BIography
Pauliina Pietilä
Local President
I believe everyone has potential they haven’t discovered yet — and sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity, a little encouragement and a community that believes in them.
JCI has been that place for me. Since joining in 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to challenge myself, discover new strengths, lead projects, connect with people across borders and take on roles I might never have imagined before. Early in my JCI journey, I was honoured to be among the Top 3 finalists for Most Outstanding New Member in Finland, a recognition that encouraged me to keep exploring what I could contribute. Most importantly, I’ve learned that growth is even more meaningful when we help others grow along the way.
This is what keeps me curious, motivated and saying yes to new challenges: the people we meet, the things we dare to try and the difference we can make when we build something together.
LinkedIn / Instagram
JCI has been that place for me. Since joining in 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to challenge myself, discover new strengths, lead projects, connect with people across borders and take on roles I might never have imagined before. Early in my JCI journey, I was honoured to be among the Top 3 finalists for Most Outstanding New Member in Finland, a recognition that encouraged me to keep exploring what I could contribute. Most importantly, I’ve learned that growth is even more meaningful when we help others grow along the way.
This is what keeps me curious, motivated and saying yes to new challenges: the people we meet, the things we dare to try and the difference we can make when we build something together.
LinkedIn / Instagram
- 41 + 13Conferences attended
41 in Finland · 13 internationally - 25 + 8Projects contributed to
25 local · 8 national - 15 + 14Official JCI trainings completed · Training sessions delivered
- 23Awards received
Including Most Outstanding Member of JCI Finland
PRES 2026
My year as Local President of JCI Central Park Helsinki in 2026 has been about building a more vibrant, connected and sustainable organization under the theme Boldly Together. I led a renewed approach to partnerships, linking every project to Helsinki regional financial growth priorities while setting clear financial targets to support our long-term sustainability.
One of the year's highlights was Lumous, our 40th anniversary Regional Spring Conference, which welcomed 295 participants from 37 chambers and regions, including 12 international guests. I also helped strengthen our international connections through twinning activities with Béziers, Bruges and Kennemerland, revived the Leirien leiri tradition and supported our brand renewal.
Alongside organizational development, I focused on member engagement, leadership growth and creating space for people to take initiative and succeed together.
I also completed the Finnish JCI Grand Slam, attending every regional and national conference during the year. For me, 2026 has been about more than delivering results — it has been about creating the conditions for people and the organization to thrive long after my presidency.
My year as Local President of JCI Central Park Helsinki in 2026 has been about building a more vibrant, connected and sustainable organization under the theme Boldly Together. I led a renewed approach to partnerships, linking every project to Helsinki regional financial growth priorities while setting clear financial targets to support our long-term sustainability.
One of the year's highlights was Lumous, our 40th anniversary Regional Spring Conference, which welcomed 295 participants from 37 chambers and regions, including 12 international guests. I also helped strengthen our international connections through twinning activities with Béziers, Bruges and Kennemerland, revived the Leirien leiri tradition and supported our brand renewal.
Alongside organizational development, I focused on member engagement, leadership growth and creating space for people to take initiative and succeed together.
I also completed the Finnish JCI Grand Slam, attending every regional and national conference during the year. For me, 2026 has been about more than delivering results — it has been about creating the conditions for people and the organization to thrive long after my presidency.
DP 2025
In 2025, I served as Deputy President of JCI Central Park Helsinki, focusing on membership growth, member engagement and organizational development. I recruited 19 new members and analyzed five years of membership data, discovering that half of our trial members left before becoming full members. In response, I introduced targeted engagement activities that increased the conversion rate from 50% to 80%.
I also helped translate our new chamber strategy into practice, supporting its implementation across our activities and encouraging members to work towards shared goals. Alongside contributing to local and national projects, I worked closely with the board to strengthen our organization and prepare for my own presidency in 2026. The experience reinforced my belief that sustainable growth comes from understanding what people need, turning insights into action and creating meaningful opportunities for members to participate and develop.
My contribution was recognized with the Most Active Board Member award and the “With Heart” (Sydämellä mukana) award, recognizing someone who is deeply involved in JCI with a big heart and inspires others to join in. These recognitions reflect what matters most to me in voluntary leadership: showing up, encouraging others and helping build a community where people want to be involved.
In 2025, I served as Deputy President of JCI Central Park Helsinki, focusing on membership growth, member engagement and organizational development. I recruited 19 new members and analyzed five years of membership data, discovering that half of our trial members left before becoming full members. In response, I introduced targeted engagement activities that increased the conversion rate from 50% to 80%.
I also helped translate our new chamber strategy into practice, supporting its implementation across our activities and encouraging members to work towards shared goals. Alongside contributing to local and national projects, I worked closely with the board to strengthen our organization and prepare for my own presidency in 2026. The experience reinforced my belief that sustainable growth comes from understanding what people need, turning insights into action and creating meaningful opportunities for members to participate and develop.
