From Nordic Flag Raisings to Finnish-American Alliances

The NEF Newsletter: Connecting New England, Finland, and Scandinavia through trade, education, and culture. Born from the enthusiasm of Finnish New Englanders, it charts our shared journey—past, present, and future. Join our growing community of 2,680+ subscribers and many more via email and blog. Share with anyone eager to build Nordic-New England bridges.

Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Henrik Totterman, Finnish Honorary Consul for Boston and New England. A professor, entrepreneur, and connector dedicated to fostering Finnish-American collaboration and advancing sustainable solutions.

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Contents — June 2025

Upcoming Events

Business & Trade Connections

Innovation, Education & Research

Culture, Heritage & Sport

Diplomacy & Public Affairs

A Season of Nordic Firsts

This month, our Nordic presence in New England reached new heights with two historic firsts: Boston City Hall hosted its first-ever Norwegian and Swedish Flag Raising Ceremonies to celebrate each country’s national day. These landmark events were more than symbolic—they were heartfelt affirmations of the deep-rooted friendship and shared democratic values between our nations and the United States. The City Hall lights shone red, white, and blue for Norway, and yellow and blue for Sweden, illuminating the buildings and the spirit of unity across the region.

We proudly celebrate this new tradition alongside our Swedish and Norwegian friends. As Finnish-Americans, we are deeply aligned with our Nordic neighbors in championing education, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. Together, we contribute to a vibrant, globally connected Northeast that continues to lead purposefully.

Adding to this momentum, I am thrilled to share that a new chapter in transatlantic cooperation was launched in Washington, D.C.—the Finnish-American Society in Science, Innovation, and Arts. I had the privilege of contributing to its formation. This initiative is designed to strengthen connections across disciplines, industries, and communities, building long-term alliances that amplify Finland’s impact and deepen collaboration across the Atlantic.

As we reflect on these milestones and look ahead to summer, let us celebrate our shared heritage, continued partnerships, and the decisive role of our Nordic values in shaping a better, more connected world.

Hyvää kesää ja lämpimin terveisin — Glad sommar och med varmaste hälsningar — Wishing you a wonderful summer and warmest regards!

Yours Truly,

Dr. Henrik Totterman

Honorary Consul of Finland to the City of Boston and New England.

Events in June

BIO 2014, June 16-19 in BOSTON

Business & Trade Connections

Spotlight on Global Talent: Webinar on Employment for Expatriate and Returning Finns

Suomi-Seura ry, in collaboration with FINEKS, recently hosted a well-attended and inspiring webinar focused on the employment journey of expatriate Finns and returnees. The virtual event brought together a dynamic panel of professionals who shared their experiences, practical insights, and actionable advice on navigating the Finnish and international job markets from multiple perspectives.

Moderated by Markus Fabricius (FINEKS) and Jenny Orphanou (Suomi-Seura ry), the session featured rich contributions from panelists Marja Koukka, Helka Mäki, Olli Junes, Ville Aittola, Saija Talsi, and me, Henrik Totterman. Each panelist offered unique insights, ranging from industry-specific guidance to broader reflections on career transitions, cultural adaptation, and building professional networks across borders.

Audience engagement was high, with excellent questions and thoughtful discussion. Together, the panel and participants explored how expatriate experience can be an asset, how returnees can re-integrate with confidence, and how we all play a role in shaping a more inclusive and opportunity-driven employment culture. The event served as a potent reminder that lifelong learning, resilience, and community support are essential tools for turning career dreams into reality, no matter where in the world you are.

Innovation, Education & Research

A Strategic Playbook for US Public Sector Entry

What happens when cutting-edge academic insight meets a real-world challenge? A team of exceptional Harvard students from my Capstone Course—Claudya, Jason, Katelin, and Kitty—just showed us.

Partnering with Juhani Sirén of Business Finland as their capstone client, the team delivered a high-impact presentation and a strategic playbook to help Finnish companies navigate and succeed in the U.S. public sector. Their roadmap clarifies an often complex journey from market fit to contract readiness.

