We are delighted to present the exceptional mentors who will guide and inspire participants during the DEI4SME Hackathon's I (Finland & Online). These experts bring unparalleled experience and knowledge in sustainability, innovation, DEI, and business development. Their mentorship will empower participants to develop impactful and transformative solutions for SMEs.
The DEI4SME Hackathon I (Finland & Online) is an event tailored to give participants a chance to create innovative, transformative and applicable solutions to tackle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) challenges in SMEs.
This event is more than just a competition, it is a place where students, presenters, mentors, companies and experts collaborate, innovate and learn together. Change is coming thanks to the co-creation in the DEI4SME Hackathon I. All participants, companies, mentors and presenters will have the opportunity to attend inspirational sessions held by experts in their fields.
International Mentors & Presenters introduction
Francis Oyeyiola
Talent/Career/Personal Development coach and Founder of Kpanlogo Yede, Finland
Talent/Career/Personal Development Coach, and Founder of Kpanlogo Yede, an association in Vaasa aimed at using elements of culture (music, dance and food) to help foster diversity and inclusion in Finland.
Francis’ session took place during the opening event, on February 4th.
Prof. Tauno Kekäle
Project Manager at Merinova Technology Center and Professor at the University of Vaasa, Finland
Tauno Kekäle has extensive academic work experience and a large network in EU countries, which comes in handy as he prepares various projects. Kekäle is responsible primarily for regional development projects and is well versed in higher education and research, as well as technology transfer and open innovation activities
Join Tauno’s session on: February 5th, 16:00-17:00 UTC+2. Topic: European regulatory environment for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social sustainability.
Dr. Kees Krul.
Postdoctoral researcher and founder of SustainabilityReports.com, Netherlands
Dr. Kees Krul is a postdoctoral researcher at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, where he specializes in corporate sustainability and expanding the concept of prosperity beyond traditional financial metrics. As the founder of SustainabilityReports.com, the world's largest online portal for sustainability reporting, Dr. Krul offers an unmatched understanding of global reporting standards. His guidance will help participants align their solutions with cutting-edge sustainability frameworks and ensure their ideas contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Join Kees’ session on February 5th, 17:00-18:00 UTC+2. Topic: Global reporting standards.
Pavla Sorpilova
Sustainability manager, Czech Republic
Pavla Skorpilova is an innovation and project manager passionate about helping startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses transform their ideas into digital products and services. With a hands-on approach, she specializes in turning concepts into executable projects by guiding teams through every stage from initial idea and customer research to MVP development. Starting her career in sales and key account management, Pavla transitioned into the innovation and startup accelerator space, managing international, cross-industry projects in tech, education, health-tech, and other business sectors. With a strong foundation in design thinking, business strategy, discovery, and human-centered design, she has successfully guided teams in refining digital solutions tailored to customer needs.
Pavla thrives on problem-solving, challenging the status quo, and adopting a collaborative environment where constructive feedback drives better results. Her experience in business and design thinking at the Bio Farma X MIT Hacking Medicine Hackathon reinforced her passion for helping teams navigate their innovative journeys. She is especially excited to contribute to sustainability, education, and NGO sectors, where innovation and action are vital to addressing challenges and achieving tangible results. Pavla’s session are uniquely tailored. She offers students a mentoring opportunity. During the session, the mentor will guide your team to explore challenges from different perspectives, to make it easier for you to uncover key opportunities to advance your ideas. Through guided questions, the session is designed to empower your team to think critically, reframe problems, align on goals, and channel your efforts into a more focused path forward.
Join Pavla’s sessions on: February 5th, 18:00-19:30, February 7th, 10:30-13:00 & 14:00-17:00, February 11th, 18:00-19:00, February 12th, 18:00-19:00 (all times UTC+2).
Johanna Lausegger, B.A. MA, Inclusive work coordinator, Austria
Johanna Lausegger, B.A. MA is an inclusive work coordination office, at Autark. She is also a project assistant since 2023, and active at including people with disabilities in the general labor market for more than 10 years.
