Meet MAE

MAE Heritage Consultancy is a partnership between three heritage professionals. After meeting in a Heritage & Memory Studies master’s programme, we decided to combine our passion for heritage with our broad array of backgrounds and skills. The result is a consultancy that offers contemporary analysis and a fresh perspective. We provide tailor-made solutions that help organisations navigate the dynamic heritage landscape.

  • A photo of young woman with dark hair in front of a brick wall.

    Milou Derksen

    Co-Founder

    As co-founder of Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, Milou has a professional background in business management, education and sound engineering. Whether through music or heritage, Milou understands the power of stories in connecting people to a shared past.

    Milou holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Sciences, with a minor in History, from the University of Utrecht and Università LUMSA in Rome. She also holds a master’s degree in Heritage Studies with a specialisation in Heritage & Memory from the University of Amsterdam.

    Milou lives in Utrecht with her twin cats, Paco and Coco.

    Visit Milou’s LinkedIn Profile

  • A photo of a woman with blond hair in front of a brick wall.

    Ashley Laflin

    Co-Founder

    Born in the United States, Ashley is an experienced professional who has worked in project management, team management, and research. Informed by her background in heritage and anthropology, she seeks to understand the layered connections between past and present, inspiring better outcomes for the future.

    Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in both Anthropology and English Literature & Composition from the University of Minnesota. She also holds a master’s degree in Heritage Studies with a specialisation in Heritage & Memory from the University of Amsterdam.

    Ashley lives in Amsterdam with her husband and two cats, Digby and Jolene.

    Visit Ashley’s LinkedIn Profile

  • A photo of young woman with dark hair in front of a brick wall.

    Emma Egberts

    Co-Founder

    Emma combines her interest in material heritage and immaterial heritage through creative storytelling. With a background in conservation, she understands the power and limitations of material objects. She is particularly fascinated by how stories can enhance a personal connection to the past, giving meaning in and to the present.

    Emma holds a bachelor’s degree in Language and Culture Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in Heritage Studies with a specialisation in Heritage & Memory from the University of Amsterdam and is completing a master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage.

    Emma lives in Utrecht with her elderly cat Kitty.

    Visit Emma’s LinkedIn Profile

The Cats of MAE

  • A photo of a black cat lying down.

    Paco

  • A photo of a brown and black cat.

    Coco

  • A photo of an orange cat against a blue wall.

    Digby

  • A photo of a brown and black cat.

    Jolene

  • A photo of a white and orange cat.

    Kitty