As Juhani noted, the presentation was “state-of-the-art.” The resulting framework is a strategic, operational, and tactical powerhouse. This isn’t just a student project—it’s a tool Finnish companies will use to gain traction in the U.S. public procurement space.

Congratulations to the team on their rigor, insight, and drive. It was a privilege to learn alongside you! Reach out if you are interested in learning more.

Launching the Finnish-American Society in Science, Innovation & Arts

Wednesday, May 28, 2025, marked a milestone in transatlantic collaboration as nearly 200 guests filled the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., to launch the Finnish-American Society in Science, Innovation, and Arts.

The evening brought together a vibrant mix of scholars, creators, and professionals dedicated to strengthening U.S.–Finnish ties in academia, culture, and innovation. The Finlandia Hall was full to the brim—every seat taken—as participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and spirited networking throughout the night.

I was privileged to moderate a robust panel discussion on international science and innovation diasporas, featuring distinguished voices worldwide. The evening also featured thoughtful remarks from Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, Fulbright Finland CEO Terhi Mölsä, and NASA Director Antti Pulkkinen, all underscoring the shared values and collaborative spirit that define this new initiative.

Thank you to Hannakaisa Andersson, Petri Koikkalainen, our esteemed international panelists Maria Brogren, Yuqi Claire Chen, and Sandra Vidak, PhD, for making the evening so special. As I reflected on stage, it’s clear that the future of science and innovation is being shaped by the strength and leadership of remarkable women—and a few of us men, too!

This new platform is based on the belief that by coming together across disciplines and borders, we can build a brighter, more resilient future by coming together across disciplines and borders. The Society is now live and active, and we’re just getting started.

Thank you again for being part of this meaningful beginning. I look forward to continuing the conversation—and growing this community of thinkers, makers, and changemakers across the Atlantic. Reach out if you want to stay informed or contribute to the next steps.

Leadership, Purpose & Innovation: A Memorable Hanken EMBA Boston Module, June 2025

We recently kicked off an inspiring and high-impact week with the Hanken EMBA cohort in Boston, beginning at Harvard and continuing with meaningful sessions at Hult International Business School.

We thank Thara Pillai, Jorge Cortell, and Patrick Mullane for providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Harvard iLab, HBS Rock Center, and HBS Online and Executive Education. Your insights and energy brought Boston’s innovation ecosystem vividly to life—special thanks to Patrick for the thoughtful tour and engaging session that grounded key lessons in real-world application.

We were fortunate to welcome my Hult colleague Professor Robert Neer, whose timely and thought-provoking session explored the United States from historical, internal, and geopolitical perspectives, offering much-needed context for global executive leadership.

A warm thank-you to Milla Perttula, Managing Director at Accenture, for sharing her impressive journey and sharp insights into international management consulting and M&A. Your advice on building a global career with intention and impact resonated with all.

A special appreciation to Kevin Fisher for masterfully moderating the board-style executive meetings. Your steady facilitation brought structure and clarity to complex strategic dialogue.

And a sincere thanks to my Hult colleagues for the seamless behind-the-scenes support—thoughtful attention to space, food, and hospitality made the experience both smooth and memorable.

We also want to thank everyone who attended the Honorary Consuls’ cocktail reception to celebrate the Hanken EMBA visit. Your presence added warmth and depth to the evening, and it was a joy to connect with such a diverse and engaged group of leaders.

Culture, Heritage & Sport

A Golden Moment for Finnish NHL Hockey

As the 2025 Stanley Cup Final nears its conclusion, we’re witnessing a golden era for Finnish hockey. Thirteen Finnish players reached the conference finals, with five still competing, leading from the front for the Panthers and Oilers.

Florida’s Finnish core—Barkov, Luostarinen, Lundell, and Mikkola—embodies the best of Finland: skill, humility, and team-first leadership. Edmonton’s Kapanen has delivered in big moments, showing the quiet impact Finnish players are known for. For us in New England, the playoffs also carry local meaning. Marchand, the heart and soul of the Boston Bruins, leads the puck for Panththe her with grit and passion.

Diplomacy & Public Affairs

Building Bridges Across States and Borders: A Gathering of Finnish Consuls and Diplomacy in Action

I recently had the privilege of joining fellow Honorary Consul Peter MacKeith—representing Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas—for a meaningful exchange with Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola at her residence in Washington, D.C.