Join Joahnna’s sessions on February 6th, 15:00-16:00 UTC+2. Topic: Employing people with disabilities in SMEs: overview of disabilities, Austria's legal framework for employing people with disabilities, creating inclusive workplace
Markku Oivo
Disinguished Advisor at Dimecc Oy, Finland
Prof. Markku Oivo (PhD, eMBA) is a Distinguished Advisor at Dimecc Ltd since May 2024 and Professor Emeritus at the University of Oulu, Finland. He has over 40 years of research, R&D, management, and teaching experience in both academia and industry in Finland, the US, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. He was a full professor and the head and founder of the M3S Software Engineering Research Unit at the University of Oulu in 2002 – 2024. Under his leadership, M3S ranked 2nd in Europe and 7th worldwide, and he was ranked 16th globally in publishing in top-tier scientific software engineering journals. He has taught numerous university courses and lead the planning and management of several university level degree programs.
From 2000 to 2002, he was Vice President and director of R&D at Solid Co. He held various positions at VTT from 1986 to 2000, including serving as a research professor and in organizational leadership positions. He worked at Kone Co. from 1982 to 1986. He held visiting positions at the University of Maryland (1990-91), Schlumberger Ltd. in Paris (1994-95), Fraunhofer IESE (1999-2000), University of Bolzano (2014-15), and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (2015. He received the honor of First Class Knight of the White Rose of Finland in 2013.
Join Markku’s session on February 6th, 17:00-18:00 UTC+2. Topic: introduction to artificial intelligence in general, and ChatGPT.
Murtada Al-Emara
Business Development Manager at TD SYNNE, Finland
Murtada Al-Emara is a dedicated and driven IT professional with a strong passion for learning, growth, and innovation. With a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen, Murtada excels in both independent projects and collaborative team environments, consistently delivering results and exceeding expectations. As both an IT specialist and a sales student, Murtada brings a keen eye for detail and a problem-solving mindset to fast-paced, dynamic settings. Thriving in environments where innovation and adaptability are key, Murtada seamlessly navigates complex systems and processes with analytical precision and a proactive approach. What sets Murtada apart is an exceptional ability to listen, absorb, and process information quickly, allowing for a deep understanding of intricate technical and business concepts. Known for a calm demeanor and approachable nature, Murtada is a valued team player and trusted advisor, fostering strong relationships with colleagues and partners alike.
Join Murtada’s session on February 7th, 15:00-16:00 UTC+2. Topic: Sharing experiences of people with visual impairments. (this is a shard session with Donatas Počešiūnas)
Donatas Počešiūnas
Architect, wav3x.com, Lithuania
With a decade of experience in the field, I am a bold and innovative architect committed to shaping the future of architecture through functional and forward-thinking designs. My work focuses on creating inclusive and sustainable spaces that not only serve practical purposes but also reflect the unique identities of individuals and communities. Harnessing advanced 3D modeling techniques and leveraging BIM technology through tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD, and CAD, I continuously push architectural boundaries to develop efficient and inspiring environments. These digital tools allow me to transform complex ideas into tangible realities, ensuring that my designs enhance quality of life while adapting to the evolving needs of society. Beyond architectural practice, I am actively engaged in education and knowledge-sharing. In 2021, I served as a Guest Lecturer at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where I taught a course on adapting general education schools to accommodate individuals with disabilities. My expertise in Deafspace Design was recognized by the Lithuanian Chamber of Architects, where I became a Certified Lecturer in 2019. That same year, I presented a specialized course on Designing for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People at Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv, Israel. Through a combination of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to inclusivity, I strive to redefine architectural spaces in ways that are both sustainable and human-centered.
