Meet the KESKfEST Youth Delegates: Your Guides to Our Global Homecoming
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Update #285
We are in the final homestretch—our veidi veel—of building a permanent landmark for Estonians everywhere. Construction crews continue flat out on KESKUS, .
To celebrate our milestone project is KESKfEST, we hand-picked a global group of emerging leaders to serve as KESKfEST Youth Delegates. These twelve individuals were selected (read more about the selection process here) for their ability to bridge cultures, languages, and generations.
Representing every corner of our global community, this squad is here to ensure you feel at home the moment you step onto the KESKfEST grounds. Think of these delegates as your personal hosts. They are here to welcome you, whether you are an elder looking for a seat, a first-time visitor finding your way, or a community member with a story to share: these delegates are your primary point of connection.
Here is who you'll be meeting:
Stella Nahkur (Hamburg): Our resident content pro and a dedicated member of the Global Estonian Youth Network (ÜENV). Ask her about: Her love for Eurovision, train travel, and her latest TikTok obsession—she's our go-to for capturing the viral energy of the week. Follow her: @stellanahkur
Lii Scmidt (Zürich): Part Sipsik, part Little My, with a background in cello. Ask her about: Baking traditional Muhu bread, her favourite childhood memories, and heritage snacks. Follow her: @liischmidt
Reijo Roos (Helsinki): An urban planning enthusiast who grew up speaking both Estonian and Finnish. Ask him about: His passion for literature and writing, or how the layout of KESKUS fits into the city grid. Follow him: @reijoroos
Marili Schmidt (Prague): Civil engineer and artist with black-belt energy. Ask her about: Karate, her dog Po, and her favorite spots to forage for wild berries. Follow her: @marilischmidt
Anel Neumann (Tartu): Drama club coach and museum pro from the Estonian National Museum. Ask her about: Her past visits to Toronto's Eesti Maja and how she makes ancient history feel alive today. Follow her: @anelneumann
Aliise Pikat (Chicago): A pro at managing culture who has spent years as a camp counselor at the Chicago Estonian School. Ask her about: Building community through sweet traditions and her love for Maiuspala candy. Follow her: @aliise.pikat
Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk (Stockholm): A master's student in Stockholm with a deep background in student council and international cooperation. Ask her about: Her experience with global connection and welcoming visitors from all corners of the planet. Follow her: @anettemai
Katrina Laur (Tallinn): A fashion magazine dynamo who runs a student-led publication and never sits still. Ask her about: Her vinyl collection and how to make cultural heritage look as bold as it feels. Follow her: @katrina_laur_
Lucia Brown (Kuressaare): An American comparative literature scholar who moved to Saaremaa and taught herself Estonian from scratch. Ask her about: Her transformative "outsider-to-insider" journey and what it’s like to fully immerse yourself in a culture that isn't your own. Follow her: @luciaruby
Erik Stenqvist (Stockholm): Future lawyer and total sports nut. Ask him about: Soccer, hockey, and finding team spirit in every aspect of the gathering. Follow him: @erik_stenqvist
Kertu Tammjõe (Denmark): A space architecture professional with a background in marketing and design. Ask her about: Playing padel or her vision for Estonian identity in the next century. Follow her: @kertutammjoe
Royce Willis (Los Angeles): Baseball player and upcoming scholar at Johns Hopkins. Ask him about: Sauna nights, watching Eesti Laul, and his Toronto bucket list. Follow him: @rolling_royce_
The Powerhouse Team Leading the Charge
We’d be lost without the two Estonian-Canadian powerhouses driving this effort. Kaisa Kasekamp @kaisakasekamp leads our youth program, forging global connections through the Global Estonian Youth Network (ÜENV). Beside her, Mari Käärid is our Toronto anchor, whose work with the Estonian Arts Centre and dedication to our delegates ensures their experiences here are truly memorable and grounded.
Thanks to sponsors who make the Youth Delegate program possible:
Discover the benefits of giving wisely
Please join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors to help bring this extraordinary project to completion. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.
There are many ways to make a contribution to KESKUS.
To donate, click here, or call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All donations are issued a tax receipt, in Canada via Estonian Arts Centre, US tax receipts via Myriad USA and Estonian tax receipts via Eesti Rahvuskultuuri Fond. Donations by credit card may be made here.
Legacy gifts made to the Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS, are creative and tax-effective ways to provide support. These are known as “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, we create a win-win situation that benefits both you and our community for generations to come. Find out how to provide a bequest in your will by going to www.estoniancentre.ca/bequest.
For information on making other types of planned gifts, including gifts of appreciated securities or insurance policies, or if you have any other questions, please contact EAC Donations Manager Taimi Hooper via email at donations@estoniancentre.ca or phone +1.647.250.7136.
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