Bloom ry is an association dedicated to building a community where both internationals and locals can thrive together. The synergy, empowerment and support that is found at Bloom will enable each individual to integrate with ease into any culture.
The Growth of Bloom
Photo: Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere
It all started when…
our Founder, Kelly Keodara, faced the same challenges many internationals experience when trying to integrate into Finnish society. Navigating the complexities of a new culture, she sought help from various institutions but found limited support. Beyond the beauty of the Finnish language, Kelly discovered it was often a barrier, and she began to uncover the subtle stigmas that made it even harder for foreigners to feel a sense of belonging in their new home.
As Kelly spoke with more internationals across Finland, she realized she wasn’t alone in her struggles. There was a shared experience, a collective need for change. It became clear to her that something had to be done—something that would not only support the integration of internationals but would also help Finland thrive through the strength of its diversity.
After 5 years of living, studying, and working in Finland, Kelly had gained invaluable insights into what successful integration looks like. Though there was still much to learn, she knew it was time to act and share her knowledge with others. In 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, she dedicated months to researching the issue, conducting market studies, and interviewing hundreds of locals and internationals alike.
Then, Kelly took action. This was the moment Bloom was born. With support from the City of Tampere, her vision quickly grew into something far larger than she could have ever imagined. There was excitement, even relief, from those around her—finally, something was being created to promote true diversity and inclusion. Bloom’s mission was clear: to create a safe, welcoming space where both locals and internationals could come together, regardless of where they were from.
Together with her co-founders, Jens Christian Trier Aagaard and Karen Ahtiainen, the Bloom team, board members, and dedicated volunteers have come together with a shared purpose. Now, more than ever, we are ready to bring the community together in ways that foster real connection and understanding. We have now expanded to Oulu and Porvoo, with many more cities ready to bloom.
This is just the beginning of an incredible journey. Let’s build a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Let’s bloom together.