Willington, CT 1977

I am a first-generation Estonian American who grew up always speaking Estonian at home. It was customary for us to take part in Estonian School, various Estonian camps and ESTO festivals.

Mulle oli tähtis oma poegadele edasi anda eesti keele oskust ja kindlasti võimaldada neil osaleda CT Eesti täienduskoolis. Vahva, et kooli kaudu said nad ka San Franciscos LEP-ESTOl esinetud tantsu ja lauluga ning osaletud Eesti Päevadel, meie rahva festivalil. Oleme saanud Eestit külastada, õnneks.

For the past 16 years, I have built a successful event & wedding planning business here in Connecticut. For me, organization, communication and remaining on budget are key. Through my business I’ve had the pleasure of watching countless families share the importance of traditions and heritage. My business survived the pandemic, thanks to my knowledge of social media, marketing and drive.

I have always wanted to take on a bigger role in the Estonian community. I believe in the programs and the social gatherings, and I believe there is a way to continue to grow. My own children have benefited due to ERKÜ´s involvement in the Estonian American community, and I think there are more generations to come that need to have an understanding of what it is to be an Estonian.