These informal, agenda-free gatherings are potent reminders of how diplomacy happens in formal policy rooms and open, human conversations across regions and perspectives. As Honorary Consuls serving very different parts of the U.S.—Peter from the heartland and I from the Northeast—we came together with our Ambassador to share insights from the ground, ideas from our states, and potential solutions that link local strengths with Finland’s global excellence. Ambassador Mikkola, who previously served as Finland’s Ambassador to China, brings a nuanced and strategic worldview to her role in Washington.

From my New England vantage point, I was especially encouraged by the alignment around key areas where Finnish expertise and American regional opportunity meet: innovative construction, bluetech, and renewable energy. These are sectors where our states are innovating, investing, and in some cases, leading nationally—and where Finland’s solutions are exceptionally well-matched.

The cross-state dialogue between New England and the Midwest, anchored by our shared relationship with the Embassy, created space for imagining what Finnish–American collaboration could look like beyond the coasts and capitals—bridging Boston to Little Rock, Burlington to Kansas City, through shared values and a spirit of practical innovation.

Thank you, Ambassador Mikkola, for your hospitality and for hosting a conversation that left us all energized and aligned for the work ahead. I look forward to supporting Finland’s growing presence across my region and building ties that connect not just countries, but states, cities, and communities.

Breakfast with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee

Thank you to the New England Council for hosting an insightful and timely breakfast yesterday with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.

I appreciated the Governor’s candid reflections on current challenges and his commitment to investing in construction innovation, bluetech, and renewable energy sectors central to Rhode Island’s future. Finnish expertise can have a meaningful impact in these areas, from sustainable building practices and smart infrastructure to marine robotics and clean energy solutions. In these areas, with Finland at the global forefront of these technologies, we have a fantastic opportunity to enhance RI–FIN collaboration.,

I was pleased to share a few moments with Governor McKee, who welcomed continued discussions to increase Finland’s presence in the state. That openness underscores a shared vision for sustainable growth and innovation.

In my second year as Honorary Consul of Finland to Boston and the New England states, I’ve prioritized regional engagement. Representing Finland at this event—and having the pleasure of being joined by Rhode Island resident Johanna Paavilainen—was both an honor and an encouragement for what’s ahead.

Thank you to Governor McKee, his team, and the New England Council for creating a platform for dialogue. I look forward to turning shared values into joint initiatives in trade, education, sports, and culture—and especially in resiliency technologies.

THE NEF - NEW ENGLAND FINNS NEWSLETTER

NEXT ISSUE: #17, July 6, 2025.

Past Issues:

ISSUE #1: January 23, 2024, Setting Sails for a New Adventure - The NEF – The New England Finns monthly newsletter was launched on January 25, 2024, with well over 1200 subscribers on LinkedIn a week later.

ISSUE #2: February 25, 2024, Sailing the Northeast Shores - 1776 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #3: March 31, 2024, Nordic Sailors Sharing Joy, Experiences, and Knowledge- 1900 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #4: April 28, 2024, Nordic Sailors and the New England Summer Season! - 2100 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #5: June 7, 2024, The Nordic Midsummer Magic - 2200 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #6: July 9, 2024, The Legendary Nordic Vacation - 2300 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #7: August 31, 2024, The Nordic Night of the Ancient Fires - 2400 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #8: September 29, 2024, Nordic Values At Work - 2450 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #9: November 3, 2024, Embracing the Northeastern Winds - 2500 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #10: December 8, 2024, Shining Bright under the Northern Lights - 2542 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #11: January 5, 2025, A Nordic Cheer for a Resilient New Year - 2584 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #12: February 2, 2025, Nordic Hockey Flair in the Garden Air - 2640 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #13: March 2, 2025, Nordic Hockey Flair in the Garden Air - 2680 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #14: April 5, 2025, Nordic Happiness in New England - 2703 on Linkedin.

ISSUE #15: May 4, 2025, Sauna, Summer, and Sisu — Stronger Ties, Brighter Skies - 2746 on Linkedin