Vote for the Alumni of the Year 2023

The Haaga-Helia Alumni of the Year voting is now open! Alumni of the Year has been selected at Haaga-Helia since 2012.

15.8.2023

News article

In the spring, we asked for nominations for the Alumni of the Year 2023 and three finalists have been selected for a public vote. Voting is open to all Haaga-Helia students and alumni as well as current and retired staff members until 31 August.

Introducing finalists for the Alumni of the Year

Bambi Dang

CEO and co-founder, Finest Future

Studies: Hospitality, Tourism and Experience Management (2017), International Business (2018)

Reasons for nomination: "Bambi is an excellent example for Haagahelians. She has an aspiration for strong leadership. She desires to make a difference in this world and bring equality to all. Check her speech at Talk to Talk 2020 (Youtube)."

My name is Bambi Dang. I am originally from Vietnam and I came to Finland in 2013 as an international student in Haaga-Helia. Now I am an entrepreneur with my own company in the Education field. I have a strong aspiration for leadership and lifelong learning. I desire to make a difference in this world and bring equality to all.

I studied two programs in Haaga-Helia: International Business, and Hospitality Management. During my time in Haaga-Helia, I got the chance to work very hands-on with different companies on real meaningful projects. For me, it's the best way to learn. While doing projects for those companies, I also got the chance to showcase to them and my fellow students my ability in leadership, project management, critical thinking, customer service mindset, and much more. I continued to develop my skills from those projects. I was also able to widen my professional network through events organized by the school. And many job opportunities came from there.

Personal and Professional Fulfillment. People should be able to do the things they love while contributing to society. It's a balance to be achieved: always hungry for more challenges but at the same time feeling content and proud of what you have been able to achieve so far. The choices you make in your career should make you feel happy as a person.

Noora Fagerström

Entrepreneur, angel investor, Member of the Finnish Parliament

Studies: Business administration (2010)

Reasons for nomination: "A member of the Parliament, a distinguished entrepreneur and angel investor, and a TV star who gave an alumni speech at our graduation, she wants to be involved with Haaga-Helia and encourage our graduates. Noora influences our society as a Member of Parliament and locally in the Espoo City Council - and of course as a public figure. Noora has the opportunity to be an opinion leader, to change society by her own example and actions. Whether it's social influence in politics or promoting entrepreneurship."

Ever since I was a child, I've wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I did my best to work five different jobs to save up the start-up capital. After graduating from Haaga-Helia, I started Jungle Juice Bar in 2010. I was the CEO of the company for almost 10 years and was awarded the 2019 Growth Business Leader of the Year. Customer service, sustainability and employee satisfaction have always been close to my heart. I currently hold board positions in several companies, make angel investments and mentor start-ups. I am also a first-term member of the Finnish Parliament for the Coalition Party.

As alumni of the year, I would highlight entrepreneurship, leadership, the importance of communication, and sustainable development from both an environmental and economic perspective.

Tommi Niemelä

Head Coach, Lahden Pelicans

Studies: Sports and Leisure Management (2011), Coaching (2016)

Reasons for nomination: "Tommi Niemelä has given a face to modern hockey management that focuses on meeting the individual and good interaction. Tommi Niemelä has also shown a great example of how to put the athlete-centered coaching philosophy into practice and, at the same time, achieve results in a demanding league. Tommi has been able to create a positive and caring atmosphere in the Pelicans team where every team member feels important. The coaching culture created by "Hölö" gives the player responsibility and in turn, requires the player to take responsibility for himself and his teammates. Hölö's example has a big positive impact on the Finnish coaching culture and its development."

My name is Tommi Niemelä, originally from Helsinki. Married, one child. In my life, I have travelled the world around as a hockey player, coach, trainer, and lecturer. The greatest things in life are curiosity towards development, sports and laughter.

Studies at Haaga-Helia sparked a strong desire to develop oneself, the courage to try things one has never done before, and the courage to chase one's dreams in adult life. The excellent teachers have supported me on my journey of continuous learning even after my graduation.

Continuous development is the spice of life - if you dare to live life through it, life is always interesting and inspiring. And of course a smile and a laugh, positivity can be surprisingly empowering in life.