Finnish Forum of International Women's Forum is an invitation-only organization of more than 100 women of significant achievement. IWF Finland members work in leadership positions or have significant influence in the corporate world, public administration, cultural institutions, science, or the arts.
Our members make a difference and impact in diverse areas of society and share a passion for leadership development, personal growth, and supporting each other.
One of the best decisions of my life – involved in building International Women’s Forum Finland's community from the beginning: When I look back on my journey with IWF Finland, I can honestly say that getting involved in establishing the network has been one of the best decisions of my life – both professionally and personally.
I am one of the first women who received an invitation to join in building this unique community in Finland. The first contact came from Kaarina Koskenalusta, who was herself an International Women’s Forum member in Chicago. Kaarina wanted to bring this international, influential network of women to Finland and connected me with Sole Molander and Tuula Honkanen-Buzalski – and together we had discussions about what kind of value the IWF could bring to Finnish female leadership.
We started to build the association one step at a time. We had to define a strategy, outline common values, write rules and build an operating model that would fit in the Finnish context but would be closely linked to the international IWF community. We wanted to create a network that would have meaning and weight – not only because the members would be distinguished and influential, but because this community would genuinely support women's mutual sparring, trust and growth.
From the very beginning, one of our key principles was to consider the selection of members. We agreed that we would not grow fast just for the sake of growth. We wanted to specifically invite women whose backgrounds, values and abilities would support the spirit and depth of the community. This required not only time, but also precision – but it was worth it. During the first year, the number of members grew rapidly, and after a few years, we were already a community of almost a hundred people.
International Women’s Forum Finland has offered me an incredible amount. It has opened doors, given me the opportunity to reflect my own thoughts with other leading women, and above all – it has brought people into my life who have become close friends. We have shared and supported each other in life's turning points and laughed together in many forums. This network is not only professional – it is also deeply human.
I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together. A women's network has emerged in Finland that has both roots and wings. Roots in Finnish society, where it influences and supports; and the wings that carry it to the world, to the international IWF family, where Finnish women can express their own voices and views.
Founding IWF Finland was a brave act at the time – but it was worth it. I hope that every new member and potential partner sees the value of this community as clearly as we who have been involved in building it. In this network, you can grow, give, receive and, above all, be truly yourself.
I have had the pleasure of belonging to the International Woman’s Forum Finland community since 2019. It has been a great source of professional and personal inspiration. The sense of community and support is unique, something I have not found anywhere else.
One of the highlights of my International Woman’s Forum Finland journey has been participating in the 2019 World Leadership Conference in Toronto, Canada. I had the honor of speaking as a panelist on the topic Monopoly or Market Improvement together with Sally Hubbard and Denise Hearn, both of whom have remained connections since. During the conference I had the opportunity to experience my first IWF Dine Around. Being welcomed into the home of one of the Toronto chapter members and sharing experiences with 10 female leaders from around the world was unforgettable. I truly value being a member of International Woman’s Forum Finland and its global community.
For me, the International Women’s Forum has been so much more than a network, it’s a trusted circle of inspiration, growth, and support. Through IWF, I’ve connected with extraordinary women leaders who openly share their experiences, challenge my thinking, and expand my horizons. It is a rare community where ambition meets authenticity, where global perspectives blend with personal encouragement, and where we help one another not only succeed, but also thrive and lead with impact.
I joined the network in 2017 and am amazed by the depth, quality, and warmth of the connections I have built here. This is a powerhouse of women with a growth mindset and genuine enthusiasm for supporting and celebrating each other. Every gathering that I have attended has left me feeling welcomed and appreciated
Why did I join IWF community nine years ago—and why have I stayed ever since?
Because our values Unite, Uplift and Unleash say it all. IWF unites brilliant, like-minded people in Finland and across the globe. It uplifts women as we grow and learn together about leadership in a global context. And most importantly, IWF unleashes the full potential of its members to seize opportunities and make an impact on the international stage.