Summary
AI Dolores
Anne-Mieke Bovelett comes from a remarkable family of artists. Her father, Børge Ring, was a world-renowned animator whose short film “Anna & Bella” won an Academy Award. Another of his films, “Oh My Darling”, was nominated as well. Anne-Mieke recounted the emotional reaction audiences – especially women – had to the themes of regret and reconciliation in “Anna & Bella”, showing the deeply human impact of animation. Though her father never attended the Oscars due to financial and personal reasons, his win remained a proud and unforgettable moment for the family.
Growing up, Anne-Mieke was immersed in a creatively uninhibited environment. Her parents encouraged artistic expression by providing top-quality materials and allowing her and her brother to experiment freely—sculpting in bathtubs of clay and painting on windows. This freedom shaped her creative spirit and instilled a confidence to tackle life without fear of failure. She also described the damaging effects of stifling creativity in children, like forcing them to color within lines, and emphasized how her parents’ support helped her grow into someone who embraces possibility instead of restriction.
After finishing school without a clear path, Anne-Mieke worked as an au pair and then in hospitality in Switzerland, where she learned flexibility and people skills. Though she had no formal career plan, she valued these early experiences. Later, she transitioned to the tech world, eventually finding her way into WordPress and digital accessibility. Her drive was sparked by a moving tweet about a blind man unable to navigate the web, leading her into deep self-education and advocacy for making websites truly inclusive.
Accessibility became more than a technical interest—it became a personal mission. Anne-Mieke explained that accessibility isn’t a bonus add-on; it’s foundational, and a right. She criticized the mindset that accessibility is only for the few, and emphasized how inclusive design benefits everyone. Her message: making digital spaces welcoming is as much about dignity and freedom as it is about usability. She also discussed the burnout in accessibility roles when companies rely on a single individual to manage everything.
The conversation concluded with reflections on community. Anne-Mieke praised both the Netherlands and Germany’s active WordPress communities and shared her love of animation, open source, and teaching. Her passion for digital equity, clear thinking, and irreverent humor made for a dynamic episode. She recommended Sandra Kurze as a future guest, citing her intelligence and international experience. Anne-Mieke’s story is a testament to the power of creative upbringing, emotional honesty, and a relentless pursuit of a more accessible digital world.
What’s Anne-Mieke Up To? Find Out At The WP World.