Welcome to Startup Refugees Business Breakfast on April 24th, 2025, from 09:00 to 11:00 at Kulttuuritalo — a chance for both new and longtime network members to connect and share ideas on workplace well-being and building a more diverse, supportive work life over great food, coffee, and good company!

In her keynote speech, PhD. Shadia Rask shares lessons learned on how each one of us can help building a language-aware and supportive work community where employees from all backgrounds can thrive. Elisa Vepsäläinen, the CEO of Attendo's international recruitment company Silkkitie, offers practical tips on leading diverse teams, enhancing workplace well-being, and how work communities can better welcome international talents. Finally, Startup Refugees’ Salla will interview two international talents, Cost Cycle Specialist Saemeh Salehi and UI/UX designer Ismail Otsmane, on how to best build diverse teams and cultivate a sense of belonging across differences.

There will also be relaxed networking and, of course, delicious food with Algerian flavors by Dziri & Iness Belleili.

Location: Startup Refugees HQ, Kulttuuritalo, Sturenkatu 4, 4th floor, 00510 Helsinki

The programme:

09:00–09:30 Door open. Breakfast by Dziri, Iness Belleili.

09.25-09.30 Opening words by CEO of Startup Refugees Aicha Manai (2min).

09:30–09:50 Keynote: Three L’s to remember: Lessons learned on building thriving diverse teams - PhD Shadia Rask, speaker, columnist and professional in DEI.

09:50–10:10 Welcoming Talent, Shaping Workplaces: Insights into Inclusive Leadership - Elisa Vepsäläinen, CEO of Attendo’s international recruitment company Silkkitie.

10:10–10:30 Talent interview: How to cultivate a sense of belonging in diverse workplaces? - Saemeh Salehi, Cost Cycle Specialist at Vaisala & Ismail Otsmane, Project Coordinator and UI/UX Designer at Proximi.

10:30–11:00 Coffee and networking.

See more details in Agenda.

Cover pictures: Iiro Immonen, Nora Sayyed.