
WEF Nordics 2025
Finland Edition - Speakers
Event Programme
17 September
Arrival to Helsinki, the capital of Finland
Welcome Ceremony - Introductions, small speeches, dinner
18 September
08:30AM - 16:15PM
WAW Nordics Forum Opening Day in Scandic Grand Marina & Marina Congress Center Press Room
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration is Open
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Networking coffee
09:00 AM – 09:25 AM
Welcome- Tervetuloa – Opening Speeches & Introduction to the WAW-Nordics 2025 (Finland Edition)
Female Leaders: What it Takes to Get There
09:25 AM – 09:45 AM
Keynote speeches
09:50 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Life on Land & Sea – Why it Matters?
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Keynote speeches
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Coffee Break
Women Leading the Way in Sustainability: Empowering Change for a Greener Future
11:50 AM – 12:20 PM
Keynote speeches
12:20 PM – 13:00 PM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
13:00 PM – 14:25 PM
LUNCH BREAK
Women and AI: Bridging Gender Gaps and Shaping the Future of Technology
14:25 PM – 15:00 PM
Keynote speeches
15:00 PM – 15:25 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
17:00 PM - 18:00PM
Final words.
End of the FIRST FORUM DAY
19 September
After Breakfast
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Touring in Helsinki
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Possible Meetings
16:45 PM
Transfer to the Airport
19:00 PM
Flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the Capital of Lapland
20:20 PM
Arrival to Rovaniemi, Accommodation in Santa Claus Holiday Village
Your first experience with Crossing the Polar Zone and the Northern Lights at night!
20 September
9:30AM - 16:15PM
WAW-Nordics 2025 (Finland Edition) 2nd Day in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland
08:30 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration is Open
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Networking coffee
How to Support Mental & Physical Wellbeing
09:25 AM – 09:45 AM
Keynote speeches
09:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Inspiring Stories of Women Changemakers
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Keynote speeches
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Coffee Break
Women’s Stories: Sharing Traditions and Heritage Across Generations
11:50 AM – 12:20 PM
Keynote speeches
12:20 PM – 13:00 PM
Panel discussion; Interactive Discussion; Q&A
13:00 PM – 14:25 PM
LUNCH BREAK
Women and Cultural Identity: Celebrating Diversity and Tradition
14:25 PM – 15:00 PM
Keynote speeches
15:00 PM – 15:25 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Women’s Roles in Innovation and Value Creation
15:25 PM – 15:50 PM
Keynote speeches
15:50 PM – 16:15 PM
Interactive Discussion; Q&A
Final words.
End of the SECOND FORUM DAY
20:00 PM
Gala Dinner & Awards Night
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Opening speeches, special program, Awards
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Gala Dinner
21 September
After breakfast, EXPLORING ROVANIEMI.
Teamworks in the beautiful nature of Lapland. Be ready for unforgettable surprises!

About Women Around the World (WAW)
The Women Around the World (WAW) is a global platform dedicated to empowering women from all sectors by fostering economic growth and promoting inclusivity. WAW-Nordics brings together influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to collaborate, exchange ideas, and create meaningful solutions for the future. Join us at WEF Nordics to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to shaping a brighter, more equitable world.
Be part of a transformative experience at the Women Around the World - Nordics Forum 2025 (Finland Edition), happening from 18-20 September 2025.
WAW features a dynamic lineup of speakers including entrepreneurs, executives, activists, and thought leaders from across the globe. These speakers share their insights and stories, inspiring attendees to pursue personal and professional growth.
Katja
Presnal
Author, and founder of Crush Movement, a platform amplifying women’s voices and leadership. A pioneer in digital marketing and recipient of multiple American Advertising Awards, she has worked with Fortune 100 companies, global brands, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and ELLE Asia, Katja co-authored the Amazon-bestselling book Big Rich Money.
