Encouraging People

behind the movement

Get to know the Encouragers team: a group of (former and current) athletes, role models, educators, experts, and parents united by one goal: to make sure every child hears the right words at the right time. We have seen firsthand how a little encouragement can have a lifelong impact, and that is why we are committed to building this movement together.

Encouraging People

behind the movement

Get to know the Encouragers team: a group of former and current athletes, educators, role models, experts, and parents united by one goal: to make sure every child gets the right words at the right time. We have seen firsthand how a little encouragement can have a lifelong impact, and that is why we are committed to building this movement together.

Guardian of Movement

"Every child and young person should have at least one adult whose support, encouragement, and often also comfort they can rely on in every situation. But what can you do if you don’t have such an adult within your own family circle? Adults outside the family can make an invaluable difference by giving their time to someone who needs it deeply."

President Sauli Niinistö

Patron of the Rohkaisijat movement

I still remember when I was 12 and my coach said to me during practice, “good job, Juho” — in a moment when I had been struggling and finally succeeded. The joy and sense of well-being I got from those two words was immense.

I remember it more than 25 years later. I have often heard words of encouragement exactly when I needed them.

I hope that through this platform and movement, we can spread words of encouragement even further.

That is why we want to create a movement of encouragement that enables life-improving words to flow between people.

Juho Nenonen

Co-Founder of Encouragers

Entrepreneur and retired professional basketball player

Guardian of Movement

Guardian of Movement

"Every child and young person should have at least one adult whose support, encouragement, and very often also comfort they can rely on in every situation. But what if you cannot find such an adult within your own family circle?

Adults outside the family circle can do an invaluable deed by giving their own time to someone who desperately needs it."

President Sauli Niinistö

Patron of the Encouragers movement

Juho Nenonen

Co-Founder of Encouragers

Entrepreneur and retired professional basketball player

I still remember when I was 12 and my coach said to me during practice, “Good job, Juho” — at a moment when I had been struggling and finally succeeded. The joy and sense of well-being I felt from those two words was enormous.

I still remember it more than 25 years later. I have often heard words of encouragement exactly when I needed them most. I hope that through this platform we can spread words of encouragement even further.

That is why, together with our team, we want to create a movement of encouragement that enables life-changing words to pass from one person to another.

People

Juho Nenonen

Co-founder, Vision & Partnerships

Former professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and father of two. Doing his best to turn this into a movement for everyone.

juho@rohkaisijat.fi

+358 40 7519 569

Heini Santos

Basketball Association, Communications & Coordination

A seasoned communications professional who ensures projects stay on track and on schedule.

Sofia Lund

Founding Member, Brand & Story

The creative force behind the Rohkaisijat brand. A mother of three who is passionate about helping people understand—and love—the purpose of our movement.

Viivi Naapi

Advisor, Child and Adolescent Psychology

Special psychologist for children and adolescents. Helps ensure that Rohkaisijat provides the best possible support for children and young people.

Jere Nevalainen

Video Production and Digital Media

The person behind the camera

Sheik Mohaideen Amanullah

Founding Member, Design & Web

Designs and builds the Rohkaisijat web experience — a design visionary. Father of one.

Andrei Neagu

Co-founder, Technology & Platform

Entrepreneur and technology leader. Father of three, ensuring our tools work and the business can grow.

Panu Luukka

Co-founder, Culture & Community

“The King of Culture” ensures that the business grows on a foundation of the right values. A lifelong Juventus fan and the person who came up with the name “Rohkaisijat” (“The Encouragers”).

Teemu Harinen

Co-founder, Operations & Resources

The person who makes sure everything truly works. A dad of two, focused on ensuring we have the resources needed to grow.

teemu@rohkaisijat.fi

+358 50 4922 944

Teemu Harinen

Co-founder, Operations & Resources

The person who makes sure everything truly works. A dad of two, focused on ensuring we have the resources needed to grow.

teemu@rohkaisijat.fi

+358 50 4922 944

Panu Luukka

Co-founder, Culture & Community

Andrei Neagu

Co-founder, Technology & Platform

Entrepreneur and technology leader. Father of three, ensuring our tools work and the business can grow.

Heini Santos

Basketball Association, Communications & Coordination

A seasoned communications professional who ensures projects stay on track and on schedule.

Sofia Lund

Founding Member, Brand & Story

The creative force behind the Rohkaisijat brand. A mother of three who is passionate about helping people understand—and love—the purpose of our movement.

Viivi Naapi

Advisor, Child and Adolescent Psychology

Special psychologist for children and adolescents. Helps ensure that Rohkaisijat provides the best possible support for children and young people.

Sheik Mohaideen Amanullah

Founding Member, Design & Web

Designs and builds the Rohkaisijat web experience — a design visionary. Father of one.

Jere Nevalainen

Video Production and Digital Media

The person behind the camera

Juho Nenonen

Co-founder, Vision & Partnerships

Former professional basketball player, entrepreneur, and father of two. Doing his best to turn this into a movement for everyone.

juho@rohkaisijat.fi

+358 40 7519 569

Heini Santos

Basketball Association, Communications & Coordination

A seasoned communications professional who ensures projects stay on track and on schedule.

Sofia Lund

Founding Member, Brand & Story

The creative force behind the Rohkaisijat brand. A mother of three who is passionate about helping people understand—and love—the purpose of our movement.

Viivi Naapi

Advisor, Child and Adolescent Psychology

Special psychologist for children and adolescents. Helps ensure that Rohkaisijat provides the best possible support for children and young people.

Sheik Mohaideen Amanullah

Founding Member, Design & Web

Designs and builds the Rohkaisijat web experience — a design visionary. Father of one.

Andrei Neagu

Co-founder, Technology & Platform

Entrepreneur and technology leader. Father of three, ensuring our tools work and the business can grow.

Panu Luukka

Co-founder, Culture & Community

“The King of Culture” ensures that the business grows on the foundation of the right values. A lifelong Juventus fan and the person who came up with the name “Rohkaisijat”.