We are in the final homestretch—our veidi veel—of building a permanent landmark for Estonians everywhere. In the meantime, construction crews continue flat out on KESKUS.
To celebrate our milestone project is KESKfEST, and 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.
Follow along with KESKfEST planning and keep an eye on #KESKFEST and #KESKUS.
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.
The KESKfEST Youth Delegate program is produced by Global Estonian Youth Network and Estonian Arts Centre. Thanks to sponsors who make the program possible: Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs via Integration Foundation, Estonian Central Council in Canada, Estonian Foundation in Canada, Metsaülikool. This content is reproduced with permission from the KESKUS blog www.estoniancentre.ca/news-events
