visiting columnist: ambassador of the united states
THE ISSUE 69 VOL. 29 SPRING 2019
FULBRIGHT FINLAND
Truth Matters Combating Manipulated Realities Celebrating ASLA-Fulbright 70th Leadership and Learning Across Cultures
biannual magazine published by the fulbright finland foundation
FROM THE EDITOR
You Design the Future
L
eadership does not depend on titles, or age. And I am tempted to say, in the case of countries, on size. Leadership is a state of
mind, a determination to take action, and to own the responsibility to create positive change. It is a choice that anyone can make. The characteristic that Fulbright Finland Foun-
the two governments, it has become embraced by
dation grantees and alumni share, irrespective of
civil society as well as individuals and institutions
their age, title, field, or background, is that they
on both sides of the Atlantic in a manner that has
choose to lead. Through research, studies, and both
raised it to levels that only broad and genuine col-
professional and personal involvement during their
laboration can achieve.
grant period and thereafter, the grantees’ ultimate goal is to make an impact in society and cre-
AS WE CELEBRATE THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
ate meaningful change. Currently, our grantees are
of ASLA-Fulbright, we want to recognize everyone
tackling some of the most urgent issues facing the
with a role in the past, present and future of Finn-
global community: climate change and sustainabil-
ish-American exchanges. I thank our hard-working
ity, disinformation and media literacy, education
and passionate staff team and our dedicated Board
and equity, human rights, security and peace.
of Directors, the Finnish and U.S. governments, our university and institutional partners, our private
IN THIS ISSUE of the Fulbright Finland News our
sector and individual donors, and our hundreds of
grantees and alumni share their diverse paths
expert volunteers. Thank you for investing in our
and efforts to create positive change. From arts,
collective future!
academia and government to non-profits and corporates, these are stories of leadership and
And most of all, I thank our grantees and alumni. You design the future!
determination. The story of the Fulbright Finland Founda-
IN THIS ISSUE
Terhi Mölsä
tion is unique. It has a history unlike any other.
Chief Executive Officer
And its present day is equally unique. Founded by
Fulbright Finland Foundation
8 10 13 16
FULBRIGHT ARCTIC INITIATIVE International Collaboration to Address Shared Challenges MILESTONES CELEBRATED IN WASHINGTON D.C. INNOVATIONS IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP COMBINING WORK AND FAMILY
6
TRUTH MATTERS SEMINAR
Fulbright grantees and alumni media experts from the Nordic-Baltic region attended the Truth Matters seminar.
4 News 17 Alumni 18 Alumni in Focus: Rebecca L. Macieira-Kaufmann 2 | www.fulbright.fi
Cover photo: Studio Terho Photography
VISITING COLUMNIST
We have much to celebrate this year and we are off to a great start.
U.S. Commitment to Fulbright Finland is Rock Solid 2019 IS A VERY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY YEAR, as we
Now in its 70th year, the Fulbright program in Fin-
commemorate the 100th anniversary of U.S.-Finn-
land remains an important part of our relationship.
ish diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of
Over the past few years, Fulbright Finland has tackled
ASLA-Fulbright. We have much to celebrate this year
some of the most pressing issues facing the interna-
and we are off to a great start.
tional community through a series of seminars fea-
I was honored to mark the Centennial of U.S.-Finn-
turing renowned American and Finnish scholars such
ish diplomatic relations on May 7 with Secretary of
as this year’s “Truth Matters: Combating Manipulated
State Pompeo in Rovaniemi, where he delivered a
Realities” and the Fulbright Arctic Initiative week
speech on U.S. Arctic policy, participated in the Arc-
in Helsinki and Oulu, as well as last year’s “Making
tic Council Ministerial, and had a meeting with For-
Democracies Resilient to Modern Threats.”
eign Minister Soini. In April, we launched the 100 years of Diplomatic Relations exhibit, a joint project with
AS THE HONORARY CHAIR of the Fulbright Finland
the Finnish Embassy in Washington, at the Helsinki
Foundation Board of Directors, I assure you that the
Music Center, Musiikkitalo, with a joint performance
U.S. commitment to Fulbright Finland is rock solid.
by clarinet ensembles from the U.S. Air Forces in
The U.S. Centennial Gift to Finland in 2017 was a
Europe Band and Kaartin Soittokunta. We also trav-
$500,000 donation to the Fulbright Finland Founda-
eled to Turku with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
tion and we provided another $1,000,000 this past
and Team Finland to conduct business outreach to
year, in addition to our regular allocation. The United
increase trade, investment, and innovation between
States launched the second Fulbright Arctic Initiative
our countries.
program last year, with top scholars from the Arctic
Most recently, I delivered remarks at the 2019 Fulbright Finland Award Ceremony in Helsinki’s beau-
Council Member States tackling some of the region’s— and indeed the world’s—most pressing issues.
tiful City Hall on May 14, congratulating the latest
I would like to thank the Fulbright Finland Foun-
cohort of students, scholars, and researchers. As we
dation for working diligently now and over the past
celebrate our centennial, I am particularly excited that
70 years to advance the U.S.-Finnish relationship and
we eclipsed 100 grantees this year, reaching our high-
to increase mutual understanding between our great
est level since the 1960s.
countries. We have much to celebrate and much to do
After meeting many of this year’s grantees, I am
going forward. I look forward to working with you.
confident that our latest grantees and alumni will be at the forefront of research in their respective fields. We have high expectations for them. Who will be the
Robert Frank Pence
next Fulbrighter to win a Pulitzer or to receive a Nobel
Ambassador of the United States of America
Prize like Bengt Holmström?
to the Republic of Finland
www.fulbright.fi | 3
FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION
NEWS
Berliinissä pidetyssä Fulbright-palkinnon julkistustilaisuudessa Taiwanin Fulbright-alumnijärjestön puheenjohtaja Jih-Chu Lee (vas.), Manfred Phillip USA:n Fulbright Associationista, liittokansleri Angela Merkel, USA:n Fulbright Associationin puheenjohtaja Mary Ellen Heian Schmider, CNN:n toimittaja Christiane Amanpour ja Fulbright Suomi –säätiön toimitusjohtaja Terhi Mölsä.
J. William Fulbright -palkinto liittokansleri Angela Merkelille
S
aksan liittokansleri Angela Merkel vastaan
nallaan auttaneen ylläpitämään rauhaa Euroopassa
otti tammikuussa vuoden 2018 J. William
ja kaikkialla maailmassa.
Fulbright -palkinnon, joka myönnetään
Kansainväliseen palkintoraatiin kuului myös
kansainvälisen yhteisymmärryksen edistämisestä.
Fulbright Suomi -säätiön toimitusjohtaja Terhi
Yhdysvaltalaisen Fulbright Associationin vuodesta
Mölsä. Aiemmin Fulbright-palkinnon ovat saaneet
1993 jakaman tunnustuksen perusteluissa Merke-
mm. presidentti Martti Ahtisaari, edesmennyt
liä kuvataan kansainvälisen yhteistyön ja rauhan
Etelä-Afrikan presidentti Nelson Mandela ja USA:n
puolustamiseen omistautuneeksi johtajaksi.
entinen presidentti Jimmy Carter.
Esitellessään liittokansleri Merkelin Berliinissä järjestetyssä palkintotilaisuudessa CNN:n toimittaja Christiane Amanpour totesi Merkelin toimin-
Quick Figures
academic year 2018–2019
112
Record number of Fulbright Finland Foundation grantees
9
Record number of Fulbright Finland Inter-Country Travel Grantees
https://fulbright.org/ 2019/01/31/angela- merkel-awardedfulbright-prize-for-international-understanding/
Fulbright Finland's New Website Now Optimized for Your Mobile
F
ulbright Finland Foundation launched its new website in June. The renewed website
completes the Foundation’s new brand and visual image. With a fresh design, the new website is fully optimized for mobile devices. New contents include blogs by grantees and alumni, showcasing the real impact of the Fulbright Finland experience. Stay tuned for additional content to come! GO TO WWW.FULBRIGHT.FI and see for yourself! Send us your feedback and suggestions for new content at office@fulbright.fi.
4 | www.fulbright.fi
NEWS
Two U.S. Fulbright Students Receive Roth-Thomson Awards
F
ulbright-University of Helsinki
ring implementation efforts of the Close
Graduate Awardee Carolyn Kehn
Collaboration with Parents program in
and Fulbright U.S. Student Program
several NICUs.
Awardee Sarah Holdren received the 2019 Roth-Thomson Awards.
