a different path.
‘Thank you to everyone. What you all gave me were opportunities. And I truly believe that when you are given opportunities, you carry a responsibility to do something good with them and to pass that on to others. That means staying curious, open-minded, and remembering that the need to feel seen, heard and valued is universal. I have felt this as a woman, as a member of the queer community, and as a carpenter on the construction site.’
Sometimes, you have to break the rules to build something truly special. Floor shows us how it’s done.
We would like to congratulate Floor on this award!