My contribution was recognized with the Most Active Board Member award and the “With Heart” (Sydämellä mukana) award, recognizing someone who is deeply involved in JCI with a big heart and inspires others to join in. These recognitions reflect what matters most to me in voluntary leadership: showing up, encouraging others and helping build a community where people want to be involved.
R-IND 2024
In 2024, I served as Regional Individual Development Director supporting the development of members and the activities of local chambers across the region. I led and supported the work of local Individual Development Directors and Local Officers in charge of Events, helping them develop their activities and create meaningful opportunities for members. I was also responsible for organizing the regional Summer Academy and the regional public speaking and debating competitions, while supporting conference organizers in delivering successful events. The role gave me a broader perspective on regional leadership and reinforced my belief that the best results come from empowering others, sharing knowledge and making it easier for people to succeed in their own roles.
In recognition of my contributions, I was awarded Most Outstanding Member of JCI Finland in 2024. I also received the Most Valuable Board Member award in Region A. At JCI Central Park Helsinki, I received Monica’s Plate (Monican lautanen) for being the chamber’s most international member. In addition, European Capitals Meeting Helsinki 2024 was recognized with the Yhteinen malja award for the project with the greatest societal impact. Together, these recognitions reflect different aspects of my JCI journey: supporting others, building international connections and contributing to projects that create meaningful impact in society.
In 2024, I served as Regional Individual Development Director supporting the development of members and the activities of local chambers across the region. I led and supported the work of local Individual Development Directors and Local Officers in charge of Events, helping them develop their activities and create meaningful opportunities for members. I was also responsible for organizing the regional Summer Academy and the regional public speaking and debating competitions, while supporting conference organizers in delivering successful events. The role gave me a broader perspective on regional leadership and reinforced my belief that the best results come from empowering others, sharing knowledge and making it easier for people to succeed in their own roles.
In recognition of my contributions, I was awarded Most Outstanding Member of JCI Finland in 2024. I also received the Most Valuable Board Member award in Region A. At JCI Central Park Helsinki, I received Monica’s Plate (Monican lautanen) for being the chamber’s most international member. In addition, European Capitals Meeting Helsinki 2024 was recognized with the Yhteinen malja award for the project with the greatest societal impact. Together, these recognitions reflect different aspects of my JCI journey: supporting others, building international connections and contributing to projects that create meaningful impact in society.
Projects
Throughout my JCI journey, I have had the opportunity to lead and contribute to projects that bring people together, develop organizations and create a positive impact on society. One of the highlights was serving as Deputy COC Director of Lumous 2026, JCI Central Park Helsinki’s 40th anniversary Regional Spring Conference. Being part of the team behind such a large event was an opportunity to combine collaboration, practical execution and the creation of memorable experiences for JCI members.
Earlier, as COC Director of European Capitals Meeting Helsinki 2024, I led an international event that connected members across borders. The experience strengthened my ability to coordinate people and activities towards a shared goal while creating opportunities for international networking and collaboration. The project was recognized with the Hessu’s Sugar (Hessun Sokeri) award for the act of the year, following the successful initiative to bring the organizing rights for the event to Finland for the first time.
Beyond conferences, I have been passionate about projects that create lasting value. As project lead for JCI Central Park Helsinki’s 2025–2027 strategy, I have worked to define the chamber’s long-term direction and create a shared foundation for its development. For me, strategy is not just a document — it is about turning a common vision into practical choices and actions that help an organization thrive.
As project manager for Työnhakusparraajat, I have also contributed to supporting jobseekers as they navigate their career journeys. The project reflects something I value deeply in JCI: using our skills, networks and experience to help others discover their potential and move forward. Across these projects, the common thread has been bringing people together, creating opportunities for others and turning ideas into meaningful action. Työnhakusparraajat received JCI Central Park Helsinki’s Yhteinen Malja award for the project with the greatest societal impact, recognizing the importance of creating practical support and opportunities for people in our community.
Across these projects, the common thread has been bringing people together, creating opportunities for others and turning ideas into meaningful action.
Throughout my JCI journey, I have had the opportunity to lead and contribute to projects that bring people together, develop organizations and create a positive impact on society. One of the highlights was serving as Deputy COC Director of Lumous 2026, JCI Central Park Helsinki’s 40th anniversary Regional Spring Conference. Being part of the team behind such a large event was an opportunity to combine collaboration, practical execution and the creation of memorable experiences for JCI members.
Earlier, as COC Director of European Capitals Meeting Helsinki 2024, I led an international event that connected members across borders. The experience strengthened my ability to coordinate people and activities towards a shared goal while creating opportunities for international networking and collaboration. The project was recognized with the Hessu’s Sugar (Hessun Sokeri) award for the act of the year, following the successful initiative to bring the organizing rights for the event to Finland for the first time.
Beyond conferences, I have been passionate about projects that create lasting value. As project lead for JCI Central Park Helsinki’s 2025–2027 strategy, I have worked to define the chamber’s long-term direction and create a shared foundation for its development. For me, strategy is not just a document — it is about turning a common vision into practical choices and actions that help an organization thrive.