Carolyn Kehn uses the award to travel
Carolyn Kehn
to the U.S. to expand her research to con-
The award supports Sarah Holdren’s
duct simultaneous qualitative analysis
plan to evolve her original Fulbright proj-
with both the American and Finnish mil-
ect into a more implementation-based
itaries. Carolyn is currently completing
medical anthropology study. Sarah is
her master’s degree on Contemporary
currently doing research at the Univer-
Societies at the University of Helsinki.
sity of Turku on “Narratives of the NICU
Roth Endowment Awards are granted
(Neonatal Intensive Care Unit): Exploring
annually to U.S. Fulbright students in
Finnish Family-Centered Care and Infant
Finland focusing on the arts, humanities
Feeding”. With the support of the Lois
and social sciences. Fulbright Finland
Roth Endowment, Sarah has an opportu-
Foundation has worked with the Lois Roth
nity to follow both new and already occur-
Endowment since 1991.
Sarah Holdren
Unique from the Fulbright Finland Foundation
Short-Term Travel Grants
F
ulbright grants are traditionally
developed in Europe,” she says. In addi-
awarded for long-term visits to
tion to her postdoctoral work at Aalto,
the U.S. but the Fulbright Finland
Irina participates in the Aalto Scientists
Foundation also offers two short-term
at School program in which scientists visit
travel grant programs to the U.S. outside of
Finnish schools to talk about science and
the traditional Fulbright program. Candi-
get children interested in science: “Work-
dates must represent Finnish institutions
ing in the area of physics and technology,
but do not need to be Finnish citizens.
and especially as a woman in science, I can
The Fulbright Finland Travel Grants for Research Collaboration were launched
tell them about various hot research topics and my particular journey.”
Irina Nefedova 2019 Fulbright Finland Travel Grant for Research Collaboration NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California
in 2015 and are meant for researchers to oration, to advance collaboration between
Institutional Partnership Building
institutions and to serve as ambassadors of
This year the Foundation was pleased to
In the first application round, the
Fulbright Finland and Finnish-American
announce a second travel grant program.
Foundation selected two grantees for the
academic exchanges. This year, the Foun-
The Fulbright Finland Travel Grants for
new program. Anita Bisi is an Interna-
dation selected 6 travel grantees who rep-
Institutional Partnership Building are
tional Relations Manager at Aalto Uni-
resent a wide range of academic fields and
short-term travel grants for faculty or staff
versity and she will visit the Texas A&M
are working on timely research topics such
from Finnish higher education institutions
University to build further the collabo-
as warming of the Arctic Ocean, bioethics
to travel to the U.S. to initiate or advance
ration between the institutions. Michael
and global education.
institutional partnerships between the
Lowery Wilson is a group leader of the
Irina Nefedova from Aalto Univer-
candidate’s Finnish home institution and
Injury Epidemiology and Prevention
sity will visit the NASA Jet Propulsion
U.S. host institution. The purpose is to cre-
Research Group at the University of Turku
Laboratory (JPL) in California to conduct
ate long-term collaboration between Finn-
and he will travel to the Jacobi Medical
research related to an ongoing Euro-
ish and U.S. institutions in for instance
Research Center in New York to negotiate
pean Space Agency (ESA) project. Irina is
student and staff mobility, dual degree
the terms of planned long-term bilateral
excited about her upcoming visit. “During
programs, or curriculum collaboration.
faculty and student exchanges in the con-
visit U.S. universities for research collab-
in person to negotiate and work out the details of partnerships.
my stay, I will collaborate with JPL col-
The new program was founded in
leagues - world leaders in the THz remote
response to feedback from the higher
text of research and training between the
sensing and on-wafer measurements.
education field noting that funding
The outcomes of the visit will benefit the
opportunities are very limited for uni-
www.fulbright.fi/grant-programs-us/
Finnish THz community by acquiring
versity representatives, including staff,
short-term-travel-grants-us
measurement capabilities that are not yet
specifically for the purpose of meeting
Text: Emmi Jelekäinen
institutions.
www.fulbright.fi | 5
ON THE COVER
Truth Matters What happens if we can no longer trust our eyes and ears? Text MAIJA KETTUNEN Photos STUDIO TERHO PHOTOGRAPHY
Seminar program, presentations, photos, and further readings: www.fulbright.fi/event/ truth-matters
6 | www.fulbright.fi
Written and visual content is used to communicate,
the largest Estonian daily, Postimees. “It was a great
inform and influence, and to shape collective ideas
reminder to pay more attention to fact-checking
about people, politics, and public policy. Disinfor-
on each and every article and be more critical to
mation, manipulated videos and images spread on
images shared in social media.”
multiple platforms. In the era of deepfakes, how can
“These are critical questions that have come
we distinguish between true and false informa-
to concern all of us,” CEO of the Fulbright Fin-
tion? And what are the implications to our societies
land Foundation Terhi Mölsä noted in her opening
and our democratic institutions?
remarks. “You can no longer talk about the security
To facilitate cross-border dialogue and collabo-
of individual people without talking about security
ration to address these pressing current challenges,
in digital spaces. Simultaneously, cybersecurity
the Fulbright Finland Foundation organized a pub-
skills and media literacy skills have become basic
lic international seminar Truth Matters: Strategies for
skills that all citizens need. A high level of media
Combating Manipulated Realities.
literacy is a critical factor that enables citizens to
The keynote was given by Farida Vis, Director
function and make informed decisions in the digi-
of the Visual Social Media Lab, Manchester, UK,
tal age. Media literacy is a pre-requisite for a mod-
and an expert in visual disinformation research.
ern democracy,” she argued.
Vis and her team study the influence of images
The broad implications on democracies and the
on social media, and have developed a frame-
societal responses were discussed by an expert
work based on research that guides the in-depth
panel which included Director General Päivi Ant-
interrogation process of images. Vis expressed a
tikoski from the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office,
profound concern about the development of deep-
Professor of Cybersecurity Jarno Limnéll from
fakes, a technique for human image synthesis
Aalto University, Vice President of Education
based on artificial intelligence. It is increasingly
Barbara McCormack from the Freedom Forum
difficult for consumers to detect whether or not for
Institute, Mikko Salo, co-founder of Faktabaari
instance video interviews with our political leaders
(FactBar) and member of the European Commis-
are authentic or entirely fabricated.
sion’s High-Level Group on Fake News and Online
“The keynote by Vis offered not only well-ar-
disinformation, and Olli Seuri, an award-winning
ticulated understanding of the problem, but also
journalist and journalism researcher, who recently
useful tools of recognizing manipulated images
co-authored a nonfiction book on post-truth and
and examples of both politicians and even journal-
media called Totuuden jälkeen. The lively panel was
ists spreading information which had no proven
moderated by Mari K. Niemi, Director of the Inno-
evidence,” says Fulbright alumna Agaate Antson
vation and Entrepreneurship InnoLab of the Uni-
who currently works as a reporter and editor for
versity of Vaasa.
TRUTH MATTERS
Manipulated reality can be fought by educating people in media literacy.
The Truth Matters seminar was organized at the auditorium of the new Oodi library in Helsinki. Among the panelists were Mikko Salo (left), cofounder of Faktabaari (FactBar) and Olli Seuri, an award-winning journalist and co-author of a recent nonfiction book on post-truth and media.
Naomi Kellogg (in cover photo), a current Ful-
ing media, government, academic institutions,
bright English Teaching Assistant in Norway flew
think-tanks, and NGOs from northern Europe to
to the seminar from Oslo. “As an American, con-
Helsinki both to participate in its seminars and
stantly struggling to understand the full scope and
to meet each other and form networks for long-
threats of mis- and dis-information on my coun-
term collaboration across borders in the region.
try’s political landscape, I found the events infor-
This was the second year in a row that the Founda-
mative and engaging. The keynote speaker spoke
tion convened Fulbrighters in the region under its
brilliantly on the topic while making information
Nordic-Baltic Fulbright Initiative, this time with a
accessible to the varying levels of expertise in the
special focus on journalists and media and com-
room. As a fellow woman of color and aspiring
munication professionals. Close to 30 Fulbright
scholar, it was extremely inspiring to witness such
grantees and alumni media experts from abroad
an amazing presentation. I left the seminar feeling
attended the meeting held in conjunction with the
as if I had a renewed perspective on the many ways
public seminar.
to make an impact in the world in my field. This type of perspective is invaluable.”
