Ans Persoons was born and raised in Antwerp and has lived and studied in several European cities. She studied History at Ghent University before moving to Paris, where she earned a degree in Political Science.

Her interest in public affairs brought her to Brussels in 2003. After a career in European affairs and local government, she entered elected politics in 2012, served as alderwoman for the City of Brussels and joined the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region as State Secretary in 2023.

Following the 2024 regional elections, she is now serving as State Secretary for Environment and Climate, Urban Renewal, Heritage and the Image of Brussels. Ans is also a member of the College of the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), where she is responsible for Culture, Youth, Sports, Community Centres, Social Cohesion and Diversity.

Throughout her political career, Ans has championed a Brussels that is inclusive, sustainable and socially just. Her work has consistently focused on equal opportunities, youth empowerment, women’s emancipation and active participation. She sees diversity as one of Brussels’ greatest strengths and believes public policy should help build a city where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive. She is also a firm believer in the importance of nightlife as an essential part of the city’s cultural life, identity and social fabric. She will continue to stand up for its place in Brussels.

Ans lives in Laeken with her family and is the mother of two daughters, Frances and Robyn. Together, they explore Brussels by bike and enjoy the rich cultural life of their city.