Jet Schouten

Renowned Dutch investigative journalist and member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Jet Schouten is known for initiating and leading the Implant Files—a groundbreaking global investigation into the medical device industry and its impact on women's health. Her work sparked international scrutiny of safety standards and earned prestigious accolades including the Scripps Howard Award and Villamedia’s Journalist of the Year (2018). A 2019–2020 Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan, Jet became a founding member of Healing Bells, bringing her commitment to health justice and storytelling into the realm of healing arts. In collaboration with Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, she co-created “Breaking Through” and “Healing Bells,” a namesake piece performed in 14 countries during May 2020 to counter anti-Asian discrimination and foster global community during the pandemic.

“When I met Pamela, I had a story to tell but I wasn’t sure what it was. Pamela listened with patience and without judgment. I found my story via her. Because this process happened in close cooperation with and through the guidance of Pamela–it makes me think of the Socrates’ midwife (Greek: ‘elenchus’) method. Through Pamela’s questions, my story, this composition, came through and emanated in music. Music offers more nuance than any story I could tell through journalism. Because music appeals to emotions as well, this process was healing and it gave me the confidence to find and express my story.”