ANDREA TOLONEN

Nominated by Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter

Born and raised in Astoria by a Swedish mother and a boat building Finnish father, Andrea Tolonen has been very involved with the Nordic community since childhood.

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She has played a pivotal role in Skandia Lodge’s revival, served as a dedicated Recording Secretary, organized volunteer opportunities at the Lindgren Cabin for the Finnish Historical Society of the West (FAHSW), delegated the independent Order of the Viking Conventions, to name a few.

As a Board Member and 15-year President at the Finnish American Historical Society of the West, Andrea demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiating events like the Finnic picnic, collaborating with Appelo Archives, editing the Finnam News and contributing to the revival of the Finnish Classroom at PSU.

In her involvement with FFCPC, Andrea's lifetime membership, editorial role for Finnam Historical Quarterly, and receipt of the 2019 Sauna Bucket Award underscore her commitment to Finlandia Foundation - Columbia Pacific Chapter.

At Nordic Northwest, Andrea's role as Chair of the Travel Committee, successful organization of bus tours, and active participation in cultural events show her commitment to fostering a love for Nordic traditions.

When not enthusiastically volunteering for the organizations already mentioned, Andrea is traveling to the Nordic Countries, transforming tickets booths into backyard saunas, being a beloved mother and busy grandmother, who has volunteered at her kids school and lead girl scout troops, to name a few.

Beyond her Scandinavian endeavors, Andrea's philanthropic contributions, and her involvement in community initiatives reflect her broader commitment to making a positive impact.

BRADY JENSEN

Nominated by Nordic Northwest Executive Committee

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Brady Jensen, currently serving as Vice President on the Nordic Northwest Board of Directors, is of Danish heritage.

His notable leadership role in the Ole Bolle Troll Project at Nordic Northwest is particularly noteworthy. This transformative exhibit has become one of the most visible ones in the organization's history. Brady's accomplishments include achieving 33 million media impressions and a significant increase in on-site visitors as well as web traffic. Notably, the project was fully self-funded, establishing new collaborations with previously unconnected organizations.

As the project leader, Brady demonstrated outstanding project management skills. He maintained the project schedule, resolved disputes, and served as a media spokesperson. Under his guidance, Nordic Northwest established a peer-level meeting with the National Nordic Museum, fostering joint efforts with Travel Oregon and Washington County.

This project involved hundreds of volunteers and staff and Brady's hands-on approach was evident throughout - from heading most project meetings to constant involvement in the construction.

Brady's leadership on the Ole Bolle Troll Project has not only left a lasting impact on Nordic Northwest but has also strengthened ties within the community and opened new avenues for collaboration and cultural celebration.

RAY JOHNSON

Nominated by Nordic Northwest Viking Beer Fest Committee

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Proud of his Swedish heritage, Ray Johnson, a retired Forest Grove school teacher is committed to education and community service.

Since retiring, Ray has immersed himself in volunteer work, contributing to non-profit organizations and causes related to student rights, teacher organizations, and senior issues. His dedication to Nordic Northwest has been particularly remarkable, with hundreds of volunteer hours dedicated this year alone.

Ray fearlessly took on the role of Chair for the Vintage & Treasure Sale committee, ensuring the continuity of this beloved fundraiser. He also served as Chair for the Oregon Midsummer Festival planning committee, successfully transitioning the event to the Nordic Northwest campus on a large scale for the first time.

A key member of the Viking Beer Fest and ScanFair committees, Ray played a pivotal role in the growth and success of these events. For Viking Beer Fest, he not only helped create the event but also doubled its size in 2023. His outreach efforts, personally visiting numerous breweries, contributed significantly to the festival's success. Similarly, for ScanFair, Ray assisted with setup during its move to the Oregon Convention Center.

Besides his committee roles, you can find Ray in the Nordic Northwest office on a very regular basis… he comes in weekly (and sometimes more) to tackle administrative and clerical tasks with amazing enthusiasm. His willingness to assist on short notice and go above and beyond – to give you an example - physically moving a boat trailer at 80 years old to accommodate the Midsummer pole's relocation, reflects his remarkable dedication.

Ray's efforts have been instrumental in Nordic Northwest's growth, effectively spreading awareness of Nordic heritage to the community. His work before, during, and after major events demonstrates his unwavering commitment, and without his contributions, the success of these events might not have been possible.

VEIKKO VALLI

Nominated by Messiah Lutheran Church

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Veikko Valli, Oregon’s Honorary Consul of Finland since 2021, plays a pivotal role in representing the Government of Finland and fostering diplomatic relations in the region.

As Honorary Consul, Veikko is dedicated to promoting economic and cultural ties between Finland and Oregon. His responsibilities include advising Oregon companies on local business culture and facilitating connections with Finnish partners. Notably, he hosted the Finnish Forestry Delegation during their visit to Oregon, showcasing his commitment to facilitating international business opportunities.

Beyond his diplomatic duties, Veikko provides guidance to distressed Finnish citizens and permanent residents abroad, helping them in navigating local authorities and connecting with Finnish embassies or consulates.

His involvement and committee work with the Portland Finnish School (Portlandin Suomi-koulu), Finlandia Foundation, and Nordic Northwest showcases his dedication to community engagement and leadership in committee work.

Additionally, he plays a critical role in Nordic Northwest serving as a Finnish voting place, furthering the democratic process.

Apart from his consular duties, Veikko is the Chief Investment Officer at Snowstorm Capital, a Portland-based company specializing in equity investment strategies. His multifaceted contributions, both in the diplomatic and business realms, highlight his versatility and dedication to the Nordic community.