Communications intern Veera Leno’s interests lie in visual arts and environmental subjects  

Veera Leno is working as a communications intern this autumn. They participate in Kone Foundation’s daily communications, assist with communications related to the autumn grant application call, and will help out with the Metsän puolella (“In the Woods”) initiative. 

Leno has a degree in animation (Bachelor of Culture and Arts) and is soon to graduate as a Bachelor of Social Sciences (B.Soc.Sc.) with a major in social and cultural anthropology from the University of Helsinki. Leno started their career in the animation and advertising industries, where they worked as an illustrator and storyboard artist. Their strong understanding of visual storytelling and love for visual arts continue to guide their work in Kone Foundation’s communications department. 

Prior to their internship at the Foundation, Leno worked at the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) as a graphics artist and research journalist for Juuso Pekkinen’s science-themed podcasts. “While working in animation productions, I listened to so many science podcasts that I eventually ended up behind the microphone myself,” they say with a laugh. “A thirst for knowledge and a desire to make the world a better place led me to social science studies.”  

At the Foundation, Leno enjoys the opportunity to promote freedom of research and the arts and to follow societal discussions from the front row. 

Three question for the communications intern

What has it been like so far at Kone Foundation? 

Although I have experience working in various media, communications is a new field for me. It has been interesting to become familiar with the practicalities of communications as an apprentice within an experienced and creative team. I feel that my opinions are listened to and valued, even though I’ve only recently joined the organization. My coworkers have also taken interest in my experiences outside of professional life, and the skills I’ve gained from community work have already proven useful in my new role. 

Values are important to me in my work, and it’s easy for me to stand behind the values of Kone Foundation. The internship is an excellent opportunity for me to professionally advance causes that are personally important. 

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I’m approaching my thirties, so alongside my everyday life, I’ve taken up a serious(ish) gym routine. As a counterbalance to heavy real-life topics, I regularly immerse myself in the world of the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. 

If you were an animal, which would you be? 

A hyena. I trot in packs, laugh out loud, and nibble on others’ leftovers. Hyenas are social animals, and not even the fiercest predators on the savanna can match their group. Many might think of hyenas as canids, or belonging to the dog family, but in reality they are more closely related to cats.