As project manager for Työnhakusparraajat, I have also contributed to supporting jobseekers as they navigate their career journeys. The project reflects something I value deeply in JCI: using our skills, networks and experience to help others discover their potential and move forward. Across these projects, the common thread has been bringing people together, creating opportunities for others and turning ideas into meaningful action. Työnhakusparraajat received JCI Central Park Helsinki’s Yhteinen Malja award for the project with the greatest societal impact, recognizing the importance of creating practical support and opportunities for people in our community.
Across these projects, the common thread has been bringing people together, creating opportunities for others and turning ideas into meaningful action.
Debating
Learning and sharing knowledge have become an important part of my JCI journey. I have delivered training sessions on topics including leadership, debating, career opportunities, CVs and LinkedIn, and influencing and persuasion. I have also mentored members and supported others in developing their skills.
Debating has been another significant part of my journey. I became a regional and national debating champion in 2022, captained the Finnish debating team at the European Conference in 2023 and at the World Congress in 2025, and reached the semi-finals of the World Debating Championship in 2025. I have also served as a debate judge in Finland and internationally, including at the European Conferences in Oulu and Herning and at the Swedish National Conference.
For me, debating is not only about making an argument. It is about listening, thinking critically, understanding different perspectives and communicating clearly.
Learning and sharing knowledge have become an important part of my JCI journey. I have delivered training sessions on topics including leadership, debating, career opportunities, CVs and LinkedIn, and influencing and persuasion. I have also mentored members and supported others in developing their skills.
Debating has been another significant part of my journey. I became a regional and national debating champion in 2022, captained the Finnish debating team at the European Conference in 2023 and at the World Congress in 2025, and reached the semi-finals of the World Debating Championship in 2025. I have also served as a debate judge in Finland and internationally, including at the European Conferences in Oulu and Herning and at the Swedish National Conference.
For me, debating is not only about making an argument. It is about listening, thinking critically, understanding different perspectives and communicating clearly.
I in JCI
International experiences have been an important part of my JCI journey, giving me the chance to build friendships, exchange ideas and learn from members around the world. I have attended European Conferences in Bucharest (2023), Oulu (2024), Herning (2025) and Málaga (2026), as well as the JCI World Congress in Tunis in 2025.
My international journey has also included European Capitals Meetings in Berlin (2023), Helsinki (2024), Ankara (2025) and Prague (2026), the European Academy in 2025, the Crayfish Conference in 2024 and the Swedish National Conference in 2025.
Each experience has offered a different perspective on leadership, collaboration and what connects JCI members across countries. For me, international events are about much more than travelling — they are about broadening horizons, sharing experiences and discovering how much we can learn from one another.
International experiences have been an important part of my JCI journey, giving me the chance to build friendships, exchange ideas and learn from members around the world. I have attended European Conferences in Bucharest (2023), Oulu (2024), Herning (2025) and Málaga (2026), as well as the JCI World Congress in Tunis in 2025.
My international journey has also included European Capitals Meetings in Berlin (2023), Helsinki (2024), Ankara (2025) and Prague (2026), the European Academy in 2025, the Crayfish Conference in 2024 and the Swedish National Conference in 2025.
Each experience has offered a different perspective on leadership, collaboration and what connects JCI members across countries. For me, international events are about much more than travelling — they are about broadening horizons, sharing experiences and discovering how much we can learn from one another.
Professional life
I am an experienced People & Culture professional with over 15 years of international HR experience. I combine a strong understanding of people, leadership and organizational development with a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset. Known for my empathetic yet courageous approach, I build trust with leaders, challenge conventional thinking and help organizations navigate change while keeping people at the heart of decisions. I believe the best workplaces are built on strong leadership, open communication and a culture where people feel valued, empowered and able to grow. I am passionate about developing both people and organizations, and I bring energy, curiosity and a hands-on approach to turning ideas into meaningful, lasting impact.
I am an experienced People & Culture professional with over 15 years of international HR experience. I combine a strong understanding of people, leadership and organizational development with a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset. Known for my empathetic yet courageous approach, I build trust with leaders, challenge conventional thinking and help organizations navigate change while keeping people at the heart of decisions. I believe the best workplaces are built on strong leadership, open communication and a culture where people feel valued, empowered and able to grow. I am passionate about developing both people and organizations, and I bring energy, curiosity and a hands-on approach to turning ideas into meaningful, lasting impact.
Outside work and JCI
Outside of work and JCI, I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures. I’m also a proud dog owner and spend my summers living in my allotment garden, where I enjoy a slower pace of life, being outdoors and making the most of the Finnish summer. For me, it’s the perfect balance to a busy everyday life — a chance to recharge, enjoy the simple things and find inspiration in new experiences.
Outside of work and JCI, I love travelling and discovering new places and cultures. I’m also a proud dog owner and spend my summers living in my allotment garden, where I enjoy a slower pace of life, being outdoors and making the most of the Finnish summer. For me, it’s the perfect balance to a busy everyday life — a chance to recharge, enjoy the simple things and find inspiration in new experiences.
Keskuspuiston nuorkauppakamari
pres@keskuspuisto.org
