Candidates for the Board and President of SYL 2026

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become the President of SYL or why you would be the best choice for the position.

Hi! My name is Laura Heino – my friends call me Heiska. I’m a seventh year Structural Engineering student and chair of the Student Union of Tampere University (TREY).

I’m running for President of SYL, because I want to help build a better future for students. I want to make sure that students are guaranteed the opportunity for full-time study and free, high-quality education. I’m ready to talk about student-friendly solutions with both the media and decision-makers, just like we did this year in TREY.

I would be the best choice to chair SYL, because I’m not only a single-mindedadvocate, but also an empathetic chair. The boards I’ve served with have praised my emotionally intelligent approach to management.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

During my leadership of SYL, I want to cooperate more closely with student unions, because student unions also advocate at the national level and meet decision-makers. I would discuss future meetings more closely and share information on the messages that SYL sends to student unions. The more we share the same message, the more influence we have.

SYL must also further develop its multilingualism so that the student unions would have more equal opportunities to participate in SYL activities. Seminars should be accessible in all three languages of SYL and materials should be available in three languages.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy activities?

The next major project ahead of us is the 2027 parliamentary elections. We have to get started on the election work right away next spring and, above all, we have to work together. Under my leadership, influencing parliamentary elections will be a joint project for our entire movement that we will be planning and implementing together.

In addition to electoral work, SYL must do all it can to ensure that the alarmingly low level of student income can be improved. Our generation won’t be able to earn degrees if full-time study isn’t possible. Students struggling in the income crisis are suffering and society will end up footing the bill for this if nothing is done about it right now.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become the President of SYL or why you would be the best choice for the position.

I’m Katja, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of Lappeenranta University of Technology (LTKY). I am an Environmental Technology and Business student. I have previously served on the Board of the Student Union as a culture officer, as a Representative Council member since 2022, and served on the board of my subject association during my first year, serving as host, after which I served as both Vice Chair and Chair. I am active in several local clubs and served as chair of a club at the same time as I was Chair and in the Student Union. I have been in the SYL climate network and served in the SYL delegation since 2022 onwards. Last year, I led the delegation. In other words, I am also very familiar with SYL activities, both as an insider and over the years.

I’m running for President of SYL because I want to create a better student community for everyone. The President of SYL must have extensive expertise in all sectors and a comprehensive understanding of student unions and the volunteer field. With my strong experience and excellent personnel management skills, we can build a stronger and more unified student community, which together will make a brighter future for everyone. Under my leadership, SYL will have extensive networks and get its own message across to the entire public.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

Under my leadership, SYL can become an increasingly influential advocate in the social discourse, one that conveys the message of all students in a concrete, solution-oriented way. Under my leadership, SYL will not only say what people want but, in concrete terms, state why things should be changed and how. I would increase communication between the student unions and SYL so that we can work together
to craft a stronger message as the parliamentary elections approach.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy activities?

Next year, our attention will turn towards the parliamentary elections, and SYL must focus especially on increasing the housing supplement, reducing the loan weighting of student financial aid, improving the employment situation for young people and engaging in ethical student recruitment. Focusing on these will help all students and eliminate the problems that make many wonder whether study is a worthwhile choice. We must also focus on renewing the funding model so that universities can invest in quality instead of quantity.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become the President of SYL or why you would be the best choice for the position.

I’m Petra Pulli, a student of Educational Psychology, a long-term student influencer and an experienced leader.

I’m running for President of SYL because I believe in the power of the student movement to change the world. It’s not our job to just react to decisions, but to show the way. I want a Union that dares to be ambitious, humane and trailblazing, and that brings students back to the centre of social discourse.

I have more than seven years of experience in student influencing, from the local to the national level. I know what a strong and impressive Union requires. I will be a chair who listens, leads and inspires, because the biggest changes are made together.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I want to make SYL into a Union that boldly influences and genuinely looks after people.

SYL needs a clear direction and long-term management. The strategy must extend beyond the terms served by boards, but at the same time, everyday life must be such that employees and the board feel that their work is meaningful.

I want SYL to be a movement, not just an organisation: cooperation with student unions is strengthened, ways of participating are reformed and students feel that SYL is their own.

With strong and accessible communications, SYL demonstrates in concrete terms how it influences and why it is a necessary voice for students in Finland.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy activities?

The next few years at SYL will determine the future of students.

The parliamentary elections to be held in the spring of 2027 are a great opportunity, and influencing them starts now. We have to bring student views to party platforms and make it clear that education is not an expense, but an investment in the future.

At the same time, the everyday life of students must be safeguarded: income, mental health and a safe community must not be privileged. Each and every person has the right to study and feel well.

