Sustainable Architecture as the Framework of Happiness
Conversation and dinner
The Embassy of the Republic of Finland
Join MIT and Harvard Club of DC friends on the 75th Anniversary of Baker House, as we celebrate the iconic building built by world-renowned Finnish Architect Alvar Aalto at the Embassy of Finland, highlighting the cultural values that Finns have perpetuated. During this event, you will learn about the Aalto's Legacy at MIT and meet students from MIT's SOLE Experiential Trip.
This event includes dinner catered by Root & Stem.
Menu: Bistro Steak with Cabernet Demi, Roasted Salmon Filet with dill and garlic butter, salads, rice pilaf and more.
Moderator: Mina Marefat, Architect
Mikko Hautala became Ambassador of Finland to the United States in September 2020. Prior to that (2016-2020), he served as Ambassador of Finland to Russia. In 2012-2016 Ambassador Hautala worked as Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Finland. In 2011, he was appointed Deputy Head of Mission to Embassy of Finland to Russia, located in Moscow. Ambassador Hautala has also served as the Diplomatic Advisor the to Minister for Foreign Affairs (2007-2011) as well as the First Secretary at the Permanent Representation of Finland to the EU in Brussels (2002-2007).
In the beginning of his career, he has served as Attaché at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki (2001-2002) and as Attaché at the Embassy of Finland in Kyiv, Ukraine (1998-2001). He joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in 2001. In August 2020, Hautala was awarded (“Ambassador Prize”) by the Confederation of Finnish Industries for his excellent work in promoting the interests of Finnish companies in Russia.
Ambassador Hautala was born in 1972 in Seinäjoki, Finland. holds degrees in Master of Political Science (M.Pol.Sc) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil), both from Helsinki University. He currently holds the military rank of Captain (RESVT).
Hannakaisa Andersson works as a First Secretary for Culture and Communications at the Embassy of Finland in Washington, DC. She is the head of cultural affairs and responsible for media relations related to trade and economy. She was previously posted as a Second Secretary for Trade and Economy at the Embassy of Finland in Beijing, China and as Attache at the Embassy of Finland in Berlin, Germany. Prior to her career as a diplomat, she worked as a lawyer in mergers and acquisitions, as well as a Legal Consultant for a rule of law development project related to China.
She holds two Master's degrees, Master of Laws and Master of Science in Economics from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University respectively.