Ilona Hirvonen is a fourth-year Business Service Solutions and Languages student at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. The opportunity for internationalization played a key role in her choice of study program.
Ilona has a lot of experience in student advocacy and organizational leadership. Throughout her academic journey, she has been actively involved in student associations and student union. Prior to her current role at the Student Union Helga, she served two years on the HSOY ry board, first as Communications Coordinator, and then as Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the board. Additionally, she contributed to the improvement of educational quality as a student representative on the quality working group for her degree program.
Currently, Ilona is the Chairperson of the board of Helga, where she is in charge of advocacy and administration. She plays a crucial role in advocating student well-being and equality within Haaga-Helia. She believes that it is crucial that students’ voices are heard throughout decision making levels so the well being of students can be assured.
“Ensuring high-quality education and student well-being requires strong advocacy which is something I have been committed to locally through my work at Helga. It’s important to me that students are involved in shaping funding models and evaluating educational quality, as these factors directly impact their daily lives and future. On SAMOK’s Board, I aim to create solutions that enhance student well-being and guarantee quality education for every student,” says Ilona.
Ilona’s key objectives include developing funding models for higher education institutions that prioritize student well-being and the quality of education. She is also focused on improving audit processes to ensure that students’ perspectives are better represented, which will enhance transparency in higher education. Moreover, she aims to strengthen the integration of international students into the Finnish higher education community and increase their involvement in influencing.
For more information:
Daniel Levander
Campaign Manager
daniel.levander@helga.fi
