Meet The Team
Management
LYNDSAY
JENSEN
Editor-In-Chief
& Founder
Lyndsay brings over two decades of experience in advertising and publishing, supported by academic qualifications in Business, Marketing, and Desktop Publishing. Born in the UK and raised in South Africa, she has a strong appreciation for cultural diversity and international collaboration. She is a devoted wife and mother to two sons, Connor (28) and Bjørn (21). Lyndsay is an activist and runs an NGO, Changing Places Danmark, working to improve accessibility for the disability community in Denmark. Outside work, she enjoys travel, photography, art, and rock and blues concerts with friends and her partner.
KENNETH
MACALPINE
Managing Director
& Partner
Kenneth is a Nordic financial manager working in the transport industry, with a solid academic foundation in finance and business earned in the United Kingdom. Originally from Norway, he relocated to Denmark at the age of twenty-two, a move that shaped both his career and outlook. With Norwegian-Scottish roots, he now lives in southern Denmark with his multicultural family, reflecting Danish, Irish, and Brazilian heritage. Curious, adaptable, and driven by growth, Kenneth actively seeks new challenges, values meaningful connections, and believes in embracing life with energy, openness, and purpose every single day through learning, travel, collaboration, and thoughtful leadership globally.
NICOLAJ
LUND JENSEN
IT Consultant
& Partner
Nicolaj Lund Jensen works full time as a senior IT consultant at NEXU and volunteers part time with The International, a role he has held since the organization’s inception. From the early startup phase to today, he has been responsible for handling all IT-related operations, ensuring stable systems, secure infrastructure, and reliable day-to-day performance. He also contributes to the ongoing maintenance and technical upkeep of The International’s website. Previously, Nicolaj spent 10 years in South Africa, where he worked extensively in IT while also running an advertising agency.
Writers
OPHELIA
WU
Deputy Editor,
Content & Partnerships
Ophelia, like her hometown of Hong Kong, has a richly diverse background. In 2019, she relocated to Copenhagen. Her career in fashion and journalism began in 2007 at ELLE Hong Kong, followed by a role as an online stylist at Net-A-Porter in the UK. She has since collaborated with a wide range of creatives, brands, and celebrities worldwide. Today, she works across multiple areas of fashion and communication. Inspired by her love of travel and the people she’s met, she founded M for Minimal, promoting conscious consumption, mindfulness, and subtle spirituality.
LESLEA
PETERSEN
CEO of English
Job Denmark
Leslea Petersen is the CEO of English Job Denmark, where she coaches professionals and businesses on attracting and retaining international talent. Originally from Britain, she relocated to Denmark 16 years ago and married into Viking heritage. With more than 20 years’ experience in communications across business and not-for-profit sectors, she brings strong strategic insight to her work. Leslea is passionate about helping organisations navigate international recruitment and build diverse, inclusive workplaces, establishing her as a respected voice in the Danish job market.
JESS
HEARNE
Native English
Copywriter,
Proofreader & Editor
Jess is an Irish writer based in Copenhagen since 2019. An avid traveller, she aims to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible and has explored extensively across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With a background in history, art history, and socio-political studies, she works as a freelance copywriter, proofreader, and editor. Her professional experience spans healthcare, political publications, and small businesses. Alongside client work, Jess pursues passion projects including feminist history writing, social advocacy, and research into the psychology of film. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, pub quizzes, and a friendly lasagne rivalry with her chef boyfriend.
FIONA
L SMITH
Somatic Therapist
and Coach
Fiona is a Somatic Therapist and Coach with a clinic in Frederiksberg and an online practice. She specialises in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, and holistic wellness, and is passionate about supporting women to move beyond burnout, people-pleasing, anxiety, and pain—toward greater confidence, ease, and empowerment.
Originally from the UK, Fiona is mum to a 13-year-old son and step-mum to 17-year-old twins. She loves wild walks with her dog, winter dipping with sauna, good food and books, wild dance, and soaking up the sun.
ALEXANDRA
BECK
Personal Trainer &
Nutrition Coach
Alex, a Swiss-British mother and wife, has called Copenhagen home since 2009. After leaving a corporate communications career, she embraced the freedom of outdoor personal and group fitness training. Working with all ages and fitness levels, Alex designs tailored workouts that build joy, confidence, and consistency in movement. Known for her infectious energy, she inspires clients through engaging, motivating sessions and the shared magic of group fitness. Spot her in the city parks or streets, and don’t be surprised if you’re pulled into a workout—or at least rewarded with a friendly high-five. Anytime, anywhere, movement matters with Alex. Always. Smile.