Kristina Juraitė, a Fulbright alumna and professor and head of Department of Public Commu-
The Truth Matters seminar was particularly
nications of Vytautas Magnus University traveled
timely as it took place right before many national
to the meeting from Lithuania. “Disinformation,
and European elections. The seminar offered two
propaganda, fabrication, manipulation and alter-
hands-on workshops focusing specifically on
native facts, these are serious issues for the post-
media literacy and fact-checking for voters.
truth world to face,” she says. “These challenges
“The nuance and complexity of ‘fake news’ is
require refreshing and reconsidering fundamen-
what really surprised me at the symposium. For me,
tal values of democracy, such as truth, freedom of
a reporter moonlighting as a college teacher, the
expression, trust, media professionalism and civil
largest takeaway is how manipulated reality can be
society. Therefore, critical discussions and educa-
fought beyond the media by educating people, young
tional interventions are crucial to deal with new
and old, in media literacy,” says Egill Bjarnason, an
realities and contexts. I am really appreciative to
Icelandic Fulbright alum and correspondent for The
the Fulbright Finland Foundation for organizing
Associated Press, and freelance journalist for The
this seminar that also served as a platform for
New York Times, and Al Jazeera English.
learning, sharing and networking among Ful-
Fulbright-University of Turku Graduate grantee Michelle Paterick (center) is completing a master’s degree in Education and Learning at the University of Turku. Her master’s thesis research focuses on how entrepreneurship education at the high school level strengthens workforce and life skills. Together with all of the other U.S. Fulbright grantees currently in Finland, Michelle participated in the Truth Matters seminar. Read Michelle’s reflections on the seminar and its learning outcomes online at www.fulbright.fi/about-us/ blog/what-does-truth-mean
bright fellows and alumni from the Nordic-Baltic
Nordic-Baltic Collaboration
region.”
The Fulbright Finland Foundation routinely invites Fulbright alumni and current grantees represent-
www.fulbright.fi | 7
STUDIO TERHO PHOTOGRAPHY
FULBRIGHT ARCTIC INITIATIVE
Ministry for Foreign Affairs hosted a networking reception celebrating international collaboration in the Arctic.
FULBRIGHT FINLAND
Fulbright Arctic Initiative scholar Elizabeth Rink’s research addresses the socio-ecological determinants of sexual and reproductive health in Arctic indigenous communities. She is Associate Professor at Montana State University, and her research visit took place at the Thule Institute at the University of Oulu. The scholars were invited to the Presidential Palace for a briefing by Jukka Siukosaari, Head of the Cabinet and Secretary General and Petri Hakkarai nen, Foreign Policy Adviser of the President.
Fulbright Arctic Initiative
International Collaboration to Address Shared Challenges Text MAIJA KETTUNEN See the program of the plenary week and recording of the symposium: www.fulbright.fi/event/ fulbright-arctic-researchaction
T
he 2018–2019 Fulbright Arctic Initiative
The scholars were invited to the Presidential
brings together a cohort of 16 established
Palace for a briefing including how the Office of the
researchers, early-career specialists, and
President of the Republic of Finland is leading by
indigenous knowledge experts from around the
example in reducing carbon footprint and tackling
circumpolar North to form a network of scholars to
climate change in the Arctic.
conduct research in two broad focus areas: Resilient Communities and Sustainable Economies.
8 | www.fulbright.fi
At the Parliament House the scholars were hosted by Katri Kulmuni, Member of the Parlia-
Coinciding with the Finnish chairmanship of
ment and the current chair of the Finnish Delega-
the Arctic Council, the Fulbright Finland Foun-
tion to the Conference of Parliamentarians of the
dation organized the Mid-Term Plenary Week for
Arctic Region. During a thought-provoking dia-
the Fulbright Arctic scholars in Finland. The week
logue with Kulmuni, the Fulbright Arctic Initiative
kicked off in Helsinki with policy briefings and
scholars discussed tips on how to effectively com-
strategic discussions with government officials,
municate their scientific research to policymakers.
parliamentarians, climate scientists, Sámi repre-
The scholars were also generously hosted by the
sentatives and other experts discussing Finland’s
City of Oulu, and the plenary week culminated in
chairmanship priorities and how they relate to the
the public symposium at the University of Oulu.
two focus areas of the current Fulbright Arctic Ini-
The scholars shared their innovative collaborative
tiative program.
research, and highlighted their ongoing projects
FULBRIGHT FINLAND
CURRENT GRANTEES
The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland is leading by example in reducing carbon footprint.
developing actionable recommendations for national and international Arctic policymakers. At the conclusion of the week in Finland the Arctic scholars were connected with the Friends of Fulbright Finland alumni network in the United
Solving Global Problems Together Text JOANNE SWEENY, CECELIA LYNCH, and CAROLYN KEHN
States and already two months later the Friends of Fulbright Finland net-
HOW DO FINLAND AND THE U.S.
lens of understanding, but an imper-
work organized an alumni get-to-
COPE WITH PRESSING ISSUES OF
fect one.
gether for the scholars in Anchorage,
SOCIAL AND GENDER EQUALITY?
Looking at our problems from a
Alaska (see page 21).
While we come from three different
different point of view, a different
disciplines — law, political science,
country’s point of view, even one that
Understanding Life in the North
and sociology — and have quite diver-
seems to be doing a better job of han-
gent research topics for our stay here
dling the same issue, does not provide
In conjunction with the Fulbright
in Finland, we were asked to pres-
an easy solution to a complicated sit-
Arctic Initiative Plenary week, the
ent together at this year’s Fulbright
uation. Finland does not have every-
Fulbright Finland Foundation also
Forum. Commonality seemed difficult
thing figured out perfectly. Its history
brought over 20 current U.S. Fulbright
to find. JoAnne’s focus is on #metoo
and culture do not solve these prob-
grantees in Finland and their family
movements in the U.S. and Finland,
lems, and it is experiencing some of
members to Oulu to meet the Arctic
emphasizing the gaps left in existing
the same stressors as American soci-
scholars and learn about Arctic issues.
law that has led to the need for women
ety. Still, Finland provides different
Experiencing another side of Finland
to speak out more about their expe-
complications that can shine a light
also added to the U.S. grantees’ under-
riences with sexual trauma. Cecelia’s
on our own prejudices by showing us
standing of the life in the North. “Up
work focuses on humanitarian orga-
which different prejudices also exist,
until now, I had pictured the Arctic as
nizations and their critics, and asks
and what kinds of actions are being
the northern equivalent of the Ant-
whether the Nordic model of human-
taken to address them.
arctic, distant and inhospitable. This
itarian aid (and Finland’s role in it)
was far from the truth. The Arctic is
can provide an alternative to tradi-
AS WE CONTINUE OUR WORK, we can
a place of thriving communities and
tional aid that is often bogged down in
take significant lessons from Finland
life, and the challenges they are over-
paternalism. Finally, Carolyn’s work
and bring them to the United States,
coming are a lot closer to home than I
discusses comparative gendered iden-
but not clear answers. And, although
initially believed,” says U.S. Fulbright
tity in the American and Finnish mil-
some might wish for clearer resolu-
student Clinton Welsh. “From visit-
itaries, how those two countries have
tions of pressing problems, we left
ing Oulu with the Fulbright Finland
integrated women into their armed
the Forum energized by what we had
Foundation, I feel that I have a better
services, and whether the Nordic wel-
learned from each other and the audi-
appreciation of how resilient people of
fare state is a standard to be emulated.
ence. Because we have been exposed
the north and their communities can
Working together on our joint pre-
to other paths for enacting gender
be, and also that they are not distant,
sentation, however, showed that we
equality and dignity in humanitarian
but close neighbors,” he adds.
had more in common than we thought.
aid, we can pinpoint more of the pos-
While in Oulu, the U.S. grantees
A common thread wove through-
sibilities and dangers of each of these
also had a chance to travel back 5000
out our topics: we came to Finland to
paths in comparison with those in the
years in history and explore how peo-
study another way of looking at an
United States. Finland has provided
ple lived during the Stone Age at the
existing problem in the United States
us a stronger map with imperfect
banks of the River Ii during a day at
– whether sexual assault, humanitar-
but intriguing solutions that demand
Kierikki, the Europe Nostra Cultural
ian aid, or gender integration in the
continued exploration. We return
Heritage Award winning pre-historic
military – especially given Finland’s
home with the knowledge that not
settlement and research site. The
reputation for equality and sensitivity
through one country’s answers alone,
magical Aurora Borealis completed
in these areas. Ultimately, we came to
but together we can find a better path
the northern experience.
see that Finland can provide such a
towards solving global problems.
www.fulbright.fi | 9
#FULBRIGHTFIN70
Milestones Celebrated in Washington D.C.
