Candidate page Saara Ahola

Saara Ahola is the candidate for the 2027 SAMOK Board President.

Saara is from the Tampere University of Applied Sciences student union Tamko, and has served this year as chair of the Tamko board.

Why are you running for the SAMOK’s Board?

I am running for SAMOK’s board because the student movement needs a leader who can combine a bold vision with practical advocacy work. Students’ livelihoods, wellbeing and faith in the future have been undermined for far too long. I want to build a SAMOK that is transparent to its members, open in its operations and bold in advocating for their interests at a time when students’ faith in the future is being put to the test.

Responsibilities are also divided among the presidency in different ways depending on the year. What issues would you be particularly interested in in the Bureau’s area of responsibility?

I am particularly interested in political advocacy, leadership, generational policy and parliamentary elections.

What kind of networks do you have and what kind of networker are you?

My networks extend widely across the student movement, higher education institutions, the youth sector, international networks and the working world. I see people as people, not by their titles, which helps me network naturally across organizational and sectoral boundaries.

What kind of political lobbying experience do you have? For example, experience in lobbying.

I have been involved in advocacy my entire life, from elementary school to higher education and have made an impact at both the local and national levels. I have experience with meetings with decision makers, writing opinion pieces, preparing statements, collaborating with stakeholders and bringing students’ perspectives into discussions among universities, organizations and political decision makers.