Candidate Page Kiira Uutela
Kiira Uutela is a candidate for SAMOK’s Board of Directors for 2027.
Kiira is from the Student Union of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Helga, and has this year served as a chairperson of the Helgas reprecentative council.
Why are you running for the SAMOK’s Board?
I am applying for SAMOK’s Board because I want students’ voices to be heard where decisions are made. I want to build a student life where international students truly belong, wellbeing is more than just words, and graduation opens doors, rather than leaving anyone behind.
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.
My primary interests are international affairs and advocacy. I want to strengthen the position of international students and ensure that students’ voices are heard more strongly in decision-making. Secondly, I am interested in education policy and decisions that shape students’ futures.
What kind of networks do you have and what kind of networker are you?
My networks span student organisations, national student advocacy and international student communities. I am an active and approachable networker who enjoys bringing people together and building collaboration across organisational and background boundaries.
What kind of political lobbying experience do you have? For example, experience in lobbying.
I have two years of experience in student advocacy through HePo, as well as advocacy work as Chair of Helga’s Representative Council. I have participated in meetings with decision-makers, worked on statements and policy positions, and advanced students’ interests through various networks.
What kind of leadership experience do you have and what kind of leader do you aspire to be?
I have served as Vice Chair of HePo ry in 2025, Chair in 2026, and Chair of Helga’s Representative Council since May 2026. In addition, I led a team of 35 people at Nordic Business Forum 2025. As a leader, I strive to be inclusive, clear and encouraging.
Tell us why you should be elected to the SAMOK Board.
I bring courage, experience and a strong drive to SAMOK. I listen, connect people and turn ideas into action. I want to make sure every student’s voice is heard.
What else would you like to tell us?
Hi! My name is Kiira Uutela, and I am the Chair of the Representative Council of Helga, the Student Union of Haaga-Helia. I am a versatile professional in organizational activities, and I have carried out extensive advocacy work in the student association Porvoon opiskelijayhdistys HePo ry for two years. I want to make sure that students’ voices are heard and that groups who are less vocal also have the opportunity to be heard and listened to.
Student advocacy is not just about meetings and policy statements to me. It is about listening to people and turning ideas into action. I want to bring energy, courage and a collaborative mindset to SAMOK. I believe internationalisation, wellbeing and effective student advocacy should be accessible to every student and I am ready to work for it.
Contact info: