The job of the board is to plan, execute, and further the subject association activities of Emile ry. The board includes a chairman, a vice-chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, and at most nine (9) other full members. Every member of the board has their own main areas of responsibility in addition to which they work closely together with each other. The board has meetings monthly and the meetings are open to anyone. The activity in the board of Emile is based on voluntariness and a new board is elected yearly in the Regular Autumn Meeting in November. Every member of Emile ry has the right to stand as a candidate for the board and every member of the subject association has the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate.
The Chair – Nitta Kangas
Hi there! I am Nitta Kangas and this year I am the head of Emile. I am studying for the second year at the University of Jyväskylä, where I have had a particularly good time. Last year I acted as Emile’s event coordinator, and events are still close to my heart. I have gained experience in organization and management through, among other things, previous board activities, tutoring, and the leadership training experience of the voluntary women’s conscript service of the Finnish Defense Forces. I am studying gender studies and psychology as minor subjects, both of which are objects of my passion. I’m not the type to stay in one place very much, so you can find me at events, in the library with a cup of coffee next to me, at work in the restaurant industry or on the train traveling to Tampere. If we meet, let’s say hello and you can always come and talk to me about anything!
pj(at)emilery.fi
Vice Chair – Anni Imeläinen
Hi! My name is Anni and I am the vice-chairman of this year’s board. I am a third-year student and now in my second term on the board. Last term, I was in charge of education policy in the board, so being the vice-chairman now brings me new winds in the board’s activities! I could be described as an empathetic, cheerful and organized person. Originally, I come from quite a long way from Espoo, but I do like studying in Jyväskylä. One of the best things about my studies has been getting to know new people of Emile. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family, go for a walk or to the gym. On my days off, I also just like to hang out at home and cook good food! In addition to these, I have had a great time at various student events, and the best thing about them is seeing other students and the sense of community!
pj(at)emilery.fi
Treasurer – Jasmin Lehtonen
Hello! I’m Jasmin, a first-year student at Emile. This year, I am the treasurer in Emile’s board. I’m originally from Lahti, but I’ve been living in Jyväskylä for over a year and a half now. I enjoy both dance classes and going for runs, as well as watching various series with my cats. I’m enthusiastic about different student events, and the best part of them is the time spent together with friends. In my orange overalls, you’ll find a small reminder in the form of a pink sleeve from my previous studies, where I graduated as a public health nurse in the spring of ’23. I look forward to seeing what the board year will bring and the things I’ll get to learn and experience because of it.
Secretary and communications coordinator – Saana Järvinen
Hi! I’m Saana, Emile’s secretary and communication coordinator this year. I started university last fall, and before that, I spent a year in the Finnish Defence Forces and voluntary women’s military service. Nowadays, you’ll likely find me at the swimming pool, either coaching from the edge or swimming in the pool myself. One of my absolute favorite things is grabbing coffee or meals with friends, a habit I indulge in more often than my student budget should allow. As my minors, I study communication and business, making the role of communication coordinator feel like a perfect fit. I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this position. Feel free to contact me if anything comes to mind <3
saana.s.jarvinen(at)student.jyu.fi
Social Affairs Coordinator – Pauliina Kaski
Hi! I’m Pauliina and I’m a first year student at the University of Jyväskylä. I decided to join the board of Emile and I chose the position of Social Policy Officer/ sopo. As a person I am positive and I like to help people, so I felt that sopo’s tasks would suit me! In my free time I go to the gym and play volleyball. I’ve also enjoyed going to all kinds of student events. As a counterbalance to these, I like to relax with either Netflix or listening to music. The goal for this term is to make events more accessible for everyone and to promote/maintain student well-being!
emile.sopo(at)gmail.com
pauliina.a.kaski(at)student.jyu.fi
Educational Policy Coordinator – Alex Ojalahti
Hi! I’m Alex, Emile’s educational policy coordinator. Having studied education for three years, educational policy has become quite familiar to me, especially after various instances of taking a stance on educational matters as well as getting to know the faculty. Working as the “kopo” thus feels natural. I aim to be a straight talker and to also give voice to those who don’t get to use their own enough, so that our department may continue to live up to its reputation. I’m from a small town, so Jyväskylä feels downright huge to me. I dreamt of living and studying here for years prior to moving. I value community and a culture of consideration, where everyone finds their place and contributes to a warm atmosphere. Among friends I’m a gentle joker who loves Thai food. In my hobbies, however, I tend to experiment restlessly. I’m often found near electricity and hazards, as well as in high places, surviving in the forest and climbing walls. I also spend time in the sauna, trekking and in sitsfests. Do come and chat, whenever you see me!
