Annu Suvilehto
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Annu Suvilehto is a candidate for SAMOK’s Board of Directors for 2026.
Annu is from the Student Union of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences JAMKO, and has this year served as a chairperson of the JAMKO Representative Council.
Why are you running for the SAMOK’s Board?
The union’s advocacy work at the national level plays a key role in representing students’ interests. I want to be involved in this important work and help move things forward. I have a lot to offer, and the whole field will benefit from my experience and expertise.
The responsibilities and combinations of responsibilities on the SAMOK Board vary from year to year. Which areas of responsibility are of primary interest to you? And what are your secondary interests? Please explain.
Primarily, all education policy issues and the situation of international students in Finland. I have worked to ensure that international students also receive a high-quality education. Secondarily social policy.
What kind of networks do you have and what kind of networker are you?
I have expanded my networks through student union activities, for example, with decision-makers in Jyväskylä and student union in university. I am a people person and enjoy getting to know new people with low-threshold.
What kind of political lobbying experience do you have? For example, experience in lobbying.
I have met with members of parliament and city decision-makers. I informed them about the financial situation of students, the lack of internships, and the problems faced by international students.
What kind of leadership experience do you have and what kind of leader do you aspire to be?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been my role in the student union: as tutor responsible I guided the tutors through the entire process. As chair of the board, I was a supervisor and as chair of the representative council, I lead the council. I always strive to lead by example and am caring but fair.
Tell us why you should be elected to the SAMOK Board.
SAMOK will gain a reliable worker who doesn’t get flustered by minor issues. My solid experience guides my actions, which is reflected in my confidence. I am a pleasant colleague, and I believe that together we can achieve more.
What else would you like to tell us?
I am soon graduating from Information and Communication Technology Engineering. I have been gaining experience in the student union at JAMKO for three years now: as a member of the board as tutor responsible, as chair of the board, and most recently as chair of the representative council. In my free time, I like to hang out with my cats while watching TV series or playing games.
I want to be involved in building a better tomorrow for students. Equal and high-quality education is everyone’s right, and I intend to do my part to ensure this at SAMOK.
Being active as a student has always been a matter of course for me. Right after I started my studies, I was asked if I wanted to join now or next year. I said next year, and that’s where I am now.
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