Finland 🇫🇮
Special ⭐ Guest Speaker
Dr. Siham Ahmed
Yousif Al Harthi
CEO & Founder of Siham Development and Investment, Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Strategic Leader in Real Estate Development, and PhD in Business Administration
Oman 🇴🇲
Special Guest Speaker
Kseniya
Simonova
World-Renowned Sand Artist, Got Talent Winner, Golden Buzzer Finalist on America’s Got Talent: Champions and Britain’s Got Talent: Champions, and International Performance Artist
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Special Guest Speaker
Valeriya
Hjertenaes
CEO & Founder of GNMA / Global Neurodiversity Management Association, Awarded Podcast Host of Diversity is THE GAME CHANGER, PhD in Diversity Management in Industrial Sustainable Projects
Denmark 🇩🇰 & Ukraine 🇺🇦
Special Guest Speaker
Linda
Al-Faisal
TV Presenter, Actress, Founder & Host of @linda_and_vision2030 Podcast, Brand Ambassador, and Award-Winning Media Talent
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Keynote Speaker
Asmaa
Alkuwari
International Award Winning Coach, Author and Founder of You're Not Alone Community
Qatar 🇶🇦
Keynote Speaker
Albtool
Aljbreen
Business Development & Investment Specialist, Public Relations Leader, NGO & Non-Profit Expert, Driving Growth & Strategic Partnerships, PMP Certified
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Keynote Speaker
Mavis
Yao
General manager of culture and art division at MIE Groups DMCC, leader in China-MENA cultural trade, board member of China-Arab Friendship Association, adviser to Yixing “Going Global” Platform, strategic partnerships across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran, cultural innovation and diplomacy expert.
China 🇨🇳
Keynote Speaker
Gaëlle
Berruel
CEO & Founder of A Rockstar Mindset, UK Ambassador for Psychologies Magazine, London Chair of the G100 Female CEOs at the Women Economic Forum, Best-selling Author of Women Making A Difference, Contributor at Business Insider & Brainz Magazine, Multi-award-winning Visibility & Confidence Coach & Award-Winning Motivational Speaker to Senior Women Leaders In Corporate
UK 🇬🇧 & France 🇫🇷
Keynote Speaker
Rahma
Hersi
Founder & Managing Director of Sakina Journeys Oy, Lawyer, Researcher, Community Builder, and Advocate for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Kenya 🇰🇪 & Finland 🇫🇮
Keynote Speaker
Esmeralda
De Souza-Obwaka
Founder & CEO of Spez Limited, Entrepreneur, Creative Business Leader, and Recipient of the Babson College Launch & Grow Scholarship
Kenya 🇰🇪
Keynote Speaker
Nikiara
Purmambietova
Nikiara Purmambietova is the Founder & CEO of Modest Beauty Corp (ModestBeauty.co), the first global marketplace for modest fashion. A Crimean-Tatar entrepreneur and Lead Business Analyst at Exadel, she combines 15+ years of experience in tech and startups with her personal journey in modest fashion. Previously, she founded uCat, a retail tech platform used by leading chains like Metro. Today, she focuses on building inclusive platforms, mentoring in business analysis, and empowering women founders worldwide.
Ukraine 🇺🇦 & Turkey 🇹🇷
Keynote Speaker
Michelle
H. S. Quick
CEO & Founder of HBBA Denmark, International Speaker, Author, Mental Health Consultant, Country Chairwoman for Denmark at AICHLS, and Leader at WBAF
Denmark 🇩🇰
Keynote Speaker
Halina
Rosa
Fashion Designer, Artist, Author, Publisher & Researcher in Art and Design, Founder & President of the Halina Rosa Foundation for the Promotion of Culture and International Cooperation, Editor-in-Chief of DESIGNER Magazine, Ambassador of the Polish Diaspora’s National Cultural Heritage, Recognised with the Ambassador of Businesswomen Award (Poland & Sweden), Woman with Passion Award, Golden Pen Award, and Women Changing the World Awards in Media and Sustainability.
Poland 🇵🇱 & Sweden 🇸🇪
Keynote Speaker
Nina
Fedorova
Zumba Instructor, Model, Komparse (Film/TV Extra), Creator, and Coach
Nina believes that every woman has the power to shine with confidence and authenticity. Through the art of body language, personalised coaching, and the joy of movement, she creates an empowering space for businesswomen to thrive.
Germany 🇩🇪 & Russia 🇷🇺
Keynote Speaker
Krista
Mulenok
Secretary General of the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association and represents Estonia in the G100 Security and Defence Wing.
Master’s graduate in Law, Economics, and Community Work, Member of NATO’s Civil Society Advisory Panel on Women, Peace, and Security
Estonia 🇪🇪
Keynote Speaker
Chenai
Kadungure
Executive Director of the Black Physicians Association of Ontario (BPAO), Secretary General of the Global Litigation and Advocacy Network for People of African Descent (GLANPAD), G100 Canada Chair for Equity and Equality, Rotary International Assistant Public Image Chair, Pan-Africanist Social Impact and Equity Champion, Public Speaker and Global Collaborator for Peace
Canada 🇨🇦



