kopo(at)emilery.fi
Event and 3MIOt -coordinator – Veera Änäkkälä
Hello! I’m Veera, a first-year student in Emiles, but I’m completing second-year studies. I studied the same subjects last year at the University of Tampere, but I’m originally from Jyväskylä. This is my first year involved in board activities, and this year I am the 3miot- and event coordinator. I’m a quite visual person and have a lot of ideas for events, that’s why I thought I would be a good event coordinator this year. I work alongside my studies, finding it a nice change of pace. However, amidst studying and work, much of my time is spent on sports or with friends, as well as knitting. I could be described as a cheerful and outgoing person. I always have a lot going on, and quite often, I’m busy. I enjoy constantly having things to do and many thoughts running through my mind. I’m looking forward to the next year in board activities. We, as event coordinators, are always open to receiving requests and feedback, so feel free to reach out with any thoughts.
veera.a.anakkala(at)student.jyu.fi
emile.tapahtumavastaavat(at)gmail.com
Event and Sports Coordinator – Helmi Tossavainen
Hello! I’m Helmi, and I’ve moved here from Espoo to start my first year of studies. It’s my debut season in Emile’s board, and my role is as the event and sports coordinator. My free time revolves mostly around sports, and if I’m not actively moving, you might find me coaching by the AaltoAlvari poolside. Sports are my passion, which is why I specifically wanted the sports coordinator role! Additionally, I enjoy attending events (maybe a bit too much…), and my goal for this year is to organize even more fantastic events for Emile members! I’m the kind of person that, when I get excited about something, gives it 110%, and right now, that’s this upcoming exciting board term!
emile.tapahtumavastaavat (at) gmail.com
Event and Culture Coordinator – Teen Ylä-Vannesluoma
Hi there, I’m Teea, a first-year student, and this year I’m serving as the cultural events coordinator for Emile’s board! Originally, I’m from Töysä, best known for the Tuuri village shop, and I moved to Jyväskylä for school! In my free time, I usually enjoy skiing in winter and motorcycle rides in the summer! I have my own dog named Nacho, and I generally love animals. I’m looking forward to the upcoming term on the board, and you can always reach out to me if you have any event ideas!
emile.tapahtumavastaavat(at)gmail.com
teemyla(at)student.jyu.fi
Sustainability Coordinator – Maija Huovila
Hello! I’m Maija, the sustainability coordinator for this year and a fourth-year student. During the previous term, I served as the environmental and development cooperation coordinator, so despite the different title, it’s essentially the same position. It’s nice to continue from where I left off last time. This role is undoubtedly the most fitting for me since environmental issues, nature, and sustainability are very important to me—perhaps even a kind of passion.
In addition to spending time with friends, my everyday life revolves around avoiding school assignments. This often involves browsing short videos on my phone, listening to podcasts, or watching Netflix. I’m also a super social person, and you can often run into me at various events. I love engaging in deep and contemplative conversations, and I’m particularly excited if I get to discuss animals! Soon, I’ll be starting as a foster home for cats, so my routine will also include spending time with them.
mailemau(at)student.jyu.fi
Work Life and Alumni Coordinator
Hey! I’m Elina and this year I’m serving on the Board of Directors as the Work Life and Alumni Officer. I’m a second year student and this is my first time on the board. I’m looking forward to seeing what the coming year will bring and what I can learn, because everything is new to me. I feel that university studies could have more relevance to working life and I want to be involved in bringing working life closer to students. I am also excited to be involved in developing the alumni activities at Emile and my goal is to bring alumni closer to Emile! I’m quite a social person and I enjoy a lot the different student events. Otherwise, I spend my free time hanging out with friends, taking group exercise classes, going outside or watching TV shows at home.
Emile.alumnivastaava(at)gmail.com
Business Cooperation Coordinator – Sanni Ijäs
Hello! My name is Sanni and I’m second year student in general and adult education. I’m Emile’s business cooperation manager this year. This is my first time in Emile’s board although I already thought about applying last year. I believe that as a business cooperation manager I’ll gain a lot of experience about how companies work and about future worklife. In addition, I believe that all activities in the board will give me lot of new experiences and good tips for the future. I spend my free time mostly relaxing with my loved ones. In addition, I exercise actively and have a background in competitive sports. By nature, I’m social, kind-hearted and I respect everyone. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming year and everything it has to offer.
emile.varainhankinta(at)gmail.com
sanni.s.ijas(at)student.jyu.fi
International Coordinator – Joshua Millman
Hi, my name is Josh! Twenty-two (twenty-three as of this weekend) years ago, I was born in the United States, and lived my whole life there. Before studying at JYU, I studied astrophysics for my bachelor’s degree and also some computer science on the side. Soon after, I wished to venture beyond the states and really challenge who I am, which brought me to Jyväsklyä Finland! Now, I am a student in the EDUMA programme at JYU and serve as the International Coordinator for Emile. I am very interested in ICT, technology, and physics education and hope to execute a virtual reality centered project for my thesis. When I am not in class, I can usually be found singing, acting, cooking, knitting, or in a giant heap of snow! Being the only international student on the Emile board is an incredible opportunity for me to explore more of Finnish culture and introduce all of you to my culture and the cultures of other members of EDUMA. My goal is to be the connection point between international students and Finnish students; I hope to do this in ESN and JYY as well. I love working on my Finnish language skills, so if you’re looking to chat come find me!