DIANA IS A STUDENT OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE AT HAAGA-HELIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE FINNISH FEDERATION OF STUDENT UNIONS – SAMOK RY IN 2023. IN THE CURRENT YEAR, DIANA HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR LEADERSHIP, POLITICAL LOBBYING, UNION SERVICES, EDUCATION POLICY AND FUNDING OF STUDENT UNIONS.
Before her tenure as Vice President in SAMOK, Diana served as the Chairperson of the Student Union of Haaga-Helia – Helga in 2022. During her time at Helga, Diana, among other things, developed extensive collaborations, successfully led processes, established support structures for operations, and contributed to the well-being of stakeholders. In SAMOK, Diana has been responsible for advancing important documents and processes related to advocacy, developing the organization’s activities, and taking on demanding educational policy matters. In 2024, Diana intends to continue advocating for students and universities of applied sciences at the national level and further develop the organization.
“Advocating for a better future for students, fulfilling current responsibilities, and promoting the values of the organization has been a great joy and honor for me. In four years, the UAS student movement has greatly enriched my life, but I believe there is still much for me to learn and contribute to both the student movement and the student union field. In the parliamentary elections, the voice of university of applied sciences students was strong and heard. In 2024, our work doesn’t end; instead, we must express our views even more strongly, carry our message forward, and continue advocating both in the parliament and in Europe.” – summarizes Diana.
Above all, Diana wants to continue working for the causes that are important to her and for building a better society for students. The current global situation, economic downturn, and conservatism have led to a decrease in the sense of basic security and have given rise to racism and prejudice. Diana does not become paralyzed by these challenges but courageously pushes towards a society where everyone can safely be themselves. Promoting equality, equity, and justice are matters close to Diana’s heart.
“As an advocate for students, first at local and regional level in the student union Helga and now nationally in SAMOK, Diana has a solid understanding of the current situation of student welfare. Mental health challenges and psychological distress have increased throughout the 21st century. Without prevention and resources, we are only postponing problems into the future, causing more problems and ill health. Diana wants to ensure that policy makers move from rhetoric to action for the well-being of students.” – says Janina Brunfeldt, Chairperson of the Student Union Helga.
For more information, contact:
Ilmari Immonen
Head of campaign
ilmari.immonen@helga.fi
