Finlandia Foundation National Hosts Annual Board Meeting in Chicago and Signs Historic Sauna Partnership
Written By:
Minea Herwitz
CHICAGO, IL — Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) gathered its board, chapter leaders, young professionals, cultural advocates, and friends of Finnish America for its annual in-person board meeting and reception in Chicago the weekend of April 25–27, 2025. The event was hosted at the downtown offices of ArentFox Schiff, thanks to the generous support of board member Honorary Consul Jon Jurva.
The weekend began on Friday, April 25, with a vibrant community reception on the 71st floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Guests were treated to Nordic appetizers, Finnish Long Drink, and a rich program celebrating heritage, leadership, and collaboration.
FFN’s Executive Director Thomas Flanagan and President Päivi Tetri welcomed attendees, followed by remarks from Jon Jurva, who helped make the evening possible, and Mary Wurzer, president of the Finnish American Society of the Midwest (FASM). Mary highlighted the wide range of cultural activities and opportunities available in the local Finnish-American community.
It was also a meaningful time to honor and recognize several board members who are retiring from their service: Ellen Harju, Peter Mäkilä, Teuvo Pulkkinen, and Anne-Mari Paster. Their dedication and contributions have helped shape Finlandia Foundation National, and we are deeply grateful for their years of commitment to advancing our mission and community.
A highlight of the evening was a keynote presentation by Eero Kilpi, President of the Finlandia Foundation New York Metropolitan Chapter, FFN’s 2025 Lecturer of the Year, and Chair of the North American Sauna Society (NASS). Since 2004, Kilpi has led efforts to reintroduce and elevate the authentic Finnish sauna experience across North America.
A Historic Launch: North American Sauna Society’s Ambassador Program
This gathering of Finnish-American leadership marked the official launch of the North American Sauna Society’s long-anticipated Ambassador Program. Unveiled for the first time to this council of cultural and emerging leaders, the program is designed to build a network of trusted voices who can educate, celebrate, and elevate the practice of traditional Finnish sauna in communities across North America.
With Finlandia Foundation National now recognized as the cultural partner of NASS, the Ambassador Program represents a new era of collaboration rooted in authenticity and cultural stewardship. Ambassadors, representing the newly united communities of the North American Sauna Society and Finlandia Foundation, will serve as connectors and advocates—identifying the best sauna experiences, sharing accurate information about sauna traditions, and hosting events that engage and educate new audiences.
“There was no better place to announce this launch than in a room filled with those who have spent their lives carrying Finnish culture forward in the US,” said Eero Kilpi. “This is more than a program—it’s a movement to restore sauna to its rightful place in North American life.”
The announcement was followed by the presentation of a Letter of Intent to Nate Kilponen-Fix, a member of FFN’s Young Leaders Board from Pittsburgh, PA, who will be founding the first regional chapter of the North American Sauna Society. His initiative reflects the next generation’s growing interest in wellness, community, and meaningful cultural connection.
We were also honored to have Ruut DeMeo, President of the Finlandia Foundation Baltimore Chapter. A gifted singer-songwriter, Ruut graced us with her moving musical performance, which included her original piece “Old Wisdom, New Fire”, commissioned by FFN for National Sauna Week, and co-written by Ida Metsberg. The heartfelt lyrics and stirring melody captured the spirit of the evening, bringing many in the room to tears. It was a perfect, emotional close to a powerful program—one that celebrated the old and welcomed the new with open hearts.
As one guest put it, “The feelings were warm—and not just from the sauna talk.”
Finlandia Foundation is committed to honoring Finnish-American history while actively shaping the future of our community. This weekend’s events were not just a celebration, they were a moment of cultural momentum and meaningful connection.