SATU JÄRVELÄINEN
Text MAIJA KETTUNEN
In their remarks, Assistant Secretary of State Marie Royce (above left), Fulbright Finland Foundation CEO Terhi Mölsä, and Ambassador of Finland Kirsti Kauppi reflected on the unique history and impact of the ASLA-Fulbright program. On behalf of the founding governments, Assistant Secretary Royce and Ambassador Kauppi were presented with the first two glass Kuksas, designed and produced in a limited edition for the 70th Anniversary of ASLA-Fulbright by current U.S. Fulbright fellow Jonathan Capps. Music for the celebration event was provided by Fulbright Finland alum, baritone Simon Barrad. More photos from the event can be found here: www.fulbright.fi/ about-us/news-releases/ fulbrightfin70-celebratedwashington-dc
10 | www.fulbright.fi
T
he Fulbright Finland Foundation celebrated
Glass artist Capps designed and created a limited
the 70th anniversary of the ASLA-Fulbright
edition of glass Kuksas to honor the 70th Anniver-
Exchanges and the Centennial of Finn-
sary of ASLA-Fulbright. They will be given during
ish-U.S. diplomatic relations at the Finnish Embassy
the anniversary year as tributes of appreciation to
in Washington D.C. in May. The event brought
individuals and institutions that have significantly
together over 80 alumni, current and future grant-
contributed to the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
ees, program partners and other friends of Fulbright
Chief Executive Officer Terhi Mölsä honored
Finland to network and enjoy a full evening with
the founders of the ASLA-Fulbright program, the
surprise entertainment and Nordic buffet.
governments of Finland and the United States by
Many guests represented organizations in the
presenting the first Kuksas to Ambassador Kirsti
international education sector and various govern-
Kauppi and Assistant Secretary of State Marie
ment departments that have been working with
Royce, representatives of the Finnish and U.S. gov-
Fulbright over the years. Especially gratifying was
ernments respectively. “While founded by the two
the fact that so many Fulbrighters traveled great
governments, the Fulbright Finland program has
distances to share this unique opportunity to cele-
become embraced by the civil society and individ-
brate such important milestones together.
uals and institutions in both countries in a manner that has raised it onto levels that only broad and
Evening of Surprise Entertainment
genuine collaboration can bring about,” Mölsä said
“Largo al factotum”, or Figaro’s aria, as it is more
in her remarks.
commonly known, started playing and Simon Barrad, baritone and 2015-2016 U.S. Fulbright Fellow,
Remarks of Recognition
darted through the audience taking selfies while
ASLA-Fulbright program’s unique history and its
singing one of the most notoriously difficult songs
current engagement with the public-private sector
in the operatic repertoire. Barrad surprised the
were highlights of the official remarks. Ambassa-
guests by singing the concluding lines in Finnish.
dor Kirsti Kauppi focused on Fulbright Finland’s
A featured moment in the program was the
role in the diplomatic relations between Finland
presentation of the glass Kuksas, designed and
and the U.S.: “Fulbright Finland has been a big
created by U.S. Fulbright Fellow Jonathan Capps.
part of the relations between the U.S. and Finland.
#FULBRIGHTFIN70
The Finnish program shows how partners in both public and private sectors can support Fulbright at every level.
These connections that have been built through these exchanges are irreplaceable. They are connections between people, and very much also between institutions. I’m so glad about the fact that this highway is now used in both directions, and the benefits that we as individuals, as institutions and as nations get from this highway are PHOTOS: FULBRIGHT FINLAND
really beneficial for both of us.” Elaborating on the connection between Finland and the United States, Assistant Secretary of State Marie Royce said: “On the Finnish side, the funding for Fulbright Finland comes from an impressive variety of sources. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t use Fulbright Finland as an excellent example of private-public partnerships. The Finnish program shows how partners in both public and private sectors can support Fulbright at every level.” Thank you to all who came to celebrate with us, and to Ambassador Kauppi and the Embassy of Finland for hosting us. For the history of ASLA-Fulbright see www.fulbright.fi/about-us/history-unlike-any-other
Finnish higher education, research, and innovation. The discussion highlighted the importance of cooperation between Finnish and U.S. institu-
Dialogue on Education and Innovation
tions and inspired concrete ideas for joint actions
Before the Anniversary Celebration, the Fulbright
in the future.
Finland alumni and Ilkka Turunen, Finland’s new
A guided tour around the Embassy building,
Counsellor of Education, Research, and Innova-
including the famous diplomatic sauna, concluded
tion had an informal dialogue on what is new in
this special event.
Ilkka Turunen (center) was appointed as a Team Finland Knowledge expert to Washington D.C. in 2018. The purpose of the Team Finland Knowledge network is to implement Finland’s policies to promote the internationalization of higher education and research.
www.fulbright.fi | 11
Kuksa
Object that Embodies the Exchange of Culture and Ideas
Jonathan Capps 2018–2019 U.S. Fulbright Fellow to Finland Glass Artist Nuutajärvi Glass Village To honor the 70th Anniversary of ASLAFulbright, Jonathan Capps designed and created a glass Kuksa, a unique piece of art of which he produced a limited edition.
S
hortly after Terhi Mölsä, CEO of the Ful-
cup, a spoon, or a ladle. It stands for warmth, nour-
bright Finland Foundation asked me if I
ishment, and salvation – all of which are essential
would consider making something for Ful-
to survival but also in building and maintaining a
bright Finland’s 70th year celebration, I found a
community. Like the Fulbright exchange, the kuksa
used book on Tapio Wirkkala at a kirpputori - in the
can be passed from one person to the next. An
book, there is an image of Wirkkala’s hands holding
exchange, if you will, of its nourishing contents,
a kuksa cup. Like the kuksa cup they held, his hands
which strengthens relationships and the bonds of
were worn and well used. They were the hands of
human connection.
a craftsman. I could not stop thinking about this
This year the Fulbright Finland Foundation
image, and it became a point of inspiration for
launched its new logo. From the beginning (even
designing these gifts.
before I knew what the form would be), I wanted to
I was first introduced to the kuksa cup during a
include an element in its design that celebrated and
February family trip to Lapland. I became fasci-
recognized Fulbright Finland’s new look. To me, the
nated with this courageously modest vessel, and as
new logo looks like an overlapping, looping, mir-
I learned more of its humble origins I realized, on
rored pattern line that consists of various shades of
an existential level, that the kuksa is a metaphor
blue.
for my Fulbright Finland experience. Tradition-
My glass Kuksa represents a marriage of both
ally made from the knot of a birch tree, each kuksa
design and craftsmanship - an object that embodies
cup is uniquely personal, and meant to fit comfort-
the exchange of culture and ideas.
ably in the maker’s hands. The kuksa by design is
12 | www.fulbright.fi
a thoughtfully humble and practical vessel. It is
Read the whole story and watch a video of creating
multifunctional, simultaneously acting as a bowl, a
the Kuksa at www.fulbright.fi/about-us/blog/kuksa
FULBRIGHT FINLAND
#FULBRIGHTFIN70
FULBRIGHT FINLAND
FULBRIGHT IMPACT
Innovations in School Leadership U.S. school leaders learn about best educational practices to enhance student learning and develop 21st century skills. Text MIRKA McINTIRE
Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools The FLGS is an intensive professional development opportunity for K–12 school administrators launched in collaboration with the U.S. State Department’s Teacher Exchange Program Branch, the Fulbright Finland Foundation and IREX. Educating the Head, the Heart, and the Hands: Lessons learned by the 2019 Cohort of the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools, has been selected for the 2019 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership, November 8-10, in National Harbor, Maryland.
“It is not often as educational administrators we
as a whole was an obvious consideration in how the
are given opportunities to learn from each other
program was organized and planned,” says Chris-
in authentic environments. Fulbright Leaders for
topher Huff, High School Principal of the Waverly
Global Schools provided me just that,” says Michele
Community Schools.
Miller, Principal at Steamboat Springs Schools.
The program began in Helsinki with briefings
In March, the inaugural FLGS program brought
and strategic discussions to provide the back-
ten school leaders from around the U.S. to Finland,
ground and framework for the Finnish educa-
including Michele Miller: “I was able to engage in
tion system and school leadership in Finland. In
deep learning while being in school and university
addition to school visits in Helsinki, Vantaa, and
environments that enhanced my experience. Learn-
Jyväskylä, the participants had the opportunity to
ing from Finnish educators and scholars caused me
reflect upon current educational leadership prac-
to reflect, question and shape my thinking around
tices and themes in Finland and the U.S. at the
our U.S. educational systems of support.”
