Kristiina Oja is from Finland where she lived in Helsinki with her husband and their three sons, now adults. Her international outlook began at the age of five when her father enrolled her in the International School of Helsinki. Although the experience started with a few tearful weeks, she soon adapted to speaking English with classmates from around the world and discovered a lifelong curiosity about different cultures and perspectives. As a teenager, she spent a year as an exchange student in Oregon and during her youth traveled extensively throughout Europe, often stopping to visit family in southern Germany. Kristiina earned a Master’s degree in International Politics from the University of Helsinki and continued her studies at the London School of Economics. She built a long career in corporate communications and related strategic and leadership roles within the financial industry, working in international environments and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the Nordics, Estonia, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Kristiina and her husband raised their sons in Helsinki while also enjoying time at their family cottage in Central Finland. After becoming empty nesters, the couple realized their long-held plan of exploring the United States through a series of road trips and eventually decided to move to the US and Nashville. While maintaining close ties to Finland through regular visits with family and friends, Kristiina is now focused on contributing to the community by applying her professional experience, international outlook, and communication expertise through volunteer service.

Hunter is a senior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in History and Economics, with minors in World Politics and Classics. He is writing his senior thesis for the Honors History program on New Deal work relief programs and the emergence of the American white-collar class. Hunter acts on his ardent appreciation for foreign affairs by leading Vanderbilt’s premier foreign affairs club, the Alexander Hamilton Society, as president. He hopes to pursue a career in public service or law. He loves cooking, Kurt Vonnegut and Steinbeck, running, and strength training.

My name is Jennifer Gheorghe and I am a senior at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in International Affairs and Psychology. Growing up just outside Nashville with Romanian immigrant parents gave me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. My background has fueled my passion for understanding global issues and I aspire to a career in international diplomacy where I can contribute to peaceful cross-cultural collaboration. 

Mary Jess Holt is an Economics student at Belmont University. She primarily focuses on international economic relations, particularly involving the dynamics between Eastern and Western economies. Mary Jess is especially drawn to China’s role in today’s global economy and is passionate about sharing a more thoughtful, global perspective with others.