Marika helps businesses grow through designing elegant digital experiences that generate leads, convert clients, and encourage ongoing transactions.

For Marika nothing is more satisfying than working together with entrepreneurs to plan and execute custom digital marketing strategies that propel their businesses to a higher level. She has a holistic approach that aligns both the business and digital marketing aspects for success. She loves to see clients reach their goals, and feel proud of their achievements.

She lives by the values that her company name, “GRIT Online” was formed around:

• Growth mindset
• Resourcefulness
• Integrity
• Teamwork

Marika is a driven international business owner who has lived in multiple of locations around the world and operated successful businesses in three continents over the past 17 years. She has been serving in the CFCC board as a member, Vice President, and President since 2017. She was awarded an Honoree in Business category in Halton Newcomers Strategy program for her contributions towards the local community. She is an Honorary Member of Finnish Association and a Mentor of multiple business and networking organizations around the world. She holds BSc in Computer Science and is a Certified Digital Marketer by HubSpot and Hootsuite University.

As a multi-faceted litigator who strives for the best results for the parties I represent, I am regularly retained by various clients facing complex problems. I have extensive knowledge of and experience with the workings of Québec’s civil courts, as well as the rules of various international commercial arbitral institutions.

Miikka moved to Canada from Finland early 2011. He was born, raised, and educated in Finland. He holds M.Sc. in telecommunications and has been working most of his professional career in Telco sector Nokia where last +12 years in Canada as Pre-Sales Consultant for Canadian operators. Beyond telecom he is interested in clean energy, technology, and science.

Elina has worked extensively in the Canadian textile and apparel industry, focussing on research and innovation, more recently specializing in sustainable development. Through her work with companies ranging from start-ups to established manufacturers, she has gained diverse experience in product and business development. Elina has earned two master’s degrees in textile engineering from Europe and completed MBA studies at the Toronto Metropolitan University. As an advisor at The Fashion Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University she advises Canadian entrepreneurs and start-ups in product development and sustainability. Elina is a lifelong learner and always looking for new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Auli has a passion for finance and international business & trade. She has worked for small, mid, and large size organizations in B2B and B2C – field. Her international work experience comes from England (UK), Germany, Nordic Countries (EU) and Canada. She is experienced in collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of an organization across borders including auditors, authorities, customers, and suppliers.

Auli spent her first career in (international) pharmaceutical business. She has served on boards of Finnish Language School both in Munich & Toronto as well as Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation in Toronto. Her 7+ years’ of experience in financial business comes mainly from international banking business.

Auli is a strategic thinker who has a strong desire to learn new skills and grow continuously. She is also eager to learn about different businesses and industries. Auli believes in teamwork: a group of people who share their skills & strengths, and work together, can achieve bigger goals than anyone could on their own. Hence, she is excited to start to serve the CFCC and share her diverse (international) work experience with the current and new CFCC Board members.

Auli holds B.Sc. in Pharmacy, BBA in International Business and MBA.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Credit Union, Antero specializes in conducting a full range of financial services and innovative products in a friendly, professional and personalized manner.

As part of a friendly knowledgeable professional team, Antero believes in providing reliable, efficient services to enhance the financial well-being of both company and members.

After graduating with a degree in mathematics and economics, Antero now has over 50 years of experience in the IT field.  Much of his time has been spent in business system design and business process improvement. After over a decade as the CFO of a large labour organization, he was appointed to his current position.  The IT and business consulting firm he founded in 1966 is now operated mainly by his sons with only overall direction and guidance from him.

Tuula has Degrees in Textile Design and Hotel & Restaurant Management (Finland). She has done post-graduate work at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Tuula has been a Director of Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce Board since 2001. She held the position of President and Vice-President for a number of years and is now a Honorary President and lifetime member.

Tuula established  her very on company 1984 Tuula Flowers of the World and Tuula Kivinen Design LTD, she sold the company  in 2013.

In 2012, Tuula was the first female recipient of the Finnish Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her involvement in the Finnish Community. Over the years, Tuula has been an active member on the following boards:

• The Cornell Society of Hotelmen
• European Union Chamber of Commerce Toronto
• Club Managers Association
• Scandinavian Businessmen Association
• Finnish Expatriate Parliament.

Tuula has been involved in many fundraising committees including Canadian Opera Balls, The Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Gala Dinners, Justin Eve Gala Dinner, Brazilian Carnival Balls, ROM Foundation Gala Dinners, Festival of Festivals (now known as TIFF), Joseph Health Center Foundation Gala Dinners, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Team Canada World Culinary Olympic Compotation, Canadian Sports and Fame Foundation Gala Dinners, PC Foundation Fundraising Dinners, Finland’s Independence Day Gala Dinners and CFCC Golf Tournament Fundraising Events.

In her spare time, Tuula enjoys live theater, opera, classical music, art, cinema, aqua exercises, walking, good food & wine, and reading Finnish and international authors. Travel has been a passion for her, she has been fortunate to travel the globe on numerous occasions. A yearly visit to Finland is a must. She likes to see how Finland has changed and become one of the best places to live in the free world. A place that expats, like Tuula, are very proud of.