On International Women’s Day we are proud to announce that our very own Sandra Hänninen was chosen as an Immigrant Woman of the year 2022 by Zonta Club of Kuopio II!
Zonta Club of Kuopio II is part of Zonta International, a worldwide organisation with a history of over 100 years of work to empower women. Along with the international organisation, Zonta Club of Kuopio II has, since 1981, advocated for the wellbeing of girls and women, their education, and equality, and fought against child marriage and gender-based violence.
In their annual ceremony, Zonta Club of Kuopio II award women, a Woman of Savo and an Immigrant Woman, to introduce them and their contribution to the local community and the society. These women represent a variety of different occupations and fields. This year the focus is on Kuopio-based research and development of pharmaceuticals and social and health care.
Sandra Hänninen was chosen as the Immigrant Woman of the year for her accomplishments in research and development and her current work at ESiOR. Sandra has studied her master’s and doctoral degrees in Finland, and has worked, and built her life here for over 20 years.
Sandra feels very honoured to receive this recognition. Sandra says that there is no point trying to plan the future. You never know what is coming ahead, and the decisions you make – however small – may lead you down amazing new paths you’ve never dreamed of. Sandra encourages everyone to be brave and willing to take risks in order to find what makes them happy.
Sandra serves as a great example of making it in a foreign country – and little by little making this country her own. We are very proud of you, Sandra. Congratulations!
Happy Women’s Day!
Read more. (The article in Finnish is for subscribers of Savon Sanomat.)
Read more about Zonta organisation: Zonta II Kuopio (in Finnish), Zonta Finland (in Finnish), Zonta International (in English)