PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL AWARD CEREMONY

MY STORY

Project Behind the Award Ceremony & Business Summit

Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie

How this journey began,  Global Business Summit & Prestigious Global Awards under Ceci Educare Oy . 

This isn’t just an event, it’s a reflection of my story. I’ve lived in Finland for nearly 20 years, & despite struggling with the language, i was fortunate to build a successful career as an immigrant. From my 1st day, I began working as a janitor, then nanny, & a caregiver for special needs clients. After graduating from Laurea University of Applied Sciences with a dual degree, i became a teacher, then quickly rose through the ranks to supervisor in 3 months, a head teacher in 9 months (the first Black person in that role), daycare manager after another year, project coordinator, regional coordinator overseeing 6 centers, 1st manager of a private daycare in Kaivopuisto after 25yrs of its existence patronised by high level families & eventually director in another daycare as the only African in that position among 180 others in one of Finland’s largest companies.

After the pandemic, I shifted toward entrepreneurship & launched a project called Changing the Narratives. Many immigrants in Finland are skilled, educated, & contributing meaningfully to society, yet few are recognized. This project was born to celebrate those who’ve overcome the odds  & professionals with established careers & immigrant entrepreneurs making an impact in Finland’s economy. It’s not just about degrees, but about results: leaders, managers, innovators.

The second part of this vision is the Global Business Summit, where we bring together entrepreneurs from the diaspora in Finland & abroad to promote trade, partnerships, & economic growth across Finland, the Nordics, & Africa. Our 1st Edition was 100% self sponsored & 2nd edition 80% sponsored by us with 20% donations from participants. We brought in guests from abroad & Ceci Educare Oy sponsored some of our special guests from abroad with NO external sponsorship from any organisation, company nor external funds. 

• 1st Edition

30.08.2024, Ceci Educare Oy recognised & awarded a Finn, a Swedish & 32 Africans

• 2nd Edition

22.03.2025, Prestigious Global Awards recognised and awarded 28 change makers coming from Sweden, Germany, Norway, France, Nigeria, Gambia and change makers who are residents in Finland.

• 3rd Edition

21.09.2025, our 3rd Edition will feature off at Kannusali (a luxurious event hall under the city of espoo). High level guests shall be attending the event from different countries. In partnership with Lapland Hotel Bulervard, Comfort Hotel, Lippu.fi , International Society of Diplomats, we will bring history to Finland to showcase the country as a hub. 

Highlight 

By celebrating Africans, entrepreneurs, and change makers of all nationalities Ceci Educare Oy demonstrates Finland’s commitment to being an inclusive, forward-thinking nation that values the contributions of all its residents.

Recognizing & awarding Africans, immigrant entrepreneurs , EU individuals who have created impact is a powerful way to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity & acknowledge the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs to the Finnish economy & society

Why?

1. Promoting Diversity & Inclusion

Entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, & diverse experiences that enrich Finland’s business ecosystem

Recognition highlights the value of multiculturalism in entrepreneurship & helps to combat stereotypes or biases

2. Encouraging Economic Growth

Immigrant entrepreneurs, play a significant role in creating jobs, filling market gaps & contributing to the local economy

Awards can inspire others, both locals & immigrants, to support & collaborate with businesses

3. Creating Role Models & Inspiring Others

Recognized entrepreneurs serves as role models for young Africans in Finland, showing that success is achievable regardless of background

These stories can inspire other immigrants & Finns to innovate & pursue entrepreneurial goals 

4. Strengthening Community Connections

Celebrating change makers helps build bridges between different communities in Finland, fostering mutual respect & understanding

Recognition encourages partnerships & collaborations between African entrepreneurs & Finnish businesses

5. Addressing Challenges

Immigrant entrepreneurs often faces barriers such as language, limited networks & systemic discrimination. Recognition helps shine a light on these challenges & calls for more inclusive policies & support systems

6. Global Connection & Innovation

African entrepreneurs often have strong ties to their countries of origin, creating opportunities for cross-border trade, investment, & innovation. Recognizing them in Finland can strengthen Finland’s global ties, especially with Africa’s rapidly growing economies

Recognizing Africans & Immigrant entrepreneurs in Finland isn’t just about awards, it’s about fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion & shared success. It sends a clear message that entrepreneurship knows no boundaries & that everyone, regardless of their background, has the potential to thrive & contribute meaningfully to society