BPW International

Helena Kekäläinen
8.11.1921 - 31.10.2010

Business and Professional Women Finland’s second Honorary Chairwoman was chosen at Litti spring meeting 2000. Based on proposals sent by clubs, the board of the federation had made a proposal of inviting VTM, economist Helena Kekäläinen as a Honorary Chairwoman of the federation. By standing up and giving a big round of applause, the people in the meeting expressed their opinion that it was the right choise.
Helena Kekäläinen’s merits were indisputable. Her actions as the federation’s president were remarkable encouraging members to act also internationally and to put the ideology of the Business and Professional Women into practice. Right until recent years she took part in the meetings of the federation and the club of Espoo.
I had the opportunity to meet Helena Kekäläinen a few times at federation’s meetings. She was there also when I was chosen as the president of the federation at federation’s autumn meeting 2006. I have positive memories of her as a supportive and cheerful person.
I was there with Irma Reponen, the president of the club of Espoo, escorting Helena Kekäläinen to her last journey at the church of Tapiola.
Our Honorary Chairwoman will be sadly missed by the members of our federation.

Liisa Flinck-Vasama, president of BPW Finland