Women Who Gave Voice to the North – Reflections on WAW Nordics 2025
When we think of international forums, we often imagine stages dominated by politicians, economists, or tech giants. Yet, WAW Nordics 2025 – Finland Edition proved that women’s voices are becoming ever more powerful on the global stage. The gathering in Helsinki and Rovaniemi was not just another conference – it was a space where female strength, creativity, and experience acted as a compass for the future.
A remarkable constellation of women stood on that stage. Halina Rosa – fashion designer, artist, and ambassador of Polish heritage – reminded us that fashion can be more than aesthetics; it can be a cultural manifesto. Riikka Ikäheimo brought Nordic elegance and entrepreneurship, while Katja Presnal highlighted the power of building bridges between media and business.
Kamilla Sultanova emphasized inclusivity and community empowerment, and Dr. Siham Ahmed Yousif Al Harthi proved through her scholarship that women’s leadership in academia is not only possible but essential. Kseniya Simonova, the sand artist, touched hearts with a performance that showed how art speaks a universal language, understood across borders.
There were also younger, dynamic voices carrying the energy of tomorrow: Valeriya Hjertenaes, Linda Al Faisal, Asmaa Alkuwari, Albtool Aljbreen, and Mavis Yao. Their stories sounded like the herald of a new era – one where women don’t ask for permission to speak; they do.
Gaëlle Berruel, Rahma Hersi, and Esmeralda de Souza-Obwaka showcased how female entrepreneurship transcends borders. At the same time, Nikiara Purmambietova and Michelle H. S. Quick demonstrated that innovation and social spirit can go hand in hand. Nina Fedorova and Krista Mulenok added the perspective of Eastern Europe, reminding us that regions often sidelined hold immense intellectual and cultural potential.
Completing the chorus were the voices from the Global South – Chenai Kadungure and Suriati Supani – which made the forum not only Nordic, but truly global.
What united all these women, despite their differences, was courage. Courage to step onto the stage and speak about what matters. Courage to cross boundaries – geographic, social, and cultural.
That is why WAW Nordics 2025 was more than just a forum. It was a testimony that women’s voices are no longer an addition, but an inseparable part of the global conversation about the future. And so, when we think of Lapland and its boundless landscapes, we should remember that in 2025, it was there that a choir of women rose – not merely to adorn the North, but to strengthen it.
The WAW Nordics 2025 – Finland Edition was not just an event; it was a vivid reminder that women’s leadership, artistry, and innovation transcend borders. On the stages of Helsinki and Rovaniemi, an extraordinary group of women shared their stories, ideas, and visions for the future.
Among them were:
- Halina Rosa
- Riikka Ikäheimo
- Katja Presnal
- Kamilla Sultanova
- Dr. Siham Ahmed Yousif Al Harthi
- Kseniya Simonova
- Valeriya Hjertenaes
- Linda Al Faisal
- Asmaa Alkuwari
- Albtool Aljbreen
- Mavis Yao
- Gaëlle Berruel
- Rahma Hersi
- Esmeralda de Souza-Obwaka
- Nikiara Purmambietova
- Michelle H. S. Quick
- Nina Fedorova
- Krista Mulenok
- Chenai Kadungure
- Suriati Supani
Each of these names carried a story – of resilience, artistry, intellect, and courage. Together, they formed a chorus of voices that elevated the Forum far beyond a Nordic gathering, turning it into a truly global stage.
The strength of WAW Nordics lies in its diversity. From fashion and design to science, from entrepreneurship to social activism, these women proved that leadership is not a title, but an act of vision and conviction.
In the boundless landscapes of Finland and Lapland, their voices resonated with clarity: the future is being built not only by men in suits, but also – and increasingly – by women who dare to dream, create, and lead.
Riikka Ikäheimo WAW-Nordics
Katja Presnal WAW-Nordics+1
Kamilla Sultanova WAW-Nordics
Dr. Siham Ahmed Yousif Al Harthi WAW-Nordics
Kseniya Simonova WAW-Nordics
Valeriya Hjertenaes WAW-Nordics+1
Linda Al Faisal WAW-Nordics
Asmaa Alkuwari WAW-Nordics
Albtool Aljbreen WAW-Nordics
Mavis Yao WAW-Nordics
Gaëlle Berruel WAW-Nordics
Rahma Hersi WAW-Nordics
Esmeralda de Souza-Obwaka WAW-Nordics+1
Nikiara Purmambietova WAW-Nordics
Michelle H. S. Quick WAW-Nordics
Nina Fedorova WAW-Nordics
Krista Mulenok WAW-Nordics
Chenai Kadungure WAW-Nordics+1
Suriati Supani WAW-Nordics+1
Source: WAW Nordics 2025 – Finland Speakers
About Women Around the World (WAW)
WAW, Conceived to connect and unite extraordinary women from all corners of the globe, Stella Women Around the World is a unique initiative that empowers women through dynamic events and conferences. United by a deep, female bond, it’s our philosophy that every woman has a story to tell, and it’s our mission to help women from all around the world to connect. 02 Our Vision We believe that women are thought-leaders in the fields of creativity and innovation and seek to shine a light on them. By celebrating and amplifying the voices of these amazingly accomplished women, we are directly galvanizing the spirit of others who can learn from them, be inspired by them, and bond with them. 03 Our Mission The Women Around the World (WAW) is dedicated to advancing thought leadership, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections that uplift and empower women globally. Through impactful events, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, WAW accelerates progress toward gender equality, inclusivity, and sustainable economic advancement across industries and borders. About WAW-Nordics The Women Around the World (WAW) Nordics is a dynamic platform focused on empowering women across the Nordic region and globally. Through impactful events, WAW Nordics unites influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to exchange knowledge, drive growth, and celebrate the accomplishments of women. Our mission is to connect women from diverse fields—business, entrepreneurship, technology, health, education, and the arts—creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development. Through networking, insightful discussions, and knowledge-sharing, WAW Nordics strives to build a thriving community that fosters sustainable economic growth and social change. At WAW Nordics, we are passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation, empowering women to excel in an ever-changing world. Join us in shaping the future of business, leadership, and women’s empowerment across the Nordics and beyond.
Amina Leelo Weewo, Founder | WAW-Nordics Finland Edition
Amina Leelo Weewo serves as the Founder of the Women Around the World – Nordics & Women Around the World – MENA and is the Founder & CEO of Stella Polare Boutique Events.
The name “Stella Polare,” meaning “Northern Star,” symbolizes her mission to provide unwavering guidance and connection amidst the ever-changing landscape of our world. Amina envisions Stella Polare Boutique Events as a radiant light that connects all the Women Around the World, creating unlimited channels for communication and collaboration. Her passion is to foster opportunities for women from all walks of life, empowering them to shine brightly in their endeavors. In addition to her role at WEF, she serves as the Ambassador of the Flame of Peace of Austria in Bahrain, reflecting her commitment to harmony and understanding among diverse cultures. Through Stella Polare Boutique Events and the Stella Women Around the World platform, Amina has successfully produced numerous international events that celebrate women and address the vital areas of life that matter most to them. Her extensive experience includes organizing impactful events in Finland, Estonia, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, each contributing to her vision of cross-cultural awareness and mutual understanding. Amina believes that by learning about and appreciating each other’s cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, we can forge stronger connections and inspire one another.
“Only through understanding and supporting one another can we truly transform our world into a better place for all to thrive!”
20.09.2025 Stockholm
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