University of Jyväskylä’s historic Seminarium Hall
The program facilitated the sharing of best prac-
where Finnish teacher education first started.
tices between U.S. and Finnish education adminis-
“Learning about the Finland educational system
trators and educators, and supported a dialogue to
from the National standards to the various path-
address innovations in school leadership.
ways for upper secondary students such as the work force, vocational and college pathways as well as
Experiencing Different Learning Environments
learning about the culture of Finland was extremely
“Just like the Finnish Education system itself,
cational change in Colorado. Another impact was
the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program
that there were a number of issues in Finnish edu-
was an experiential, phenomenon-based, and
cation that we see in U.S. education and they are
cross-curricular undertaking. An emphasis on
actually global issues, such as special education
modern competencies and the wellness of the child
and the best way to service these students while
informative and gave me ideas for impacting edu-
www.fulbright.fi | 13
CURRENT GRANTEES
Just like the Finnish Education system itself, the program was an experiential, phenomenonbased, and cross-curricular undertaking.
providing a continuum of services,” says Judith
and beyond. Many of the participants are already
Dauman, Director Strategic Support and Innova-
working on ways to incorporate more opportunities
tion at Aurora Public Schools in Colorado.
and spaces for students to move, play, and socialize
As the Finnish education system is rooted in the values and culture of the Finnish society, the pro-
throughout the school day as afforded by the Finnish school day schedule.
gram shed some light onto these cultural and societal
“Our summer school program will pilot a
elements that contribute to its education system. The
learning-through-play Kindergarten class with
U.S. school leaders experienced nature school at the
a strong outdoor classroom component inspired
Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, tried the napakelkka
by the connection the Finns have to the outdoors.
carousel sled on the frozen sea, relaxed in the sauna
Conversations will continue at all levels about the
and even swam in the Baltic Sea. Heureka Science
role of homework as it relates not only to academic
Center was featured in the program as an example of
achievement, but to the work-life balance for all
new and diverse learning environments that play an
students. These initiatives move our programming
important role in the Finnish curriculum.
towards a healthier and happier learning experience and honor the whole child instead of the cur-
The Impact Continues to Grow
rent compliance-based wellness programming,”
While the program was brief, impact will continue
says Mary Anne Butler, Assistant Superintendent
to grow as the participants share the takeaways
at Stonington Public Schools.
with wider audiences in their school, home state
Joy of Creating Finland has been a longstanding leader in education. As a Fulbright Finland Inter-Country Travel Grant recipient, I gained a better understanding why. Loralie Heagy 2018–2019 Fulbright Finland Inter-Country Travel Grant Music teacher, non-profit director and teacher trainer Juneau, Alaska. Loralie came to Finland from the University of Strathclyde, UK where she is a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grantee. (Loralie top right in the photo.) Fulbright Finland Inter-Country Travel Grant www.fulbright.fi/ inter-country
W
hat makes the Fulbright Finland
teachers and pupils to take a creative approach
Inter-Country Travel Grant unique
to music and create their own compositions. The
is that school teachers are also eligi-
Finnish expression “ihan oma juttu” refers to the joy
ble to apply, not just scholars. Terhi Mölsä, Chief
that children can experience when creating their
Executive Officer of Fulbright Finland Founda-
own music. I was honored to attend the training as
tion, shared the reasoning behind their decision:
a member of the Musical Futures’ team and present
they value having teacher voice, viewpoint and
the Musical Futures approach to music-making in
expertise at the table when discussing solutions to
the school classroom.
today’s global challenges. This reason speaks to the
Thank you Fulbright Finland Foundation and
cross-disciplinary, holistic and innovative spirit of
the INTO Team for making my trip to Helsinki such
the Finnish education community.
a memorable and educational one. The time spent
During my five days in Helsinki, I had the oppor-
at the Fulbright Finland Foundation office talking
tunity to attend “Future Songwriting” training by
about educational issues is testimony to how sup-
INTO SCHOOL. The Creative Europe program of the
portive, involved and interested the entire Fulbright
European Commission selected Future Songwriting
Finland team is in forming lasting international
in July 2018 as the only major collaborative project
relationships with its grant recipients. I look forward
under Finnish management. Future Songwriting is
to connecting with the Fulbright Finland Alumni in
based on the INTO SCHOOL concept, developed in
Alaska now that I’m officially an alum!
Finland called Ihan Oma Juttu (my own thing). The main goal of the project is to make composing an integral part of music education, inspire
14 | www.fulbright.fi
Read the whole article: www.fulbright.fi/about-us/ blog/fulbright-finland-future-songwriting
JIANI ZENG
CURRENT GRANTEES
Empathic Product Development
W
hen was the last time a product made
turing, to perfection. On a more personal side, it
you think “what on earth were the
has been exciting to work with the many talented
engineers thinking when they made
researchers and professors at MIT, many of whom I
this?” I know mine was a self-checkout device in
expect to stay in touch with at various conferences
CVS Pharmacy, and I can recall being confused with
around the world. One benefit of working in a small
similar self-service desks in libraries and airports
research group has certainly been the close con-
as well. Such devices are good examples of design-
nection I’ve formed with my professor, which has
ers failing to consider the users’ experiences. In
already led to joint funding applications and other
fact, according to product development research,
academic Aalto-MIT matchmaking.
most new product launches fail due to people not accepting the new product. In my PhD research, I
Advice for Future Fulbrighters
investigate whether product developers’ empathic
For new Fulbrighters, I have two pieces of advice.
tendencies could partly predict the user experi-
First, don’t be shy about using the status of being
ences they create.
a Fulbrighter to capture attention. Using titles
My Fulbright exchange has certainly been an eye
doesn’t usually come naturally to Finns, but fight-
opener. At MIT, I’ve been surprised by the preva-
ing the habitual modesty helped me become room-
lence of product novelty as both a quality measure
mates with a Fulbright alumnus, and has scored me
and something that sparks people’s interest in
opportunities for elevator pitches with various pro-
general. Novelty has come up in various situations,
fessors and managers. Second, prepare for a bar-
ranging from water cooler conversations about
rage of curiosity towards Finland. During my stay, I
mobile phones or sports equipment to evaluation
found little need to proactively “sell” Finland since
rubrics for students’ product development proj-
I was often questioned about not only the political
ects. The phenomenon may partly be explained by
and education systems, but also things like energy
MIT’s history in producing successful consumer
production methods and building and infrastruc-
product innovations, such as Dropbox and Roomba,
ture standards. Overall, being a Fulbrighter has
whereas the roots of Finnish product development
greatly helped smooth out the bumps during my
lie more in honing large-scale products and pro-
exchange visit and provided ample opportunities
cesses, such as those in paper and board manufac-
for unexpected collaboration!
Antti Surma-aho 2018–2019 ASLA-Fulbright Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow Visiting student researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT Photo: “I’ve been acting as a mentor in two engineering design classes at MIT. As part of the Introduction to Design class, the students were tasked to build a device that is triggered by cutting a string and that transports a balloon to a box 7 feet away. My role has been to teach the students creativity methods, and grade some of their assignments.” www.fulbright.fi/ pre-doctoral
www.fulbright.fi | 15
MATTHEW FREEDMAN
CURRENT GRANTEES
Combining Work and Family
Teaching Award and our first daughter was born. We named her Lucía in honor of my grandmother, whose own grandparents had left Finland (Alavus and Lohtaja) to settle on the Oregon Coast nearly a century earlier. Traveling to the country of my Finnish ancestors with a tiny baby in our arms left my husband and me more vulnerable than we could have imagined. From saying goodbye to our family and friends, to finding a new balance in work and life,
“When I received the ASLA-Fulbright Graduate
to stepping into a country where little was known or
award to the United States, I was expecting my
familiar, navigating life as a Fulbright family has
first child”, says Sini Kantola, a University of Oulu
perhaps given us a real introduction to the art of
researcher on her Fulbright at the Aldo Leopold
finding our sisu (Finland’s version of grit),” Jane says.
