Faces Behind the Name introduces people from Niemikoti Foundation at work and in their everyday lives.
At Niemikotisäätiö, Niina Sahlberg does work whose impact is felt throughout the organisation. Alongside her role as an instructor, she has in recent years led several extensive initiatives, including the development of data protection practices and advancing the client information system to the next level. The work has been demanding and at times solitary, yet deeply meaningful.
Niina describes herself as a kind of all-rounder – someone who gets excited about many things, shifts perspective with ease and finds motivation in being able to influence structures, not just individual moments.
This opportunity to create broader impact is what she finds most meaningful in her work. In client work, change is visible in one person’s daily life; in structural development, the effects reach the entire work community. “It feels important,” she says. “If I only did one thing, I’d probably be bored to death,” Niina laughs.
A Meticulous Enthusiast with a Rediscovered Nerdy Side
Colleagues often describe Niina as inspiring – and that is something she consciously strives to be, especially when dealing with topics that are not the lightest. Data protection, systems and regulation require precision, persistence and the ability to repeat the same things again and again. Niina admits she is meticulous and likes things to be done properly.
Recently, she has also recognised and embraced her “nerdy” side. After a workday, an evening might pass with university-level mathematics assignments or complex panel discussions – only to realise she has forgotten to eat. “But I genuinely enjoy all of this,” she says.
Lessons from Major Projects
The leap in data protection development from level 14 to level 75 did not happen by accident (read the article >). It required extensive study, perseverance and the ability to tolerate uncertainty. Niina recalls often wondering whether her expertise was sufficient, as she did not have what she calls a “massive formal education” in the subject.
“It was a big validation. That yes, I can do this too,” she says now. At the same time, the project taught her that no change happens alone. Even if much of the background work is done independently, a united front is needed to ensure the responsibility does not remain on one person’s desk. That is why Niina is happy to visit different units to talk and explain the bigger picture.
Change rarely progresses in a straight line. Sometimes timelines shift, regulations change and it feels as though nothing moves forward. Then there are moments when everything clicks into place. “Those moments are rare – and that’s exactly why they matter so much.”
Life Outside Work – Crochet, Cats and Cabbage Bowls
In her free time, Niina does not exactly slow down – the nature of her activity simply changes. One day she might spontaneously start renovating the kitchen; another day she may spend the entire day curled up on the sofa. In her view, both are equally valid.
A crochet hobby that began last spring has been one source of joy. What started as a course at an adult education centre quickly turned into flower hats, children’s clothes, soft toys and even a cardigan – although she admits to buying far too much yarn. “Last year was my crochet year,” Niina says. This year, the focus has shifted to interior design and home renovations.
Crafts and creativity provide a counterbalance to work where there is less room for creative expression. They act as a release valve – a way to quiet the mental buzz and delight in colours. And if one hobby starts to feel repetitive, another takes its place – the sewing machine is already waiting for its turn.
Cats, vintage tableware and clothing, and the increasing light of spring also bring joy to everyday life. “Winter is a black-and-white season,” Niina says. In spring, the colours return – and so does the energy.
Bureaucracy is complex, rules are numerous, and no one can keep track of everything alone. That is why we need people who remind, explain and break the trail – even if they themselves might sometimes wish to ski behind someone else.
Ask If You Don’t Know
If Niina could offer one piece of advice to a new employee, it would be simple: always ask if you don’t know.
