Atlanta, GA 1943

Born in Estonia, Kristi is a member of the 1944 “Suurpõgene-mine/Paadipõgenik” generation. Raised in Sweden and Canada, she graduated from U. of Toronto (B.A., History, 1966), and is a member of Korporatsioon Amicitia.

She was active in the Toronto Estonian community: Estonian School, Folk Dance (student leader), Gymnastics, Girl Guide Troop leader, Church involvement, Estonian sorority; awarded the Canadian High School Kerr Trophy for Leader-ship, 1962. She speaks Estonian, German and English.

Kristi married Aadu J. Allpere in 1967. They have lived in the U.S., Germany, and Austria before moving to the state of Georgia. They have two sons, daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren, and reside in Atlanta. Kristi had a professional career in Personnel and Public Relations (Canada and USA, 1967-1977), and has since made a “career” of volunteer and leadership positions, including in international women’s clubs and organizations (e.g. President of American Women’s Association-Vienna, International School Board), and volunteering with the International Club and Women’s Club of Atlanta. Kristi has volunteered for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Patron Experience and Retention Committee (Programs, Recruitment and Fundraising), serving as Chairwoman / Programs Chair (2015-2020). She is very involved with husband Aadu’s community responsibilities as Estonian Honorary Consul in Atlanta as well as with his Rotary Club responsibilities.

Passionate about giving back to the Estonian and American communities, Kristi enjoys helping people and wants to “try and make a difference.” A good communicator and engaging speaker, she loves to be a creative thinker. My wish is to tell the incredible Estonian story and support the ERKÜ mission of strengthening the meaningful role of our diaspora in the USA. Being on the Council and EANC Board is my small way of trying to ensure that Estonia stands on the world platform and remains secure. Being on the ERKÜ Board for 8 years has been an honor, and I wish to continue this important work at this complicated, frightening time. My wish and objective is to continue speaking up and to help the younger generation in our communities stay involved and proud of their heritage.
Kristi’s involvement with Estonian causes is wide-ranging: She advised/assisted transient émigré Estonians from the Estonian SSR (1988-1991) with housing, food, financial support and “sponsor-ships” for emigrating to North America, etc. Kristi volunteered at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where she provided support for the Estonian Olympic Team and set up lectures about Estonian culture and history in local schools. For many years she negotiated Estonian participation at the Atlanta Scandinavian Festival. She has organized countless receptions to introduce Estonian talent to the Atlanta music community. She hosted a Vanemuise Theater performance in Atlanta, and sponsored the film “Maestro” (about Paavo Järvi) at the Atlanta Symphony Patron event. Kristi was a supporter of the Washington, DC Arvo Pärt concert, and is an avid supporter of youth. She helped found the Atlanta Estonian Cultural Society (AEKS) and a small Estonian School (Eesti Kool), of which she served as president (retired 2020).

Kristi´s latest project in Atlanta is helping with the “Atlanta EU Film Festival,” which began in 2022.

She has been a member of the ERKÜ / EANC President’s Circle for 8 years (membership donation of $1000 plus). In 2018 she was awarded the ”Order of the White Cross IV (Valgerist IV klass)” by Estonian President Kersti Kalju-laid.

An elected ERKÜ (EANC) member since 2014, Kristi has been active in all annual and semiannual meetings, as well as council events. As an active board member, she participates in monthly conference calls and responds ASAP to requests for advice and assistance. Kristi is active in various EANC committees: Grants Committee Chair; Estonian Books to Stanford University Project Committee; Book and Film reviews for the EANC Teataja newsletter; Annual Mee-ting Workgroup; ERKÜ-EANC 70th Anniversary Committee 2022; JBANC Advocacy Days; ERKÜ 2019 Awards Gala Committee; ERKÜ´s Virtual Vabariigi Aasta-päev Committee & Master of Ceremonies 2020; Social Hostess for the “Virtual Cocktail Hour.” Chairman of the EANC XXIII Council Candidate Recruitment Committee.

Kristi Allpere is currently an American delegate to the Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) and has been active on the 1944 Suurpõgenemine sub-committee, as a means of creating awareness of Estonia´s history and resilience.