Join Donatas’ session on February 7th, 15:00-16:00 UTC+2. Topic: Sharing experiences of people with visual impairments. (this is a shard session with Murtada Al-Emara)
Dr. Audrey Jayton,
UX Researcher at DaVita Kidney Care and DEI Advocate, USA
Audrey Jayton, PhD is a researcher and educator who advocates for social justice at the personal, relational, and policy levels in society. She received her BA in Sociology and MA and PhD in Interpersonal Communication. These areas of study have provided her with top-down and bottom-up perspectives on what it takes to create equity and inclusion. Her research has spanned topics such as inclusion for first-generation college students, identity negotiation of undocumented immigrants, microaggressions, health communication, and narrative identities. She has worked for equity in a variety of higher education roles, including leadership education, STEM, staff development, curriculum design, critical pedagogy education, community engaged scholarship, dialogue facilitation, teaching, and strategic planning. She currently conducts user experience research in healthcare technology, advocating for accessibility and centering marginalized experiences for ethical and equitable design. She has over a decade of experience teaching inclusive product development to engineers, managing research teams, and leading human-centric research, gathering behavioral insights to inform organizational processes and products while centering equity and inclusion.
Join Audrey’s session on February 7th, 16:00-17:00 UTC+2. Topic: A framework on how to analyze environments and product offerings in business from the perspective of accessibility to people with various disabilities.
Zixin He
Doctoral researcher, University of Vaasa, Finland
Zixin He is a doctoral researcher at School of Management at University of Vaasa in Finland, specializing in HR research with a focus on the evolving complexities of workforce dynamics and the strategic management of talent in organizations. Her research interests center on employee management, particularly the role of high-potential employees in organizational success. She also explores key issues such as inclusiveness and exclusiveness, equality and justice, as well as employee well-being and outcomes. Beyond her academic research, Zixin has accumulated seven years of professional experience in various HR and business roles, giving her a well-rounded perspective on workforce management. As a recruiter for a Chinese fast-food chain, she gained hands-on experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and balancing corporate objectives with workforce needs. Later, in her role as a senior accountant at a Finnish company, she developed a strategic mindset, focusing on return on investment, talent retention, and organizational efficiency. This combination of industry experience and academic research allows her to bridge theory and practice, addressing real-world HR challenges through an evidence-based approach. Her work is informed by discussions in strategic talent management, organizational behavior, and workforce diversity, aiming to provide insights that are both theoretically grounded and practically relevant.
Join Zixin’s session, on February 10th, 15:00-16:00 UTC+2. Topic: Creating inclusion when working in distant or virtual environment
Mag.a Susanne Prisching
Equal treatment lawyer at the Equal Treatment Advocacy (Gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft)
Head of regional office in Styria and Carinthia, Austria
The Equal Treatment Advocacy offers free advice and information on discrimination and equality issues throughout Austria. Ms. Mag.a Susanne Prisching completed her law studies in Graz and, after her court year in Graz, worked in Vienna for five years in the Federal Social Office of Vienna Lower Austria Burgenland in a managerial position in the area of organizational development. The regional office of the Equal Treatment Attorney was opened in Graz in 2000 and she has been acting as an Equal Treatment Attorney ever since. In 2023 she was put in charge of the regional office in Carinthia, and since May 2024 she has also been in charge of the regional office in Styria. Ms. Mag.a Prisching is also a trained administrative controller and certified coach. Among other things, her many years of lecturing in the area of anti-discrimination law at the European Law Academy in Trier and at the Graz Higher Regional Court are worth mentioning
Megha Goswami & Kristaps Kovaļonoks
coupleofexpats.com, Communication experts, Finland
Kristaps Kovalonoks is a marketing professional and digital creator who co-founded Couple of Expats with Megha Goswami. Originally from Latvia, Kristaps moved to Finland for graduate studies, where he met Megha. Together, they share their experiences of expat life in Finland, offering insights into cultural exchange and integration. Kristaps is passionate about helping brands and individuals achieve their goals through strategic marketing and engaging content creation.
Megha Goswami is a marketing professional and digital creator who co-founded Couple of Expats with Kristaps Kovalonoks. Originally from India, Megha moved to Finland for graduate studies, where she met Kristaps. Together, they share their experiences of expat life in Finland, offering insights into cultural exchange and integration. Megha is passionate about helping brands and individuals achieve their goals through strategic marketing and engaging content creation.
Join Megha’s and Kristaps’ session on February 13th, 17:00-18:00 UTC+2. Topic: Why and how to promote DEI best practices from SMEs via effective communication