Sofia Leinonen, Chair

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I’m a politics and communication student from the University of Helsinki. I've moved to Helsinki from eastern Finland, Joensuu, which will always remain my second home. In my studies, I am particularly interested in energy and climate policies, the interaction between politics and business, and, of course, innovations that solve societal problems. During COVID-19 I've learned to love yoga and knitting. And, like everybody else these days, testing new recipes.

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How would you utilize your study background to change the world?

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Studying politics gives you great tools to look at societal problems analytically and from different perspectives. The broad scope of knowledge from political and economic processes, institutions, media, and civil society enables us to be decision-makers, specialists, or researchers in every sector - public, private, and third. We are a diverse group of people with a common strong will to make things for the better. For me, that hopefully means guiding business decisions towards a more sustainable direction - both socially and environmentally.

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Kosti Hokkanen, Vice-Chair

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A young data professional with a wide background in business and technology. Having recently graduated from LUT University, I bring some new perspective to the board from outside the University of Helsinki. My free time consists of sports (currently tennis is my favourite), learning new stuff and spending time with my friends.

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How would you utilize your study background to change the world?

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I am very interested in turning my experience of working with data, into something that makes this world a little bit better. I am still trying to find my way with this mission, but definitely starting a company at some point of my career is a goal that I would like to achieve.

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Marianna Suokas, Entrepreneurship Society Collaboration

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I recently graduated from social and public policy, but I studied many other things too, like information system science, economics and social psychology. I spend my free time mostly reading, at the gym and exploring new places. I love food and wine tasting!

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How would you utilize your study background to change the world?

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In my studies I have become acquainted with education policy. Especially in my field the ideas of business activity and entrepreneurship aren't very common, people may feel like those kinds of things are not for those who study social science. With the knowledge of the education system and society of Finland I would like to change the system to a direction, where people have a better understanding of what they can do with the knowledge they have accumulated during their studies and work experience.

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Christopher Petrie, Community Manager

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I’m originally from a land far far away, called New Zealand. I’m completing a PhD at the University of Helsinki on the diffusion of innovation while working for a Finnish non-profit as Head of Research. In my spare time, I especially love and value anything involved with the arts, culture, and discussing behavioural psychology. 

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What kind of world would you like to see after the pandemic?

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I believe that in order to solve the massive problems we face now and in the future (like climate change), we need to enable ecosystems of innovation that are implemented across a nexus of stakeholders. I would like to see a world where we are much more focused on solving these massive challenges together across disciplines. 

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Kiia Lempinen, Project Manager

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I am a master's student in geography at the University of Helsinki. In my spare time I play the violin, listen to podcasts, and follow politics.

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How would you utilize your study background to change the world?

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I study urban geography and I would like to utilize my studies by contributing to the development of sustainable cities and societies. Sustainable society considers economic, ecological, and cultural aspects in its decision-making and implements equality of opportunity.

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Toivo Hursti, Secretary

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I am a freshman studying Politics and Communications. I work in entrepreneurship education and in my free time I love to consume art in all of its forms.

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What kind of world would you like to see after the pandemic?

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I would love to see a world where hugging your friend or giving your co-worker a high-five wouldn’t feel like a crazy idea.

Anniina Könönen, Treasurer

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I’m a molecular bioscience student at the University of Helsinki. If I am not on my laptop, you can find me doing some kind of sport or reading a book. 

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How would you utilize your study background to change the world?

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I hope that through research work I could be a part of creating new medical innovations.

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Mari Karjalainen, Communication Manager

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I have graduated from the University of Eastern Finland, majoring in communication and minoring in social policy. At the University of Helsinki I study Russian and Eastern Europe studies and in a Master´s Programme in Society and Change. I am currently working in the field of communication. My hobbies are dance, sport, culture, nature and flowers.

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What kind of world would you like to see after the pandemic?

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Care workers and education professionals need to be valued more. Sympathy is not enough, they deserve a higher salary. I hope that people consume more sustainable services and less material.

Board’s Tips for documentaries?

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Kosti: The Great Hack. A good reminder in the era of TikToks and Clubhouses that if you are not paying for the product, you are the product. Technology brings amazing opportunities, and even though I like to focus on the positive aspects it is good to be aware of the negative side too.

Marianna: Chef's Table. Great for cuisine enthusiasts!

Sofia: During these difficult times, I want to recommend feel-good shows that give comfort and make you laugh. For me, Solsidan and Workin’ moms have been one of those shows.

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Valuable social media content?

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Chris: A YouTube channel called 3Blue1Brown covers the math behind cryptocurrency in a really accessible way for non-specialists. I recommend watching this 20min video for those interested.

Toivo: Any video by the youtuber Contrapoints is more than worth your time. Too often I find myself re-watching the video essay Opulence by her.

Mari: Emerita of Turku (Erica Åberg) is a Senior Researcher at the University of Turku. She does entertaining, sharp and inspiring sociology related content on Instagram.

Kiia: Funny dog videos are always worth the screen time.