Community Outreach &Volunteering

She is the founder of SHAPE, a social innovation network described in Projects below, which engages students with community entrepreneurs and leaders. SHAPE itself has a large community engagement component, working with local youth and organizations across sectors to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Prof. van der Westhuizen coordinated a global paddling relay event raising funds and awareness for marine conservation​. She organized simultaneous events across continents each year on World Environment Day, uniting paddlers to “paddle on the same day, for the same cause.” Her key roles included global fundraising, budgeting, and partnership development​. Under her guidance, Paddle for the Planet supported numerous marine conservation projects worldwide and inspired international cooperation for environmental stewardship.

(Image: Participants in a Paddle for the Planet relay event, raising awareness for ocean conservation.)

In addition to lecturing, she organized a Business Ideas Sharing Workshop that attracted over 120 community delegates​. She linked academic projects with local sports and cultural events, encouraging participation in the remote Al Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi​. This innovative blend of education and community events earned positive recognition and improved town-gown relations.

Prof. van der Westhuizen leads by example in community service. She believes in the “engaged university” that works with society to solve problems, aligning her work with national priorities like poverty alleviation and job creation. She networks with PRISA and entrepreneurship bodies, reviews papers, acts as an external examiner, and shares expertise pro bono with nonprofits and startups — embodying the role of scholar-citizen.