Jenni Koivumäki, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Rehabilitation
My career can be divided into three stages, but teaching has always been the common thread.
I started my career in the field of liberal adult education, where I did practically everything there was to do in the world of folk high schools. After that, I moved on to working with immigrants.
For years, I had a clear goal: I wanted to become a senior lecturer, and I systematically built up the professional experience needed to get there. When I finally joined Jamk, I knew I was in the right place. I have now worked as a full-time senior lecturer since 2022. This truly is my dream job.
A humanist at heart
I have a Master of Arts degree with a major in cultural history. Later, I also studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Services at Jamk, followed by studies in social services management. So, I am also a Jamk alumna.
I am currently working on my doctoral dissertation in Applied Language Studies. My research explores the role of multilingualism in municipalities’ integration programmes and how multilingualism could support the integration of immigrants in Finland.
My background in humanities is extremely important to me. The teenage Jenni who dreamed of working for human rights is still very much a part of who I am.
I teach social services students in particular about multiculturalism, culturally aware encounters and group culture. My work allows me to combine my values and expertise and give students tools to understand the world from a broader perspective.
A special connection with Africa
Alongside teaching, I have worked on several RDI projects focusing on East Africa. I am currently involved in the BERT project, where we work to improve access to higher education for students with disabilities.
I have a strong connection with East Africa. There is something about the region that resonates deeply with me. I have visited the region several times, including as a volunteer through Teachers Without Borders. I dream that one day I could spend, for example, six months teaching at a university in East Africa.
A desire to make a difference
Being involved in different organisations and positions of trust is an important part of who I am. I have been involved for many years in Zonta International, a human rights organisation working to advance the rights of women and girls. I also serve on the boards of the National Council of Women of Finland and Jyvälä Settlement. At Jamk, I am a member of the management team of the School of Health and Social Studies and the Jamk Board.
My first impression has been extremely positive. The discussion has moved away from municipal politics towards genuinely developing higher education, and the members have a strong understanding of the higher education sector. There is one word I would like to say to our staff: patience. This is a large and multi-stage process. The work is being carried out systematically, step by step, while listening to our staff.
I hope that, as a work community, we can foster a culture of open discussion. I hope we have the courage to speak openly about things elsewhere too, not just in the corridors. We have good leaders and good people we can talk to.
I want to play my part in building a work community where openness, trust and equality are reflected in our everyday work.
