Inaugral UEF African meetup

We invite all UEF Africans (students, staff, researchers and alumni) to an inaugral African meetup. This hybrid event will bring together the UEF African community to connect, network and share experiences. This meetup will focus on integration and careers in Finnish society as an African.

In this meetup, we will be joined by two UEF Alumni, Ezekiel Kuhoga and Isaac Adaams, who will both share their stories and journeys, to help spark the discussions.

Ezekiel Kuhoga's talk is titled: 
Breaking the stereotypes: The role, how and why we need to focus on breaking the negative stereotypes against us as African. 

Isaac Adaam's talk is titled:
Rethinking Immigrant Integration Through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs From Student to Professional: Navigating Language Learning, Networking, Job Search, Workplace Culture, and Career Transitions in Finland.

Biographies:
Ezekiel Kuhoga is a graduate of the University of Eastern Finland (2016–2018) with a Master’s degree in Photonics. During his time in Joensuu, he served as the President of the African Students Association (ASA) in 2017, where he championed student inclusion, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Beyond academics, Ezekiel has continued to inspire and empower others as a coach and mentor for internationals through the Talent Hub Eastern Finland program, a role he continues to embrace with passion and purpose. Today, Ezekiel thrives as an entrepreneur and creative professional, combining his technical background with artistic expression. As a social media content creator, videographer, and photographer with a growing expertise in digital marketing, he tells authentic stories that connect people, cultures, and ideas.

Isaac Adaams' story is a powerful testament to what's possible when passion meets determination. Arriving in Finland in 2011 without a degree, he transformed challenge into opportunity—pursuing not one, but four academic qualifications from Finnish universities: a Bachelor's degree and three Master's degrees in International Business, International Economic Law, and Professional Sales Management. Today, Isaac stands as a seasoned international business development and sales executive in medical technologies and healthcare services, with an impressive portfolio spanning over 27 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America. His work bridges continents and transforms lives, bringing cutting-edge healthcare solutions to communities around the world. What truly sets Isaac apart is his unwavering commitment to global healthcare equity. He carries a deep conviction that Africa—his beloved continent—deserves access to the latest health technologies and innovations. This isn't just professional ambition; it's a mission that drives everything he does.

Please register by 5th of November. Welcome!

Venues
Joensuu: Futura Building, room F111, address Yliopistokatu 7 and Kuopio: Canthia Building, room CA400, address Yliopistonrinne 3.

For further information, please contact Roseanna Avento, email [email protected].