This spring, Janika Takatalo has started as TYY’s Secretary General, and Roosa Varjonen has joined as the Event Producer.
Janika Takatalo has a long history with TYY. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, she has previously served in TYY’s Student Union Council and as Vice Chair of the Board. Before taking on the role of Secretary General, Takatalo worked in various organizations, as well as in the Finnish Parliament and the European Parliament.
"My heart belongs to Turku, and now I have the chance to fulfill my dream of working here and 'returning home' through this new role," Takatalo says.
Her favorite TYY event is the May Day alumni gathering:
"I helped create this event during my year on the Board, and I believe I have attended every year since. This year marks the event’s 10th anniversary, and it feels like a full-circle moment to now be involved again as an organizer. Alumni are a great asset to the student union, and part of the Secretary General’s role is maintaining relationships with them."
Looking ahead, Takatalo is eager to experience a full operational year, create new initiatives, and develop TYY’s activities once she has fully settled into the role.
Roosa Varjonen, TYY’s new Event Producer, also has experience in the organization field within TYY. A fifth-year Materials Engineering student, she has served as Treasurer and Chair of Adamas ry, on the Board of Technica, and in various student organizations and hobby organisations, as well as a Student Union Council member. Additionally, Varjonen was the Culture Commissioner of the Teekkari Commission, where she was responsible for everything related to Teekkari culture and its development.
Her favorite event is TYYlikäs Vappu, which also marks the beginning of the annual Teekkari cap season:
"The capping ceremony at Taidemuseonmäki is truly impressive and beautifully unites all of Turku—both students and citizens," Varjonen notes.
Varjonen hopes to leave her own mark on TYY’s traditional events.