Following Think Africa’s Annual General Meeting last month, we a thrilled to announce that a new Board of Trustees was elected to lead our organization. We have full confidence that the newly elected Board is passionately committed to driving forward our organization’s objectives of championing the African diaspora and fostering fruitful partnerships between Finland and Africa.
With a combination of experience and fresh perspectives, our newly elected Board is well-positioned to build upon the remarkable efforts of their predecessors and take Think Africa to new heights.
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Get to know the members of our new Board:
Akin Akinsola – Chairperson: I am Akin Akinsola, the incoming Chairperson for Think Africa. I have been on the Think Africa Board before as a member, the Community and Outreach Manager, and a member of the Communication and Strategic Partnerships team. I am also the coordinator for The African Conversation. I am an engineer by education and profession.
I enjoy reading in my free time and playing basketball. It’s an honour to be back home to Think Africa, and I hope to meet as many members as possible as we work together.
Email: akin@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Feven Abegaz – Vice Chairperson/Partnerships: I’m Feven Abegaz, originally from Ethiopia, and the incoming Vice Chairperson of TA. My expertise lies in integration, and I closely work with the immigrant community in Finland. Since 2019, I have been volunteering in various roles at Think Africa. As the Vice Chairperson, my main goal is to address the needs of our members and promote inclusivity in Finland by collaborating with like-minded individuals.
I am committed to working towards a more diverse and equitable Finnish society, and I strongly believe that Think Africa can contribute to achieving this goal. In my free time, I enjoy listening to thought-provoking podcasts and engaging in conversations on societal issues.
Email: feven.abegaz@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Michael Bruce – Deputy Member of the Board: I have been a member of Think Africa and part of the marketing and communications team for nearly two years. My motivation to join this organisation stems from a desire to make a positive impact on my community, particularly by promoting Think Africa as a go-to organisation for the African diaspora in Finland.
With extensive experience in PR and marketing across diverse industries, including mining, telecommunications, insurance, and deep tech, I will continue to leverage my skills to help elevate the profile of Think Africa and advance its mission. In my leisure time, I enjoy indulging in various sports, particularly football, playing music, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Email: michael.bruce@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Senghor Nkuliza – Deputy Member of the Board: This is my third year serving Think Africa, after two first years as a treasurer. I joined the year before as a member, and since then, I have enjoyed the journey to support Think Africa’s goals, strategies, and activities.
This year, 2023, I will be a Deputy Board Member but not restricted to it. I will also be supporting the organization in its finance, fundraising, partnerships, and outreach team committees to keep strengthening a sustainable organisation.
By profession, I am a qualified Math and Science teacher in basic education and upper secondary school. I am also involved in education entrepreneurship between Finland and Africa.
Email: senghor.nkuliza@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Ouma Okello – Outreach, Events, and Programmes: I am originally Kenyan and Tanzanian and I currently live, study, and work in Espoo. I have more than eight years of experience working with different associations in different capacities, including Kokkola Immigrant’s Advisory Council, and Kokkola Multicultural Association as a chairperson. I have also been a columnist for Kokkola Lehti between 2016 and 2019, touching on immigrant’s integration and their daily life experiences in Finland
I am interested and focused on leadership, management, strategic planning, policy analysis, lobby and advocacy, community mobilization, and empowerment. As a Pan-Africanist, I feel privileged to be part of the Think Africa Board supporting the African diaspora in Finland.
Email: ouma.okello@thinkafrica.fi
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Iina Sorvari – Outreach: I am a People & Culture (HR) professional and solution-focused coach with a passion for people and holistic well-being. My personal mission is to make this world more inclusive, and I am thrilled to drive that initiative forward as a board member. I am a quite recently “activated” member of Think Africa. Still, I have over 10 years of experience working with intercultural matters and various NGOs, giving me a holistic understanding of the NGO field in Finland and people’s motivations for engaging in it.
I have a strong development focus in everything I do. With Think Africa’s Board, I will be focusing on finding new ways to make being a member more fun and engaging, as well as contributing to the advocacy and strategy work. I am looking forward to getting to know you and understanding how we can make being a member of Think Africa even more engaging and rewarding. You can reach me in English, French, or Finnish. Vous pouvez aussi me contacter en français, si vous préférez.
Email: iina.sorvari@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Nia Sullivan – General Secretary/Partnerships: My name is Nia; I am from Seattle, WA, and I live in Helsinki as a master’s student studying Social Exclusion and Gender Studies. I have served on the Board of Think Africa as the General Secretary and Partnerships associate since the Spring of 2022. Previously, I led the TA outreach committee, conducted volunteer coordination for TA Week, and interned for the TA Entrepreneurship Program. I am a research partner concentrating on racism and mental health, and I coordinate weekly running events through the NGO Miitti. Having experience in human rights activism and social work, I am captivated by collaboration and aspire to nourish community and inclusion through Think Africa.
Email: nia.sullivan@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Joolokeni Vesikko – Communications: I am a Namibian-Finnish marketing and communications professional living in Tampere. I believe that the African diaspora community in Finland plays an important role in not only keeping people connected to the continent but also in empowering the community to integrate and thrive in Finnish society. Working with various startups and larger brands has taught me invaluable lessons that will help me contribute to promoting Think Africa’s mission and activities to internal and external stakeholders, including potential members, partners, and media. I am passionate about various forms of storytelling and look forward to strengthening the connections of African diaspora people and organisations across different walks of life and sectors in Finland and African countries.
Email: joolokeni.vesikko@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
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Denise Wall – Treasurer: Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, I’ve lived in Finland for 21 years. During my time here, I’ve worked in journalism, corporate communications, and marketing. I’ve also worked as a solo entrepreneur on a range of content and communications projects across many sectors, including higher education, IT, and cybersecurity. I’m currently a micro-entrepreneur working in communications and the host of the podcast Finland: Through the looking glass. My passion lies in storytelling as a way to empower individuals and communities. I value the importance of solid organisational structures and policies that allow people and teams to excel. I’m therefore pleased and honoured to join the Think Africa Board and excited to continue the outstanding work of the outgoing board.
Email: denise.wall@thinkafrica.fi – LinkedIn
