I’m Selmi, a 25-year-old politics nerd and feminist from Kontula. I grew up in East Helsinki but for the last few years I’ve studied and worked as a city councilor in Turku. In my free time I enjoy playing video games and board games, swimming, cycling and hosting theme parties. I love doing the dishes, but only in other people’s homes.

I grew up in Herttoniemenranta. During high school I lived in Meri-Rastila and went to school at Herttoniemen yhteiskoulu. After high school I decided to apply to the University of Turku and try life outside the Ring III. And it was worth it!

In autumn 2024, I graduated from the University of Turku with a Master’s degree in Social Sciences. My main subject was contemporary history, and in my Bachelor and Master theses I covered Seta’s lobbying work in the 1980s and 1990s. Alongside my studies (or at the expense of them), I served three terms on the Student Union Council and one year as Chair of the Student Union.

Before moving back to Helsinki, I was a member of the City Council of Turku and a member of the Education Committee. During my term, I took initiatives in the city council, for example on reducing light pollution, paper-based learning materials in upper secondary education and well-being at work of municipal employees.

But home is always home. It is wonderful to live in Helsinki again, and especially in East Helsinki. In this election, I want to talk about what is worth protecting in Helsinki. It also gives us hope for a better tomorrow.