
9. Rozabela Singh & Erja Levikari

9. Rozabela Singh & Erja Levikari
One way or another - Necklace
Reach up to the sky - Brooch
Only sky is the limit - Brooch
Wild clay, wood, gilding
In the conversations with my work partner, her positivity and desire for growth were strongly evident. Optimism, perseverance, and determination have been essential on her journey from Nepal to Finland. The design of the necklace reflects finding one's own path towards dreams, one way or another. The wood used in the jewelry symbolizes growth. Pearls and gold are connected to traditional Nepali jewelry heritage: gold symbolizes wealth and carries protective meanings. The pearls are made from Finnish wild clay.
The sky is the only limit to the possibilities you can achieve.
Rozabela Singh
I am from Nepal and moved to Finland because my husband chose to pursue further education at a Finnish university. Before relocating, I completed my master's degree in Norway. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve prepared myself to be competitive in the Finnish market. Now, I have a permanent job and lead two Nordic projects, one focused on immigrant integration. I am eager to learn new things and understand Finnish culture to feel included. I maintain my cultural heritage by cooking traditional food, celebrating festivals, and inviting Finnish friends to create an inclusive society. I strive to ensure my views are heard and speak Finnish, even imperfectly, to show my effort. I believe language is crucial for professional growth. Over the past five years, I have adopted aspects of Finnish life, such as speaking less and being straightforward, embracing international experiences, and participating in Finnish hobbies to socialize. I feel somewhat Finnish and describe myself as optimistic, non-stereotypical, and globally minded, appreciating multicultural perspectives without judgment.
Equality for me means ensuring everyone has fair access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background. It involves treating all individuals with respect and dignity, advocating for equal legal rights and social status.
As an immigrant living in Finland, my skills are sometimes questioned. Additionally, I often receive varied responses that challenge my credentials simply because I am not fluent in Finnish.
A highly commendable approach is not to fear hiring individuals with limited Finnish skills, as their resilience as immigrants often enables them to excel and overcome challenges. Given the aging population, organizations should be more open to hiring international employees.
Leading two diverse projects funded by Nordic Council of Ministers, I excel in wearing multiple professional hats. In one capacity, I spearhead the development of healthtech and medtech testing solutions, ensuring the maintenance of Nordic healthcare standards. Simultaneously, I lead initiatives aimed at immigrant integration, empowering newcomers with entrepreneurship opportunities to foster societal cohesion. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, I drive impactful projects that positively impact healthcare and social integration within the Nordic community.
Most importantly, I am currently working as a project manager at the same institution where I began my integration journey and learned the language. Now, I lead a project focused on immigrant integration, collaborating with the same teachers, but this time, I am more involved in decision-making. Additionally, I am the only international employee in a managerial position.
My key takeaway is that the sky is the limit. By maintaining consistency and dedication, and facing obstacles with a bit of optimism, you can always find alternative ways to grow.
