A New Era for Finnish America Begins in the SF Bay Area
Written By:
Nina Dahlblom
Founded in 1956, the Finlandia Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Chapter celebrated its 70th anniversary in Palo Alto in May 2026 while looking boldly toward the future as a catalyst for innovation.
May 14, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter President Hanna Merk and husband Axel at the entrance of their beautiful residence in Palo Alto. Photography by Heli Carper
Dr Hanna Merk holds deep respect for history—but her leadership is firmly anchored in the present and the future.
As the head of the Finlandia Foundation’s San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Merk is guiding the organization into a new era while honoring the decades of dedication that built it.
“We are deeply grateful to those who have carried and shaped the Finlandia Foundation and our local chapter for 70 years, through many changes,” she says. “Dozens, even hundreds of people have been involved. But now, it’s time for something new.”
A Doctor of Education and mother of four raised in the Bay Area, Merk has, together with her new board of directors, begun reshaping the Foundation’s mission. At the same time, she is expanding how Finnish culture itself is understood within the community.
Honoring 70 years of Finnish American community, culture, and connection in San Francisco Bay Area. Photography by Minea Herwitz.
The San Francisco Bay Area—widely seen as the most innovative region in the United States—has influenced that vision.
“Here, we live and breathe innovation and entrepreneurship,” Merk explains. “Innovation is important to us collectively. Another key idea for the future is that we must be able to pass on our identity to the next generation—on their terms.”
She also sees untapped potential in the broader Finnish diaspora.
“Finland has not fully leveraged the Finns living in the United States—people who are deeply networked and experienced in American society and in Silicon Valley.”
Merk is not thinking small. She is opening bold new pathways into innovation and entrepreneurship. One example is the upcoming Founders Forum, designed to connect young Finnish entrepreneurs with peers embedded in the local startup ecosystem—scientists, founders, and innovators shaping the future.
At the same time, is strengthening ties with universities. More initiatives are already in development, and this year’s May Day (Vappu) celebration was organized in collaboration with young entrepreneurs from the SILTA program.
Chapter Board Member Johanna Behm speaks about Finlandia Foundation initiative Founders Forum in Silicon Valley. Photography by Minea Herwitz
At the 70th anniversary celebration, board member Johanna Behm highlighted the importance of supporting Finnish female founders. She encouraged the Finnish-American community to help early-stage entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, networking—or even simply offering a place to stay—while expressing hope that the next generation could produce Finland’s first female-founded unicorn companies.
During the 70th Anniversary dinner al fresco, speakers and guests were serenaded by violinist Jari Suomalainen. Photography by Minea Herwitz.
A Community That Feels Like Home
The Finlandia Foundation SF Bay Area Chapter is giving a stronger voice to the future.
“We want Finlandia Foundation to be synonymous with a safe place—a home that young Finns feel good returning to,” Merk says. “We talk about strong leadership, sustainable values, and the power of building together. We can be an engaging platform for anyone interested in Finland.”
Youth engagement is central. The chapter rewards university students through its Youth Program, encourages Nordic Cafés on campuses, and builds bridges between American universities—such as UC Berkeley—and institutions in Finland.
Still, Merk sees a critical gap.
“We have The Piilaakson Suomikoulu, but we lose many young people between ages 18 and 25. Karelian pies and folk dancing alone are not enough to keep them engaged,” she says. “We need to speak to Finnish Americans who are rooted in this society—their identity and their opportunities.”
Chapter Vice President Jenni Backholm invited the community to participate in building The Nordic Student Network in Silicon Valley. Jenni with husband Ari Backholm. Photography by Minea Herwitz
Jenni Backholm the vice president of Finlandia Foundation SF Bay Area Chapter addressed this at her speech at the 70th anniversary celebration.
“We are building a Nordic Student Network that connects globally seasoned Finnish American students with universities, mentors, and workplaces in Finland and Silicon Valley. The next step is creating real exchange opportunities—and inviting our community in Silicon Valley to help guide the next generation.”
Pellava Choir singing iconic Satumaa by the pool under the stars. Photography by Minea Herwitz
Culture, Innovation—and Everything in Between
Alongside innovation, the chapter continues to nurture cultural life.
The Pellava Choir ensures that Finnish music remains an essential part of events. Its repertoire ranges widely, including avant-garde four-part arrangements by Sara Tulla Koskela and supported by pianist Eeva-Maija Kirsilä.
”Singing together is one of humanity’s oldest ways to create belonging and togetherness, also in Finnish culture. Contemporary arrangements of classic Finnish songs are a form of innovation and creativity just as much as technology—they open hearts, strengthen connection, and carry culture across generations” choir conductor Anne Castrén mentioned before the captivating sing-along performance of Satumaa by the pool at the celebration.
Pellava Choir performance included contemporary Finnish music interpretations of iconic songs arranged by Sara Tulla-Koskela including Lauantai-ilta (trad), Niin se aika kulkee (E-M Juutilainen), Myrskyluodon Maija (Lasse Mårtenson), Synnytty Saunomaan (Olli Halonen) and Satumaa (Unto Mononen). Video by Jim Koski
Finlandia Foundation National Executive Director Tommy Flanagan reflected on the chapter’s long-standing contribution to Finnish-American community life during the 70th anniversary celebration. Photography by Minea Herwitz.
For Merk, community-building always starts with people’s passions.
“On our board, everyone has their own area of enthusiasm. We have men and women of all ages—including those under 30,” she says. “When you’re truly passionate about something, you’re willing to invest in it.”
“That philosophy shapes how responsibility is shared — and how the organization continues to renew itself across generations. When people are given space to contribute through their own passions, meaningful things happen — and community becomes something people genuinely want to build together.”
What emerged over the course of the anniversary evening was something more than a tribute to history. It felt like a welcoming party for the future — one that left many in the room wanting to help shape the next chapter themselves.
A toast to seven decades of community — and to the generations still to come. Photography by Minea Herwitz.