SYL must be the movement that puts students at the centre of social discourse and remind everyone that education is the foundation of Finland’s future.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become the President of SYL or why you would be the best choice for the position.

I’m Vilma Sippola, a 24-year-old History of Sciences and Ideas. I am the current Chair of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY) Board. I’m running for President of SYL because I am really worried about the cuts that have been made to students and education. Under my leadership, SYL will be fully engaged in bold, long-term advocacy work for the benefit of students.

I offer not only a strong background in management and influencing, but also the ability to manage large entities and come up with concrete solutions to support influencing work. I want to create solutions and, if necessary, I also have the courage to demand that we get them. As President of SYL, I will boldly fight for a more equal and fair student life.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I would work together to put out a more effective message for promoting student affair. I want to meet with student unions and actively support the entire student movement. My SYL will be the number one supporter of student unions, providing up-to-date information to support influencing well in advance.

I want to dedicate more time for SYL’s sponsored student union activities, so that sponsored student unions would have better opportunities for meeting members of, for example, the Representative Council, so that everyone’s voice will be heard. Increasing cooperation would benefit both SYL and student unions.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy activities?

We have to get started on preparations for the parliamentary elections already at the beginning of the year, by setting common election targets, involving the entire student movement. Influencing political parties must also be started early to ensure that the objectives of the students will be reflected in the parties’ election platforms. I have strong experience in this type of work, as I was in charge of preparing the municipal election targets for OYY.

Simply hanging on to the status quo isn’t enough – as student advocates, we also have the right to make demands. Stopping student indebtedness, securing their income and defending free education are more topical than ever. I have the courage to demand a better tomorrow for all of us.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become the President of SYL or why you would be the best choice for the position.

I am Josefina Tuomala, a bold influencer and experienced leader. This year, I served as Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY), and I study Information and Communication Technology at the University of Turku and Administrative Science at Tampere University. You can learn more about me on Instagram @josefina.tuomala.

I’m running for President of SYL because I want to create a good student life for current and future students. Long-term and goal-oriented advocacy is my passion, and I strongly believe that the standing of students can be improved through determined work and cooperation.

I would be the best candidate for President of SYL, because I am a uniting, results-oriented influencer with extensive networks and strong management experience.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

As chair, I would take a more result-oriented approach to developing SYL’s influence. The standing of students has been significantly degraded in recent years. Student financial aid has been cut, the housing allowance has been reverted to a housing supplement, and, in the middle of all this, the employment situation is at rock bottom. If there was ever a time we need to successfully advocate for students, it’s now.

I would also develop SYL activities by ensuring that its new strategy is really implemented in everyday life and decision-making. SYL needs long-term advocacy that looks to the future and, ideally, the strategy is a tool that enables this.

What are the next important steps in SYL’s advocacy activities?

Next year, SYL has to do some serious groundwork for the forthcoming parliamentary elections. These elections will determine the direction of Finland for years to come, which is why we have to ensured that students are seen as valuable members of society. We have to ensure that the challenges facing student income are identified and that there is a genuine willingness to invest in higher education.

SYL has to do long-term advocacy work in order to identify and address the challenges faced by students in the parties’ election platforms. The coming year is an excellent opportunity to exert influence proactively, and we have to boldly seize this opportunity.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Aada, a social sciences student, an active organisation member, a dog owner and a deputy councillor. I’m in charge of social policy, international affairs and environmental and non-discrimination affairs on the Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY) Executive Board, taking care of my area of responsibility conscientiously and in a goal-oriented manner. I am known as a solution-oriented, empathetic and vibrant actor, who builds effective relationships and decisively demands more.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I want SYL to be known as an expert in the everyday lives of students and their well-being, livelihood, education and work – not just an advocate. SYL must act more diversely, boldly and distinctively as a provider of solutions, promoter of global justice and builder of a sustainable future.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

My wide range of organisational skills, extensive networks and excellent presentation skills serve to promote social policy and international work. In addition, climate and sustainability issues have been at the core of my influencing, and my early working life, entrepreneurship and serving as chair on a youth trade union have boosted my working life qualifications.

The original language of the answers is English.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Marc, an MSc student of Maths from Aalto University. I’m originally from Hungary, I moved to Finland in 2019 and I received my Finnish citizenship this January. I’ve been a long term active in my student community, being a halloped, tutor and volunteer, I also served in various roles within the repco of AYY. I’m currently a board member of AYY, my responsibility is education policy. I’m running for SYL, because I want to work towards a higher education system that is accessible, trusts its students and takes an active role in public discourse.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

In SYL, I would like to build a closer relationship between SYL, student unions and students. I would also like to bring SYL closer to academics, as it is our common goal to improve higher education.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I would be most interested in national education policy, as that is the area where I have themost expertise. In AYY I work in a multidisciplinary and trilingual environment, which gives me the toolkit to represent students from various backgrounds

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Emilia, a 30-year-old student of Economics and Law from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF). I’m running for the SYL Board because I know that investing in students is to invest in the future of Finland.

