“When a new projects starts, I would like to think everything through and make a strategic plan that covers everything for the next years.”

Rebecca Ruhfaß

Why do you work at ifok?

At the very beginning, I was convinced that there is a strong, positive potential in conflict. Conflicts arise because people actively stand up for what they care about. It’s important to talk to each other about what should and can be preserved and what can be created. It doesn’t matter whether it’s about the construction of a new rail line or a cross-cutting political strategy.

In my projects at ifok, I support those affected and engaged, stakeholders and project promoters, in finding the best solution and in venturing the path to the future. Freely adapted from Antonio Gramsci: We are the midwife who helps so that something new can be born. What could be more beautiful?

Since when have you been working here and where were you previously?

I started at ifok at the beginning of 2017, at that time as a fellow. Before that, I studied political science with a focus on sustainable development in Lille (France) and in Münster. During my studies, I worked at the Chair of International Relations and Sustainable Development at the University of Münster and as a volunteer in the field of environmental education. Very formative and enriching was a longer internship in the field of urban and regional planning in Mulhouse (France). My roots are in the beautiful Palatinate region.

What drives you in your working life?

When a new project starts, I would like to think everything through and make a strategic plan that covers everything for the next years.  Surprisingly, customers and colleagues then spontaneously assume I have good ideas and composure… Probably the truth lies somewhere in between. The mixture of long-term and ad-hoc consulting, planning and spontaneity, and last but not least the very different, wonderful colleagues with their many ideas, are for me the salt in the soup that makes up the work at ifok.

Speaking of soup: The portions I devour during my lunch break are particularly famous among my colleagues.

What three things can’t you do without on vacation?

  1. Hiking boots
  2. Running shoes
  3. The best of the local cuisine – both as campsite catering and in the restaurant

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