Bloom ry is an association dedicated to building a community where both internationals and locals can thrive together. The synergy, empowerment, and support at Bloom enable individuals to connect, grow, and thrive within diverse cultural environments.
Meet the Bloom Executive Board
Kelly Keodara, Founder and President
Serving her fifth year as President, Kelly Keodara has received her Executive Education in Leading Organisations and Change at MIT and graduated from Tampere University with a Master’s degree in Media Education. She has extensive expertise in the communications and media realm. She has been active in humanitarian aid via the United Nations and European Commission Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. She currently leads impact finance communications for clean energy projects in Africa at Nordic Development Fund, and is the Chief of Opportunities at Finnish Leadership Team podcast. She is also the Founder of Bloom.
As President, her main responsibilities at Bloom will be to supervise the activities of the association, in addition to maintaining the sustainability of the vision and mission. This year, she envisions Bloom playing a key role in driving solutions for Finland’s economic and societal challenges while fostering opportunities that enhance the wellbeing of both locals and internationals. Bloom will continue to expand to new cities, creating a more inclusive and thriving Finland for all.
Kelly’s life mission is to empower others to live to their highest potential.
Jens C. Trier, Co-founder and Advisor
Jens C. Trier has a background in international relations and law from the University of Gothenburg and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in political science at Uppsala University whilst working as Chief of Operations for We Make Change, an international social enterprise. Jens’ background revolves around NGO-organisational work, events, business development and community-building on an international level. Jens’ main responsibilities at Bloom includes conceptualising and strategy, developing partnerships and building community. He is also on our Advisory Committee.
Karen Ahtiainen, Co-founder and Advisor
Karen Ahtiainen graduated from Tampere University of Applied Sciences with a degree in International Business, majoring in Marketing and Customer Experience. She has over 10 years of professional working experience in different fields and industries, with a background in marketing (branding and new market strategy), event management, training, and customer service experience. Her main responsibilities in Bloom include marketing, promoting and ensuring that members will have a great experience in Bloom. She currently works at International House Tampere as Business Coordinator. She is also on our Advisory Committee.
Shruti Dharwadkar, Vice President
Shruti Dharwadkar, originally from India, is a dynamic communicator with a background in public relations, event management, and sustainability. She founded a sustainability-focused start-up in India and brings a wealth of business experience to everything she does. Having completed her Business degree in Circular Economy at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, she remains deeply committed to her passion for People and Planet. Currently, Shruti works as a Marketing Planner at Entteri Oy, where she plays a key role in helping the company expand internationally.
As Vice President of Bloom, she believes every international and Finn-ternational deserves to be part of an inclusive, diverse, and empowering community, where they can truly thrive and ‘Bloom’ in Finland. "With determination and teamwork, we are turning ambitious goals into reality - expanding Bloom, building strong foundations, and creating an even greater impact. 2025 is all about action, growth, and making this our biggest year yet!"
A passionate traveler and food enthusiast, Shruti loves discovering the stories behind traditional cuisines and how they connect to different cultures and places.
Tiina Lustig, Treasurer
Tiina Lustig works as Microsoft Dynamics Finance and Operations consultant at Tietoevry and has a Master’s degree in Business and Economics for studying International Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Jyväskylä. Her path to where she is now comes from the passion to problem solving and will to help, whether it is trying to find the best way to navigate around an unknown city abroad or a simple accounting problem. She is from Tampere and currently resides in the capitol area but from time to time likes to look back at the times of living abroad and new travels. Most of her free time is spent at the gym or on a walk in the forest or by the sea. Her interest in other cultures but also excitement to share Finnish culture to others led her to Bloom, in order to connect the internationals in Finland with locals and their networks.
Niharika Anand, Secretary
Niharika Anand, from New Delhi, India, spent most of her primary education there before moving to Finland to pursue a Bachelor’s in Information Technology at Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences. She later pursued a Master’s in Information and Communication Technology from Tampere University. Previously a trainee at Wärtsilä in Identity and Access Management, she’s now thriving as a Cybersecurity Specialist (IAM) at Metso. Her passion for tech and innovation drives her, and she’s all about making a positive impact. In her free time, Niharika loves movies, hiking, reading, music, and volunteering. A nature enthusiast with a big heart, she’s committed to using her education and experiences to advance technology and contribute to a better world.
Miika Kärnä, Head of Legal
Miika Kärnä is honored to continue serving as Head of Legal on the Bloom Finland board for a third consecutive year in 2025. He firmly believes that connection is at the heart of life—whether through shared experiences, professional growth, or personal development—and remains dedicated to contributing his expertise to Bloom’s mission.
As a legal professional, Miika ensures that Bloom operates with integrity, transparency, and legal compliance, keeping its actions aligned with its core values. Beyond governance, he is passionate about creating an environment where individuals can develop occupational skills, expand their networks, and confidently navigate their professional journeys.
Outside of Bloom, Miika runs his own law firm and explores his creative side through music production. He finds balance in nature and sports—enjoying walking, cycling, and swimming year-round.
With a strong commitment to both professional and personal growth, Miika looks forward to helping Bloom build a solid legal foundation while empowering its community to thrive in work and life.
Romy Valo, Head of People and Culture
With a deep passion for fostering inclusive and supportive communities, Romy Valo is excited to contribute to Bloom Finland as the Head of People and Culture.
She holds a Teaching degree from Ludwig Maximilian University Munich and a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences from the University of Turku. Romy has worked on projects supporting international talents during an internship at the University of Turku, taught in international classrooms, and actively supports internationals as a Tampere Talent Ambassador.
Drawing from these experiences, she is committed to strengthening team culture, building meaningful connections, and ensuring that everyone in the Bloom community feels valued and empowered. She believes that a welcoming environment allows both internationals and locals to grow, connect, and truly thrive—together.
Ruchira Liyanage, Head of Marketing
Ruchira Liyanage, an architect and a researcher by profession, radiates warmth and an extroverted charm that fuels his dynamic approach to work and life. A graduate of Tampere University with a Master's in Sustainable Architecture, he seamlessly blends his architectural creativity with marketing expertise, pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.
With a diverse background spanning project coordination, human resource management, business development, and design, Ruchira is not only a seasoned professional but also a dedicated volunteer and passionate entrepreneur. He firmly believes that giving back to society adds meaning to our lives, and this philosophy drives his efforts in building inclusive communities.
As the Head of Marketing at Bloom Finland, Ruchira envisions breaking away from conventional marketing strategies, expanding Bloom’s reach to every corner of Finland, and creating a welcoming space for internationals. His mission is to help newcomers integrate seamlessly into their new environment, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultures.
Katarina Jurisic, Head of Communications
Katarina Jurisic, a dedicated chemist with a passion for communications, this professional spends her career connecting molecules and their personal time connecting people. Originally from Croatia, she moved to Finland and quickly recognized the power of community in helping internationals feel at home.
With a background in HR and business strategy, she is committed to bringing out the best in people, leading with courage and resilience. By sharing the success of the community through storytelling, events, and creative content, she aims to inspire others to believe in themselves and create a positive impact in their own communities.