IWA is a vibrant, multicultural network supporting international women in Turku and Southwest Finland through useful connections, expert advice, holistic well-being services and empowering opportunities for creating meaningful lives and fulfilling careers.
Our Mission and Vision
Making Finland a place where all women can thrive.
Our work empower individuals, teams, and organizations navigate transitions with confidence and purpose.Â
We envision a prosperous and inclusive Finland, where internationals feel truly at home, empowered to integrate, contribute, and succeed.
We provide the guidance, support, and connections that help individuals and organizations create healthy, inclusive communities and successful teams. We are especially dedicated to helping internationals integrate, contribute, thrive, and belong in Finland.
Welcome to make new friends and create meaningful connections! 🩷
At Book Club, we come together to discuss our favorite books it in a friendly atmosphere. It’s a space for reflection, conversation, and discovering new perspectives.
A wonderful opportunity for connection, movement, and shared wellness-moments.
With a strong foundation in integration work, coaching, education and therapy we offer:Â
Training & Development for Professionals – Equipping trainers, coaches, consultants and other professionals with the skills to expertly guide and empower international clients.
Coaching for Teams – Helping teams, leaders, and companies navigate cultural adaptation, and multicultural organizational growth.Â
Workshops & Speaking Engagements – Covering topics such as expat life quality, change management, multicultural families, global teams, health and well-being, career design and professional reinvention.Â
Corporate Training & Consulting – Supporting companies in integrating skilled internationals, enhancing team dynamics, and fostering inclusive work environments.
Health & Well-being services – Helping individuals and families have good quality of life, grow and thrive.
I am Deeana, a passionate Life Designer, coaching expert and education professional with international experience.
I founded International Women Community and other international communities, developed Welcome to Turku -a program offered by the City of Turku to help new residents in settling into their new home, and now train Integration Mentors for Turku & S-W Finland.Â
Creating spaces for connection, support, healing and growth comes naturally to me, and I have built in time many communities with the same goal: making a positive difference in society and actively contributing to the common good.
If you find yourself in a time of change or transition, whether personal or professional, you don't need to face it alone. I am here for you and you are in safe, experienced hands with me.
I moved across borders, faced loss of loved ones, went through major health challenges and dared to change career paths to better align my values ​​and profession.
I have experienced many different life-changing situations and this gave me a deep understanding on how to choose the best pathways when facing major crossroads in life and career. Having a supportive community is one of the best strategies for sustainable success and good quality of life.
Currently my work at Turku City focuses on supporting newcomers in having a positive relocation & integration experience.
If you need support, feel welcome to reach out at deeana.lehtinen@turku.fi. And if you're an international living in Turku and would like to become an Integration Mentor and help newcomers, feel welcome to be in touch! Helping hands are always welcome and appreciated.
Having moved across borders, changed careers, and faced life-impacting challenges, I know firsthand how transformative, and sometimes overwhelming, change and transitions can be. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting others through their own journeys.Â
I’m a multidisciplinary trained Coach & Therapist with multiple international certifications and a mission driven community builder. People are what inspire me most, and I feel lucky to be able to help individuals and families heal and thrive.
My strategy is strong and clear: equip you with practical tools, actionable steps, and tailored support that help you achieve your goals while boosting your confidence, skills, and wellbeing. I do this through a combination of coaching, therapy, and education techniques rooted in science and multicultural experience.
How do I join International Women Community?
To join our community, simply join our Facebook group or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our meetings. We hold regular in-person gatherings in Turku (women only), which we highly recommend attending for a more immersive experience or, you can engage virtually through our Facebook group.
While I currently offer 1:1 coaching only for selected clients, I can connect internationals to my communities or support them through my work at International House Turku. If you are looking for expert training in mentorship, integration, or coaching, let’s connect.
Aiko is a hormonal health educator, independent chef, and holistic wellness coach specializing in nutrition for hormonal balance. She helps women to discover their unique balance through personalized support, guiding them to make informed choices for their health. Aiko also offers a wide range of recipes online, helping people nourish their bodies with food that supports their hormonal well-being. As a certified yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner she integrates mindful movement, meditation, and holistic practices to foster overall vitality and balance.