NATASHA
LIVIERO
Pastry Chef
Natasha, a South African native with Croatian roots, began a transformative journey in 2020 when she left her role at a wellness publication to pursue her lifelong passion for patisserie. After completing her culinary studies, she is now a qualified pastry chef. Deeply inspired by European patisserie, Natasha spends hours in the kitchen experimenting and refining her craft. Her culinary explorations are often shared with her playful feline companions, who offer both comfort and distraction. Curious and driven, she’s always hunting for new cookbooks to spark fresh ideas for her next sweet creation.
AAMNA
TAUHEED
Copywriter &
Communications Specialist
Aamna is a writer and communications specialist who has been living in Denmark since 2016. With a background in business communications, she has worked with non-profits and as a copywriter, creating clear and engaging content that strengthens brand identity. She is passionate about storytelling for impact and contributes to mission-driven campaigns centered on human welfare, sustainability, and innovation. Aamna believes writing can inspire change and spark meaningful dialogue. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, reading books, listening to music, and unwinding with a cup of coffee.
DIANA MEDREA-MOGENSEN
Entrepreneur
Diana is a Romanian-born entrepreneur, funding strategist, and educator based in Denmark. She is the founder of We Are Entrepreneurs, an initiative supporting expats and underrepresented groups in building sustainable businesses. With a background in EU-funded projects and a passion for financial literacy, Diana works at the intersection of education, innovation, and inclusion. She speaks five languages and brings a deeply human approach to entrepreneurship and learning. Outside her work designing programs and mentoring founders, she enjoys inline skating, writing, and parenting her two children while raising them within a multicultural family and creative routines.
KELLY DRAPER RASMUSSE
Data Analyst
Kelly is a data analyst who has lived in Denmark since 2008 and is now a dual citizen. She writes the “Data in Denmark” newsletter, analysing Danish immigration and labour policies through statistical analysis and interactive visualisations. Her research has influenced policy decisions, including helping protect international schools during national education reforms. A former teacher, Kelly designs tools that make complex bureaucratic data accessible to policymakers, journalists, and the public. Her work centers on evidence-based policymaking, transparency, and exposing systemic barriers that affect international residents navigating Denmark’s labour market, education system, and public institutions, and long-term social and economic inclusion.
BROOKE
TAYLOR FOSSEY
Danish Language Coach
& Content Creator
Brooke Fossey’s love affair with Denmark began in the US, sparked by a bright-red, secondhand Christiania cargo bike. In 2022, she moved to Copenhagen with her husband and two children. Her career has spanned city planning, craft beer, founding a bagel business, and most recently launching a Danish language tutoring service. An old cargo bike unexpectedly ignited a midlife passion for linguistics. Follow her at @nearlydanishdame on Instagram for favourite Danish expressions and learning tips. She will also be your ildsjæl (“fire-soul”) for all things Danish language here, with warmth, curiosity, humour, patience, cultural insight, and genuine enthusiasm for learners.
MAKODA
GASCON
Educator
Makoda Gascon is a Canadian-American educator relocating to Denmark in 2026. She has worked as a tutor or teacher since 2022 and is a strong advocate for diverse, interconnected learning environments. With a growing knowledge of Danish culture, Makoda aims to blend her international perspective with her educational experience to support students in meaningful ways. She brings a thoughtful, global approach to teaching and learning. Outside of work, Makoda enjoys movies, music, writing, and video games, and values quieter moments spent walking, caring for her animals, and relaxing with a cup of honey-sweetened tea.
MAJA
DA SILVA
Photographer &
Interior Architect
Maja is a photographer and interior architect from Poland, now based in Denmark after living in Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. She is our creative photographer behind several cover stories and also contributes a regular column focused on interior design. Specializing in portrait and interior photography for residential and commercial projects, Maja captures the character, beauty, and atmosphere of both people and spaces. With a refined eye for detail, light, and composition, her work delivers high-quality, striking images that reflect individuality, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of style.
Social Media
HELI
PARKINSON
Social Media Coordinator
Helena Parkinson is a UK-based marketing and communications professional with a strong background in digital media, customer engagement, and performance-driven environments. She currently works as a Marketing Executive at Magnify Marketing and as a Social Media Coordinator for The International Denmark, supporting international audiences through strategic content and analytics. Helena has experience creating high-impact digital content, with videos reaching millions of views, and brings a data-informed approach to brand growth. She holds a Master’s degree in Research from Hartpury University, specialising in sport, identity, and consumer behaviour, alongside hands-on experience in fast-paced, high-performance settings.
