Young Leaders Board

Finlandia Foundation National’s Young Leaders Board (YLB) is accepting applications to the new cohort! We are looking to add to our network of next generation Finns, Finnish-American, and friends of Finland.

The goal of YLB is to tap the talent pool of younger generations of Finns, Finnish-Americans and others in the U.S. who are intrigued by Finnish heritage and contemporary Finland, and are looking for a way to pursue and advance those interests. We strive to create community, networking opportunities, and interesting programs.

Since its founding in 2021, YLB members from across the U.S. have brought a range of expertise, from finance to marketing to education and history, to the FFN organization. They take their commitment seriously and meet virtually on a regular basis. They serve alongside trustees on FFN committees and offer fresh perspectives on current and future programs.

Applications will be open until Friday, September 11, 2026.

About the Young Leaders Board

In early 2021 we launched the Young Leaders Board (YLB) of Finlandia Foundation National to work alongside the FFN trustees.

We see this as imperative, in order to attract younger people who will get to know, love and nurture this organization for the future. 

Our goal is to tap the talent pool of the generation of Finns, Finnish-Americans and others in the U.S. who are intrigued by Finnish heritage and contemporary Finland, and are looking for a way to pursue and advance those interests.

Each YLB member has committed to working with FFN committees to achieve our organizational goals, both short and long range.

The Young Leaders Board regularly meets online and almost immediately launched two initiatives: Finnish American Professional Network on Linkedin and a curated Spotify playlist of favorite Finnish bops. They have also established a relationship with the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., and have conducted events for young professionals there.

We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response and involvement of the original, eight charter members of YLB. They established the organization, and brought a diverse set of skills, interests and experience to their volunteer positions. And now, we welcome the next members of the organization.

Each YLB member has committed to working with FFN committees to achieve our organizational goals, both short and long range. Join YLB and click on the video by Nate Kilponen-Fix on his thoughts about why heritage matters.

All are invited to follow FFN social media and sign up for our free, monthly e-news to learn of new programs and opportunities with YLB.

Abi Carlson
Oliver Gardner
Rachel Hamalainen

Anne Junttila
Nate Kilponen-Fix
Aura-Maria Moore