Wilderness Research Institute in Montana. “I am
“Yet despite our humble attempts at parent-
so grateful to the Fulbright Finland Foundation
hood, it feels like Finland has welcomed us with
that I received the grant even though I was visi-
open arms and the Fulbright Finland staff and
bly pregnant during the interview. Together with
community have been a huge part of this. Likewise,
my husband we planned that I will take a 9-month
I know that the time we have been able to spend at
maternity leave after the birth and my husband will
home with our daughter is substantial compared to
take a paternity leave during my grant term in the
that of so many of my friends and colleagues back
U.S. if I get selected. And that’s how it happened – I
in Oregon. UNICEF’s former Executive Director,
received the grant and when our baby was 9 months
Ann M. Veneman once noted that, “Gender equal-
old, we moved to Missoula.”
ity and the well-being of children are inextricably
Sini says that paid maternity and paternity
linked. When women are empowered to lead full
leaves have woken a lot of amazement and admi-
and productive lives, children and families pros-
ration among the Americans she and her husband
per”. Spending just a few months in a Nordic coun-
have met in the United States. “Even though the
try has allowed us to experience a society where
Finnish system makes the father’s paternity leave
this notion is not just nodded to but embedded into
possible, still in 90 percent of Finnish families
daily life through comprehensive healthcare, uni-
it is the woman who stays at home with the baby
versal play-based preschool, and paid maternity
after the baby turns 9 months old. In many cases
and paternity leave.”
women still face discrimination in working life
“As a researcher and educator, I have witnessed
when they become pregnant in Finland. I’m happy
how such policies can impact a whole nation of
that the Fulbright Finland Foundation allowed me
children; their well-being and potential. I am
to combine work and family and to fulfill my dream
truly grateful to both the Fulbright Program and
of working abroad even with a small child in a way
the country of Finland for the generosity of spirit
that was good for the whole family,” Sini concludes.
you have demonstrated in empowering my family throughout our time here. To be able to share
The Nordic Theory of Motherhood
this prestigious experience with my daughter, and
“My husband and I received two of our life-long
know that Finland will not just be part of my story
dreams this year,” says Jane Weiss, a U.S. Fulbright
but part of hers brings me great joy. I will carry this
grantee at the University of Jyväskylä. “This year we
lesson forward in my continued work as an educator
moved to Finland for my Fulbright Distinguished
and advocate for children.”
16 | www.fulbright.fi
Sini Kantola 2018–2019 ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Montana www.fulbright.fi/ fin-graduate Jane Weiss 2018–2019 Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Grant University of Jyväskylä www.fulbright.fi/us-teacher
When women are empowered to lead full and productive lives, children and families prosper.
CURRENT GRANTEES / ALUMNI
T
he first year of my two-year
ALYONA EVDOKIMOVA
Diving into International Security discussions between me and my peers.
master’s degree in the Security
It is indeed the conversations and
Studies Program at Georgetown
debates – with other students in the
University is now over, and looking back
classroom or over a beer, with professors
it has been many of the things I was hop-
during office hours, or academics in the
ing for it to be. It has brought new people
many D.C. think tank events – that are
and ideas to my life, and most of all, chal-
a very important part of the experience.
lenged me academically. Washington D.C.
They always push me to see a new point
has put me in a box-seat to observe inter-
of view, and to defend my own. During the
national politics and decision-making in
year I advocated for the Program to add
the U.S.
classes that address security problems
During the year I have learned about
that climate change brings about, and I did
a range of security issues. It started in
it successfully; next year, two new classes
the fall with classes on military analy-
on environmental security will be taught.
sis, theory of security, and violent non-
Advocacy for issues that are important is
state actors, and continued in the spring
a given here. It is what D.C. is all about.
Iida Tikka 2018–2019 ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant Georgetown University, D.C. ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Ambassadorial Award
with international security issues, Arctic
The international Fulbright community
I look forward to next year and all the
security and the geopolitics of energy
opens doors and connects us awardees
debates, new classes, friends and events it
and technology. The United States views
with academics from different fields. As a
will bring. As the city prepares for another
security in its signature way as the
Fulbright Finland awardee I truly get to be
presidential election, it is clear that there
superpower it is, and differences in point
a part of discussions that actually might
is no better place to dive into international
of view have led to interesting classroom
shape international policies one day.
security.
Fulbrighters Lead Cultural Institutes
E
milie Gardberg and Laura Hirvi
to Jyväskylä,” Laura says. “The time in
are both Fulbright Finland alumni
California also improved my networking
and also directors of Finnish Cul-
and presentation skills that are very
tural and Academic Institutes — Laura
useful in my current position,” she says.
in Berlin and Emilie in London. Looking
Emilie highlights the importance of
back, they both emphasize how signifi-
networks she made in the U.S. “As a Ful-
cantly being a Fulbright grantee has con-
bright fellow I got to be a part of a very
tributed to their success in their careers.
international, high profile academic group.
Emilie was the first student from
The academic resources of Columbia Uni-
Finland accepted in the prestigious Arts
versity are enormous and the reputation
Management program in Columbia Uni-
world class, which further enhanced my
versity. She completed her master’s and
opportunities to stand out in the competi-
two internships, one at the Metropolitan
tive arts field later on. My Fulbright expe-
Opera and one at Jazz at Lincoln Center
rience carries me forward daily.”
Emilie Gardberg Director of the Finnish Institute in London ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2006–2007 Columbia University Laura Hirvi Director of the Finnish Institute in Germany ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2009–2010 UC Santa Barbara in California
touring department, gaining valuable
Emilie and Laura encourage young
work experience. “My studies and work
Finns to apply for a Fulbright grant even
in the U.S. greatly enhanced my career
if the application process would seem
that we have institutions such as Ful-
opportunities later on. I would not have
time consuming. “It is extremely valu-
bright that train people’s intercultural
been able to gain the same vast and varied
able to get international experience, very
skills,” Laura says.
experience in the arts in Finland as I was
few fields can succeed on simply domestic
able to in New York,” Emilie says.
knowledge,” Emilie says.
“We need to value these opportunities and make sure also future generations
For Laura the Fulbright year was
Both Laura and Emilie emphasize the
crucial for the development of academic
importance of enhancing the dialogue
have opportunities to get valuable inter-
skills and for growing her academic
across national borders. “Communication
networks. “The year eventually led to
and dialogue between people do not hap-
Read the full interview online at
a visit by the renowned anthropologist
pen always automatically and as smoothly
www.fulbright.fi/about-us/blog/
Professor George Marcus from UC Irvine
as we would wish. It is thus very important
fulbrighters-lead-cultural-institutes
national experience,” Emilie concludes.
www.fulbright.fi | 17
Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, Head of International Personal Bank U.S. at Citigroup and former President of Citibank California, talks about her experience as a Fulbright Fellow in Finland, her passion for business and leadership, and her cross-cultural outlook on life.
Leadership and Learning
Across Cultures Text LOUISA GAIRN
Rebecca L. MacieiraKaufmann U.S. Fulbright Fellow 1986–1987 University of Helsinki
Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann has made a success-
advised by Henri Broms, an expert in semiotics
ful career in business and banking, and says that the
and business, at the Helsinki School of Economics.
core of her work and values is caring about people.
Rebecca recalls that although she knew she wanted
Among her many passions, she highlights leader
to work on semiotics and international media
ship and intercultural learning as central to her own
related to Finland, she needed to define a specific
life and professional development. “I’ve loved lan-
topic. “But then in April of that year, the Chernobyl
guages and culture since I was a young kid. I went
disaster happened, and that made up my mind. I
to Chinese bilingual school, and I’ve studied nine
analyzed news coverage of Chernobyl, comparing
languages over the years. By the time I had my first
The International Herald Tribune with the Helsingin
full-time job I’d worked in five different countries.”
Sanomat, and also with Russian coverage in Pravda.
This passion for intercultural learning led
I was excited to look at both east and west news
Rebecca to seek out international opportunities
coverage – my big area of interest was how meaning
while still an undergraduate at Brown Univer-
is constructed.”
sity. Rebecca was studying Semiotics, and already
“It was a very deep learning year, and wonderful
planning a future career in business. She spent her
to stay focused on just one or two topics for a whole
summer vacations working abroad, first at Renault
year. I got to spend time with Finnish journalists
in Paris, and then at ITT in Helsinki. “I was so in
and travel with them, as the Helsingin Sanomat
love with Finland. I’d always wanted to go to busi-
invited me on a journalism trip to Estonia. I got to
ness school after college, but I also wanted to go
work on a book with Henri Broms, editing Semiotics
back to Finland. I was very fortunate. I got into
of Management. It was a wonderful year, very rich,
Stanford Business School and was awarded a Ful-
very intellectually exciting, and I loved getting to
bright scholarship to Finland at the same time.”
know the Finnish culture better.”