SHIRSHA
CHAKRABORTY
Social Media Coordinator
Shirsha is a Copenhagen-based multimedia storyteller specialising in social media, journalism, and visual content production. She works as a Social Media Content Creator at Even Founders and as a Social Media Coordinator for The International Denmark, where she develops strategy-driven content and community engagement initiatives. With experience spanning photography, videography, digital marketing, and reporting, Shirsha has worked across Europe, India, and the US, producing high-impact content for brands, media outlets, and organisations. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Journalism, Media and Globalisation and brings a strong global perspective, blending creative storytelling with analytical and ethical communication practices.
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LESLIE
NOYGUES
SoMe Ambassador
Leslie is originally from France and has been living in Horsens, Jutland, since October 2020. She moved to Denmark with her French husband in pursuit of a new career opportunity and international experience. Leslie currently works as a Customer Service Team Leader at a Danish e-commerce company specialising in men’s accessories, where she combines leadership with customer-focused solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys meeting new people, broadening her perspectives, and discovering new places. Passionate about travel and cultural exploration, Leslie values experiences that allow her to connect, learn, and grow both personally and professionally.
ELEONORE
WHITE
Intern (Various roles)
Eléonore White is an International Business student with experience across hospitality, media, operations, and strategy in multicultural environments. She is currently a Founder’s Associate Intern at The International Denmark and a waitress at Soho House Copenhagen, combining analytical thinking with hands-on client service. Her background includes business analysis and sales support at Condé Nast, co-founding an exchange-student guidance platform, and operational roles in luxury hospitality across France, Spain, and Denmark. Academically, she ranks in the top 1% of her BBA program and has completed exchange studies in Hong Kong and Copenhagen, specializing in emerging markets and international business.
LISA
BOONZAIER
Volunteer (Various roles)
Lisa is a Copenhagen-based communications consultant and science writer with extensive experience across research, academia, nonprofits, healthcare, and technology. She specialises in translating complex scientific and technical information into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences. Her work spans writing, editing, project management, and strategic communications, with a strong track record in digital content, publications, and stakeholder engagement. Lisa has led and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams internationally and brings a sharp editorial eye, strategic thinking, and a calm, practical approach to delivering high-quality communication projects that connect ideas, people, and purpose.
MAGDALENA
CHECINSKA
Volunteer (Events)
Magdalena is an experienced international business professional with a strong background in B2B operations, key account management, and cross-functional collaboration. Currently an Export Manager at VELTUFF® REAL WORKWEAR in Copenhagen, she excels at coordinating international tasks, maintaining strong client relationships, and improving internal workflows with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach. Previously, she held senior roles in cosmetics, office management, and media strategy, managing teams, budgets, and complex projects across multiple markets. With a career spanning media planning, communications, and operations, Magdalena combines strategic thinking, organizational excellence, adaptability, and a service-first mindset to drive efficient, people-focused results globally.
Interns & Volunteers
CONSTANCA
VILAR
Volunteer (Events)
Bio coming...
CAROLYN
YATES
Volunteer (Various roles)
Bio coming...
AARON
LARSSON
Volunteer (Events)
Bio coming...
Photographers
CRISTIAN
ALEXANDRU FLUTUR
Photographer / Videographer and Visual Designer
Cristian hails from Bucovina in northeastern Romania, a region surrounded by mountains that shaped his adventurous spirit. He spent a decade playing professional rugby, DJing at a local club, and capturing life through photography. In 2019, he moved to Denmark to pursue a degree in Marketing Management, followed by a degree in Export and Technology. With a passion for creative and strategic marketing and a background as a freelance photographer since 2010, Cristian founded Fain Studio. His advertising agency partners with diverse companies to elevate brand identities and fine-tune their messages across various platforms.
MAJA DA SILVA
Photographer &
Interior Architect
Maja is a photographer and interior architect originally from Poland. She has lived in Switzerland, the UK, and the USA before settling in Denmark seven years ago.
Specializing in portrait and interior photography for both residential and commercial properties, Maja captures the unique beauty and essence of the people and spaces she photographs. Her goal is to bring out the best in every shot, delivering high-quality, stunning images that reflect style and personality.