Transforming the Way You Communicate
In professional life, women are often expected to be efficient, composed and solution-oriented, while in their personal lives they are often the emotional anchors for others. In both worlds, it is easy to lose connection with oneself. We invite you to join this interactive workshop that introduces a mindful approach to communication inspired by the principles of compassionate communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg. The approach focuses on self-awareness, empathy and understanding the feelings and needs that shape our interactions. You will explore how communication can shift from automatic reactions to conscious responses by strengthening self-connection. Through short input, reflection and practical exercises, you will practice recognizing feelings and needs, pausing in challenging moments and expressing yourselves more clearly and authentically.
Facilitators
Anneke Tolsma-Rich is a coach with more than 15 years of experience with Nonviolent Communication (NVC), both as a participant in training and as a trainer. She regards NVC not only as a powerful communication practice, but also as a meaningful global community and a way of orienting herself toward life with greater care, awareness, and responsibility.
Maria Kott is a mediator and communication trainer dedicated to helping people build more conscious, respectful and authentic connections. Alongside her work in communication and mediation, she brings many years of professional experience from back-office roles in international companies, giving her a strong understanding of workplace dynamics and professional environments. She is currently in the certification process in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
Event Details
📅 Saturday, May 9th, 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 13:00
📍 Interkulturelles Zentrum, Bergheimer Str. 147, Heidelberg (Room 412, 4th floor)
💫 Admission: Free for HIP members | €15 for non-members
Please register using the form below — spots are limited.
Date
- 09 May 2026
Time
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Speakers
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Anneke Tolsma-RichPolicy Consultant Integrity and Social SafetyAnneke Tolsma-Rich has more than 15 years of experience with Nonviolent Communication (NVC), both as a participant in training and as a trainer. She regards NVC not only as a powerful communication practice, but also as a meaningful global community and a way of orienting herself toward life with greater care, awareness, and responsibility.
Anneke is a coach, trainer, educational designer, policymaker and implementer, teacher, changemaker, and critical thinker. She is currently on the path toward certification with CNVC, the international Center for Nonviolent Communication. In the Netherlands, she serves on several committees, including within the local NVC community and a regional foster care organisation.
Her experience of living and working with NVC across Europe, Africa, and Asia has deepened her commitment to intercultural learning and human connection. She is dedicated to sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships, and contributing to a more compassionate and hopeful world.
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Maria KottMediator & Communication Trainer and Administrative SpecialistMaria is a mediator and communication trainer dedicated to helping people build more conscious, respectful and authentic connections. Alongside her work in communication and mediation, she brings many years of professional experience from back-office roles in international companies, giving her a strong understanding of workplace dynamics and professional environments. She is currently in the certification process in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
She first encountered NVC almost ten years ago and has been deepening her practice ever since by learning from certified trainers, participating in practice groups, and studying a wide range of materials.
Through experiencing the power of this approach in her own life — both personal and professional — she discovered how transformative this “language of life” can be. This experience inspired her to share this approach with others and support people in creating more authentic and respectful relationships in both professional and personal life.
She envisions a world in which people meet one another with curiosity, a genuine willingness to listen, and openness to solutions that honor the needs of everyone involved.