A Year of Intercultural Learning
ters,” she recalls. “It was -30 degrees celsius, and
Deferring business school for one year, Rebecca
trains were freezing to the tracks, you couldn’t wait
found the perfect fit for her research interests in
outside for the bus. I learned how to drive on black
Finland, hosted by the University of Helsinki and
ice, and when you could go walking out on the Gulf
“I think I lived there in one of the coldest win-
18 | www.fulbright.fi
ALUMNI IN FOCUS of Finland, on the frozen sea. I put my whole house
Rebecca adds that taking on a leadership role,
in Finnish, covered in little yellow notes, to learn
listening to and encouraging others, are some of
vocabulary. I learned about how Finnish society
the most rewarding aspects of her job. In addition
operates, how things are based on trust.”
to her responsibilities at Citibank, she is active in
Rebecca’s connection with Finland lives on in
the wider community, and often gives presenta-
more personal ways. “I’m an ambassador now for
tions at business schools and other institutions on
Finland here in the U.S.,” she laughs. “If anyone has
leadership, team-building, and business transfor-
visited me at home, they’ve probably had karjalan
mation. Through both her work and community
piirakka or other Finnish food. I took my kids to
activities, she has been recognized as an important
Moomin Land when they were little. We went to Fin-
role model for women in business, and has received
land again for fun last summer. My daughter’s already
a number of awards, including being named the
been to Finland three times and she’s only 19.”
2010 Financial Woman of the Year by the Financial Women’s Association of San Francisco.
Building a Successful Career
“When I went to business school, I would say
On completing her Fulbright scholarship year,
about a third of my class were women, and when
Rebecca took up her place in Stanford Business
I got into executive-level management, perhaps
School. “I moved straight from Helsinki to Palo
18–20% of executives were women. Now I would
Alto. What a contrast! I even had a pool in my
say there are many more women, and it feels like
apartment building. I would say I came back with
there’s much more parity compared to when I
a greater knowledge of the world, of both cultural
started. Before, women in senior roles didn’t nec-
differences and similarities. Business school is very
essarily have children, but now many do. I think
international, so that helped me a lot. I also had a
that now those who want to have kids are able to
sense of confidence, as I’d already had my research
balance that with their career.”
published a couple of times.”
Rebecca believes young women should feel
After completing her studies, Rebecca con-
empowered to pursue careers in business and
tinued working abroad, including a job in Hong
finance, and that a Fulbright scholarship offers
Kong, followed by three years in London working
a valuable opportunity to develop one’s profes-
in international strategy consulting. “I was always
sional experience and outlook on life. “My advice
looking for new cultures, new places to go. This
is to just go for it, because if you don’t it won’t hap-
time though, I wanted to work in English. It was
pen. Whether it’s your job, your grant, or moving
a little ironic that I wanted to work in English but
abroad, you have to try, so don’t give up. I think a
because of my language skills I was also assigned to
lot of people might be naysayers, but there are a
work with Finnish and French clients!” she laughs.
lot of people who are yaysayers! When you have a
On returning to the U.S., Rebecca decided to
challenge, listen to the positive people in your life.
focus on business management. She moved into
But above all believe in yourself, tell yourself you
the financial services sector, where she has built
can do it.”
Young women should feel empowered to pursue careers in business and finance.
I’m an ambassador now for Finland here in the U.S.
up a highly successful career over 25 years, including as CEO of Banamex USA, overseeing the U.S.
Importance of Investing in Fulbright
banking operations of Grupo Financiero Banamex,
“John F. Kennedy said about the Fulbright program
the second-largest bank in Mexico. She is now one
that it may be the best example of ‘beating swords
of Citibank’s most successful female executives,
into ploughshares, of having some benefit come to
formerly President of Citibank California and now
humanity out of the destruction of war’. It fosters
Head of Citibank’s International Personal Bank.
mutual understanding between people of the U.S. and people of different countries. It’s an amazing
Taking on New Challenges
program; it’s not political, it’s so open and broad.
“All of it has been tough, nothing is easy! But I
The whole aim is to bring people together.”
think I look for challenge, and for me, I’m in the
Rebecca argues for the importance of continuing
perfect job. Managing people, being managed by
to fund and invest in the Fulbright program, both in
people, working with regulators, meeting client
the U.S. and in Finland. “It is a way, one by one, to
needs, keeping employees motivated, getting the
have that cross-border, cross-cultural understand-
best value for customers… it’s a lot of juggling, a lot
ing. It’s so different from what you can learn about
of demand. Working with others is my greatest joy
another culture by reading the news or watching a
and greatest reward, as my colleagues become my
movie. When you live for a year abroad it makes you
family.”
more of a global citizen. There are very few things
“I love people, and what I love about the finan-
in this world that are not crossing boundaries all
cial service industry, is that money creates value
the time, but it’s so valuable to understand that
for people. It’s really about what people do with
all places have their local traditions, their local
their money, they save to buy a home, to create
knowledge, and not everything is like how we see
a small business, to retire, to give money back to
it. You need to learn to see things from a local’s eye.
society... everyday we’re helping people live their
I think it’s priceless. It gives you a window into dif-
lives and their own values. That’s why I get up in
ferent interpretations, and we all need more of that
the morning.”
in the world.”
www.fulbright.fi | 19
ASLA-FULBRIGHT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Do you want to invite the Fulbright alumni and grantees to visit your institution? Contact the Association if you are interested in inviting Fulbright grantees and alumni to your home organization to hear more about your work! The visits provide your organization an opportunity to create linkages and networks with the current U.S. Fulbright grantees and the Finnish Fulbright alumni. alumni@fulbright.fi
Become a member: www.fulbright.fi/ asla-fulbright-alumniassociation/joinassociation
Alumni Association Visits Nuutajärvi Glass Village Text INARI AHOKAS In early May members of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association and current U.S. Fulbrighters headed to Nuutajärvi to visit the Glass village and to learn more about the village’s rich history and glass blowing. Local glass artist Jenni Sorsa introduced the group to the Design Museum Nuutajärvi. The group visited the Glass Museum designed by Kaj Franck, 1955 Fulbright Finland grantee. Thanks to Jenni Sorsa and Jonathan Capps, a 2018-2019 U.S. Fulbright Fellow and glass artist, the group got to see multiple different glass artists,
Nuutajärvi Glass Village’s summer exhibition Jonathan Capps and Nuutajärvi Gallery Co-op worked together in producing the 2019 summer exhibition. Each of the 30 featured artists has collaborated with Capps during his Fulbright term, for example producing their artwork or planning how to exhibit it. The exhibition is open until September 1, 2019.
their stores and art pieces as well as a blacksmiths’ workshop. A close up demo on glass blowing by Jonathan concluded the special trip.
ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association Board 2019–2020 President Kirsi Cheas Postdoctoral Researcher John Morton Center for North American Studies, University of Turku ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2013–2014 Vice-President Magnus Backström Chief Strategist Elite Asset Management Finnish Fulbright Graduate Student 1981–1982 20 | www.fulbright.fi
Inari Ahokas Program Assistant Fulbright Finland Foundation Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe on Social Entrepreneurship 2016–2017
Antti Makkonen Senior Specialist, Banking & Finance Legislation Finnish Ministry of Finance, Financial Markets Department ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2014–2015
Petra Kuivala Junior Researcher University of Helsinki ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2016–2017
Meri-Katriina Pyhäranta Senior Adviser The Finnish Energy Authority ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2016–2017
Heikki Saxén Bioethics Researcher, Ph.D., Tampere University; Chairman of the Board at the Finnish Institute of Bioethics ASLA-Fulbright Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows 2014–2015 and Fulbright Finland Travel Grant for Research Collaboration 2019
Miika Vähämaa Researcher University of Helsinki ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant 2010–2011
FRIENDS OF FULBRIGHT FINLAND
U.S. Alumni Snapshots Active members of the Friends of Fulbright Finland have brought alumni together to strengthen the network. During the month of May alone, there were three events!
Madison, WI From the left: Thomas Dubois, Jukka Isomaa, Meri Luoma, Ilona Härmävaara, Anssi Peräkylä, Doug Maynard, and Hilary-Joy Virtanen.
Alumni of the Finnish Fulbright program met up for conversation and information exchange about Friends of Fulbright Finland alumni activities from Doug Maynard, FoFF Council member and 2006 scholar to University of Helsinki. Marlene Broemer (2000 Fulbrighter at University of Helsinki) organized this opportunity around the schedule of the annual meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study held in Madison, Wisconsin. Andrew K. Nestingen (Fulbrighter in 1996 to the University of Helsinki) was elected SASS Vice President.