One’s study years are a time for finding our way, making mistakes and growing. They are far too precious to become nothing more than a struggle for survival. By investing in students, we also invest in the future of Finland, and no one should be left behind. Everyone should have the opportunity to study and make a living as students, regardless of their background. Everyone should be guaranteed the opportunity to study full-time, without any undue financial strain.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

One’s study years are a time for finding our way, making mistakes and growing. They are far too precious to become nothing more than a struggle for survival. By investing in students, we also invest in the future of Finland, and no one should be left behind. Everyone should have the opportunity to study and make a living as students, regardless of their background. Everyone should be guaranteed the opportunity to study full-time, without any undue financial strain.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

Trilingualism should be further enhanced in SYL activities. Each and every person should have equal opportunities to participate in activities. I am most interested in serving as vice chair. As vice chair, I would be served by my analytical approach to thinking and my ability to see the big picture. My strength is to combine strategic vision and encounters with people.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Samuli Leppämäki, a 26-year-old EU policy student from the University of Helsinki. I’m running to serve an additional term on the Board of the National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) for 2026 because I have more enthusiasm and want to harness it for the good of the student movement. Prior to joining SYL, I have spent several years gaining experience in politics, university administration and national organisations.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

In 2026, I would develop SYL’s advocacy work in a more coordinated direction across sectors, ensuring that each message reaches key reference groups in a timely manner and the monitoring of policies remains a framework for action. I am motivated to expand the organisation’s expertise between education policy and the labour market as well as beyond a national context, if necessary.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I have enjoyed working in two sectors of advocacy, education policy and internationalisation. In the coming year, I would like to assume more responsibility, both by taking advantage of the experience I’ve already earned and by challenging myself.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Viena Pentikäinen, a 25-year-old Politics, Media and Communication student at the University of Helsinki. Since September 2024, I have been responsible for social policy and international affairs on the Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) Board.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I’m running for the board of SYL because students deserve better. We must fight for accessible education, get students housing and jobs, and stop putting students into heavy debt. I have been working on precisely these issues — I have met decision-makers and ministers and worked on influencing political parties. I have the expertise, vision and calling required to face these problems.

My SYL will be bolder– we can’t put student issues on the radar of decision-makers or party platforms without clearing the way for them. For me, cooperation is an important value, and I believe that SYL and student unions could engage in more strategic joint advocacy work.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

Although I am primarily interested in social policy, especially housing, income and working life, I’m also open to other areas.

The original language of the answers is English.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I am Habib, a master’s student in Banking and International Finance at the University of Jyväskylä and currently JYY’s International Affairs Board Member. Serving on JYY’s board has shown me the real impact advocacy can bring, especially for international students. Now, I want to take this further on the national level, ensuring every international student feels belonging and sees themselves as part of Finland’s future.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

For SYL, my priority is clear: strengthen collaboration with local unions. To make a real impact in the 2027 elections, we need an energised grassroots movement withshared goals. I want to bring an innovative mindset to SYL’s work, achieving more with fewer resources, setting clear yearly objectives, measurable targets, and transparent progress reviews together with unions.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I am most passionate about the international sector, where my experience as a non-EU student brings fresh perspective. I also care deeply about mental health and sustainability.

The original language of the answers is Finnish.

Introduce yourself and explain why you want to become a member of SYL’s Board or why you would be the best choice for the position?

I’m Kaisa Rantonen, a fifth-year business student from Hanken. I speak Finnish, Swedish and English – trilingualism has been a large part of my student life and it has taught me how important it is for everyone to be able to participate in their own language. I am interested in social policy and sustainable development, i.e. issues directly related to how the everyday life of students can be healthy, equal and sustainable. I am motivated by a desire to promote student affairs on an even bigger scale than with the Student Union of Hanken School of Economics (SHS), and I believe that at SYL I could put my experience and enthusiasm to even greater use than I do now.

How would you develop the activities of SYL, the National Union of University Students in Finland?

I would develop SYL especially with regard to language matters, as it would be important that the communication and activities of the Union are genuinely multilingual and accessible to all students, regardless of their language. I would also like to increase transparency and the influence of student unions within SYL.

Which sectors are you most interested in as part of the work done by SYL’s Board?

I am particularly interested in the social policy sector or sustainable development. I am also very interested in language issues. I want to ensure that student well-being and multilingualism are genuinely reflected in decision-making.