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- State Secretary, Government of Brussels Capital Region
- Ans was born and raised in Antwerp, but she has studied and lived in several cities. First, she studied History in Ghent, at Ghent University, and then she moved to Paris, where she obtained her degree in Political Science.
Her interest in politics brought her to Brussels. In 2003, over 20 years ago, she started as an intern in the European Parliament. Subsequently, in 2004, she became an employee for the office of Pascal Dufour, councillor in the municipality of Ixelles, and from 2005 to 2012 she held a position as advisor in the Brussels-Europe Liaison Office.
In 2012 Ans really came to the political forefront when she became councillor in the city of Brussels for Dutch-speaking matters, Community contracts and Participation. When the Samusocial scandal broke in 2017, Ans showed her true nature. She quit as a councillor to show her disapproval. In the next municipal elections in 2018 she presented herself on the (citizen) list change.brussels. It was a success. She obtained one seat and became councillor once more, this time for Urban Planning and Public Space, Dutch-speaking Affairs and Dutch-speaking Education.
After Pascal Smet's resignation as Secretary of State, Ans was put forward as his successor. Since June 2023, she is Secretary of State for the Brussels-Capital Region for Urban Planning and Heritage, European and International Relations, Foreign Trade and Fire Fighting and Urgent Medical Aid, as well as a member of the Council of the Flemish Community Commission, with responsibility for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Centres, Living together and Diversity.
On a personal level, Ans is the mother of two daughters: Frances and Robyn. Her partner is British.