Anchorage, AK Friends of Fulbright Finland Alumni Council member, Joan Kluwe (1999 U.S. Fulbright Fellow to the Finnish Forest Research Institute in Rovaniemi) welcomed to her home in Anchorage, Alaska members of the second cohort of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative grants program. Jon Petter Stoor
dun, Josée Lavoie Jon Petter Stoor, Elena Gla
(from Sweden, Sami Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Mental Health), Elena Gladun (from Russia, Tyumen State University, Law), Josée Lavoie (from Canada, University of Manitoba, Community Health), all of whom are spending some weeks in Anchorage and Fairbanks conducting the exchange portion of their Fulbright research project, met together for conversation and a table of Alaskan taste treats. Honorary Consul for Finland in Alaska, Hanna Eklund, joined the group as well.
Washington, D.C. Kay J. Kohl, 2010 Fulbright scholar invited the Fulbright Finland team and alumni to luncheon in her home in Washington, D.C. Discussion was free flowing and eventually led to the proposal for an exciting, new opportunity for American alumni. The project will be discussed and reviewed over the coming months. Stay tuned! The Foundation team was visiting Washington in order to participate in the dual
From left to right: Terhi Mölsä, Kay Kohl, Emilia Holopainen, Bill Eaton, Carol Tenopir, Gerald Lundeen, Maija Kettunen, Mike Loovis, and Suzanne Louis (in the front).
celebration of the 70th ASLA-Fulbright anniversary and the centenary of Finnish-American Diplomatic Relations, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Finland. (See page 10 for more details.)
www.fulbright.fi | 21
FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION / FULBRIGHT SUOMI -SÄÄTIÖ
Piia Björn
David Yoken
Professor Piia Björn to Chair Fulbright Finland Piia Björn, Professor of Special Education at University of Eastern Finland
Recognition for Distinguished Service
was elected Chair of the Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors
Fulbright Finland Foundation CEO Terhi Mölsä
for the two-year term beginning in January 2019. She previously served as
(center) has been awarded Knight of the Order of the
the Vice-Chair of the Board. Professor Björn is an ASLA-Fulbright alumna.
Lion of Finland, an honor conferred upon citizens
The new Vice-Chair of the Board is David Yoken, Senior Music Lecturer
who have distinguished themselves in the service
at the Arts Academy of Turku University of Applied Sciences. He, too, is a
of Finland. Recipients are decided by the President
Fulbright alum.
of the Republic of Finland. Terhi Mölsä pictured
The Fulbright Finland Foundation conveys a sincere thank you to
with Director General Tapio Kosunen and Direc-
Hannu Seristö, Vice President for External Relations at Aalto University,
tor Birgitta Vuorinen from the Finnish Ministry
for his valuable service on the Board. Seristö concluded his term on the
of Education and Culture.
Board in May. More about the decorations of the Order of More about the Foundation and its Board of Directors at:
the Lion of Finland and their history:
www.fulbright.fi/about-us/board-directors
www.ritarikunnat.fi/index.php/en/
Kamalan ihana Amerikka? Osallistu keskusteluun! SuomiAreena Pori 19.7.2019
Fulbright Finland Foundation is part of the global network of over 160 countries participating in the Fulbright Program.
Fulbright Finland Foundation is a Generation Study Abroad Commitment Partner.
Fulbright Finland Foundation is part of the worldwide EducationUSA network of over 400 advising centers.
FULBRIGHT FINLAND NEWS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Terhi Mölsä EDITORS Maija Kettunen (Managing Editor), Suzanne Louis DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanja Mitchell, Grafee EDITING OFFICE Fulbright Finland Foundation, Hakaniemenranta 6, FI-00530 Helsinki, FINLAND TEL. +358 44 5535 286 E-MAIL office@fulbright.fi ISSN 2489-2149 (print) ISSN 2489-2157 (online) COVER Scandia White 200 g/m² PAPER Scandia White 115 g/m² PRINT CIRCULATION 800 PRINTED BY Erweko Oy ONLINE www.fulbright.fi/fulbright-finland-news-magazine Fulbright Finland News on Fulbright Suomi -säätiön sidosryhmälehti, joka ilmestyy kaksi kertaa vuodessa painettuna ja verkkoversiona. Artikkeleissa ilmaistut mielipiteet ovat kirjoittajien omia. Aineisto vapaasti lainattavissa, lähde mainittava. // Fulbright Finland News is a biannual magazine published by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in print and online. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Fulbright Finland. Reproduction allowed, source must be cited. // While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this publication, Fulbright Finland does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. EDITORIAL COUNCIL Kirsi Cheas, Postdoctoral Researcher, John Morton Center for North American Studies, University of Turku; Janne Hokkanen, Director for Study and International Affairs, Lappeenranta University of Technology; Joan Kluwe, Senior Planner, URS Corporation; Helena Liikanen-Renger, Press Counselor, Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C.; Mike Loovis, Professor Emeritus, Cleveland State University; Ilja Orre, Consultant, Bain & Company; David Yoken, Senior Music Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences.
22 | www.fulbright.fi
FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION
THE FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION is an independent not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. Its purpose is to promote a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The Foundation collaborates with a range of government, foundation, university and corporate partners on both sides of the Atlantic to design and manage study and research scholarships, leadership development programs and internationalization services.
Finland-America Educational Trust Fund The Fulbright Finland Foundation is financially supported by the Finland-America Educational Trust Fund. Board of Directors
Fulbright Finland Foundation’s
Vision
is to empower the minds that will find global solutions to tomorrow’s challenges by fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in leadership.
Fulbright Finland Foundation Board of Directors Honorary Chair: Ambassador of the United States to Finland Robert Pence
Timo Korkeamäki Professor of Finance Hanken School of Economics
Finnish Members:
American Members:
Piia Björn Professor, Special Education University of Eastern Finland Chair
T.J. Grubisha Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy
Kirsimarja Blomqvist Professor for Knowledge Management, School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology LUT
Itonde A. Kakoma Programme Director Leadership team Crisis Management Initiative CMI
Ethan Tabor Deputy Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy David Yoken Senior Music Lecturer Arts Academy, Turku University of Applied Sciences Vice-Chair Ex-officio: Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation
Finnish Members: Jouni Mölsä Director General of Communications, Department for Communications and Culture, Ministry for Foreign Affairs Chair Jaana Palojärvi Head of International Relations Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture
Fulbright Finland Foundation Office Office: 044 5535 286, e-mails: firstname.lastname@fulbright.fi
American Members:
b Inari Ahokas Ohjelma-avustaja Program Assistant (temp.) 044 700 6170
Donna Welton Chargé d’Affaires American Embassy Vice-Chair
b Pia Arola Johdon assistentti Executive Assistant 044 5535 278
T.J. Grubisha Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs American Embassy
b Emilia Holopainen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator 044 7035 284
Director General / Säätiön asiamies:
b Emmi Jelekäinen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator 044 5535 275
Terhi Mölsä Chief Executive Officer Fulbright Finland Foundation
b Maija Kettunen Viestintä- ja tapahtuma koordinaattori Communication and Events Coordinator 044 5535 277
b Mirka McIntire Ohjelmapäällikkö, Koulutus- ja opettajavaihto Manager, Teacher Exchange and Education Programs 044 5535 269
b Karoliina Kokko Vastaava ohjelmapäällikkö Senior Program Manager 044 5535 268
b Mihkel Vaim Ohjelma-avustaja Program Assistant (temp.) 044 734 2939
b Suzanne Louis Projektikonsultti (osa-aikainen) Project Consultant (part-time)
b Terhi Mölsä Toimitusjohtaja Chief Executive Officer 050 570 5498
www.fulbright.fi | 23
FULBRIGHT FINLAND FOUNDATION
Fulbright Finland Foundation Hakaniemenranta 6 FI-00530 HELSINKI FINLAND
Calendar
August
May
14.5. Pre-Departure Orientation and Fulbright Award Ceremony for Fulbright Finland Grantees to the U.S. 26.5. 2020–2021 Application deadline: ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grants Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland Grants
June
19.–22.8. Arrival Orientation for U.S. Fulbright Grantees 21.8. ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association Welcome Event, Helsinki
October
17.6. Fulbright Finland Foundation Board Meeting
July 1.–21.7. Fulbright Finland Office Closed 19.7. Fulbright Finland Foundation at SuomiAreena, Pori
September 16.9. 2020–2021 Application deadline: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for Finland 24.–27.9. Fulbright Finland Foundation at EAIE Conference, Helsinki Fulbright Finland Foundation Board Meeting
11.–12.10. 27th American Voices Seminar Join us in Turku to hear about various aspects of American life, culture, history and society through the experiences of U.S. Fulbright grantees in Finland. The seminar is organized by the Fulbright Finland Foundation in cooperation with the University of Turku North American Studies Program and the John Morton Center. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Welcome!
www.fulbright.fi Ífulbrightfin Úfulbrightfinland Îfulbright finland