Women Strengthening the TCK World

🌍 Women Strengthening the TCK WorldThis International Women’s Day, ExpatValley is proud to co-host a special panel, “Women Strengthening the TCK World,” showcasing six women whose work is reshaping how globally mobile families live, learn, and belong across borders.

Far beyond the logistics of an international move, this conversation dives into the emotional, educational, cultural, and organizational layers of global mobility and the Third Culture Kid (TCK) experience. Each panelist brings a distinct lens from within the global ecosystem:

Narmadha Kamalakannan – Author, HR & Culture Architect

Linking global mobility with organizational culture and leadership, and examining how workplaces can truly support TCK families and globally mobile talent.

Dr Monika De Waal – Founder, Researcher & Author

Exploring how research, advocacy, and lived experience can illuminate TCK identities and support systems across countries.

Cynthia Green – Author & Historian

Tracing narratives, memory, and history to help globally mobile families make sense of their stories and roots.

Norah Lynn Paddock – Chair, Parent Teacher Association

Bringing the parent voice to the forefront, highlighting school–home partnership and community-building for TCK wellbeing.

Dr Lyn Lemaire – Educator & Head of Adaptation

Focusing on transition, adaptation, and school culture, ensuring children and families feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.

Our Founder Karlijn Jacobs – Entrepreneur & CEO of Expat Valley

Addressing mobility from an entrepreneurial and ecosystem perspective, connecting services and solutions that help families thrive abroad.

Across the panel, we explore four core segments of global mobility:

Family and identity – how moves shape belonging, resilience, and self-understanding for TCKs.
Education and adaptation – what schools and educators can do to create safe, nurturing environments for mobile children.
Community and advocacy – the critical role of parents, local networks, and storytellers in giving TCKs a voice.
Work and organizational culture – how employers, HR, and global leaders can move beyond relocation packages to holistic support.

🎥 Watch the full panel below and be inspired by these women’s journeys, insights, and practical wisdom on empowering Third Culture Kids to flourish in a complex, global world.

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