Previous Alumni of the Year
Here you can read about all the Alumni of the Year, from 2015 to today.
Elin Fluur
Elin Fluur has a strong commitment to gender equality and justice and combines innovation with local roots. As a development strategist in Östersund municipality with a focus on sustainability and gender equality, she raises important issues, makes local role models visible and drives concrete initiatives. Among other things, she has established an annual gender equality prize to draw attention to work that contributes to a more equal society. In 2024, she was nominated for the "Flicka" (Girl) Award by Plan International Sweden for her work to strengthen girls' rights. Elin is a great role model for students by demonstrating how theoretical studies in gender equality and justice can be translated into practical efforts that create real improvement in everyday life.
Håkan Norell
With a master's and doctoral degree from Mid Sweden University and as an external member of NMT's faculty board, Håkan Norell continues to work in close relation to his former university. His success in a globally significant industry reflects the quality of Mid Sweden University's education and research, and his ability to combine scientific knowledge with practically applicable technology development demonstrates both competence and innovation ability. Together with his community involvement, this makes Håkan a great role model for students and his career shows that it is possible to reach influential positions in international companies. Today he works with the development of electronic systems for electric wheelchairs. As an alumnus, he has not only used his knowledge for his own professional goals, but also for innovations that improve living conditions. As a bridge between academia and working life, he inspires new generations to combine academic ambitions with a meaningful professional life.
Enkeleda Balliu
Enkeleda Balliu has a PhD in electronics from Mid Sweden University and currently works as a Senior Laser Engineer and Product Manager at Cobolt AB. During her doctoral studies, she worked purposefully with her research and at the same time contributed with her positive attitude to a favorable work environment both among colleagues in the research group and at the department. Her work and research in laser and fiber technology has contributed to the development of new products for national companies and led to scientific publications of high scientific quality together with international research teams. Enkeleda is an excellent role model for Mid Sweden University and future students in our technical programs, especially for young women, through her burning interest in technology and her determination. Enkeleda has actively participated in many student initiatives to inspire young people by highlighting the possibilities of advanced laser technology and its importance to society.
Zhiwar Rashid
Zhiwar Rashid has received a lot of attention in Sweden with his debut novel Under the Mulberry Tree. In addition to his work as a social worker, he has through his writings highlighted Mid Sweden University, the social work programme and Östersund as a place of study, where he himself graduated in 2014. In his writing, Zhiwar reflects on the perspectives conveyed by the education and how he as a person has grown and processed what he has experienced and still experiences in a Sweden in the world. His commitment to justice, rights and solidarity has characterized his life as a student in the social work program, his commitment as a social worker and his writing.
Fredrik Wikingsson
As a journalist, author and presenter, Fredrik Wikingsson is today one of the country's most well-known media profiles. Together with his colleague Filip Hammar, he founded the production company Nexiko. He is known for programs such as Ursäkta Röran (We're Rebuilding), High Chaparall and Who Can Beat Filip & Fredrik. Fredrik is an inspiration for current and future students. Since graduating from the journalism program at Mid Sweden University over 25 years ago, he has met people with curiosity, humor and humanism, while constantly trying new approaches and driving journalism forward.
Ida Leidermark
Ida Leidermark has a bachelor's and master's degree in environmental science from Mid Sweden University and worked as a project manager for the Sustainability Inquiry at Region Jämtland Härjedalen. Together with a colleague, she has developed a checklist for climate adaptation of health centres, which simplifies the work of civil servants and is spread between municipalities, regions and county administrative boards throughout the country. Today, Ida is a sustainability strategist at Åre municipality and her commitment to sustainability and her generous sharing of knowledge make her a great role model for others, which gives Mid Sweden University every reason to be proud of her achievements.
Emelie Öhrstig
Emelie Öhrstig graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Mid Sweden University in 2006. She is in the middle of a successful career in the business world, where she has held various leading positions within the Volvo Car Group in recent years. Previously, she was an elite athlete in cycling and cross-country skiing, with the World Championship gold in sprint in 2005, and has also worked as an expert commentator on TV and held a number of board positions, including in the Swedish Ski Association. Emelie shows how Mid Sweden University's work with dual careers gives elite athletes a platform to build successful careers after sports, both in business and other contexts. Just as in sports, success in business requires clear goals and determined work.
Fouad Youcefi
Fouad Youcefi graduated from the journalism program at Mid Sweden University in 2010. He has worked for many years at SVT as an investigative journalist and presenter, including for Politikbyrån and SVT's election vigil. Fouad became known to the public through his election coverage of the US presidential election, especially the live reporting from the storming of the Capitol. He has also been chairman of the Association of Investigative Journalists and is a well-known profile in Swedish journalism. Fouad is a great role model for current and future students. The nomination for the award highlights that he represents good journalism, but also his inclusive way of sharing his knowledge. He is an appreciated and recurring lecturer at Mid Sweden University's journalism program, a relationship that the university values highly and would like to see continue for a long time to come.
Linda Larsson Kakuli
Linda Larsson Kakuli works as a researcher and reporter at Uppdrag granskning, but has been employed at SVT Nyheter since 2001. As an investigative journalist, she examines and reports on abuses in society. Through her commitment and ambassadorship for Mid Sweden University, Linda was named Alumnus of the Year. Her career shows that it is possible to achieve one's goals and inspires both current and future students to follow their ambitions in journalism and social impact.
Maria Humla
Maria Humla has been Director General of the Swedish National Board for Occupational Pensions (SPV) since 2018. She joined SPV in 2009 and has since held several senior roles, including CFO, Head of Insurance Operations and IT Manager. From 2011, she combined these assignments with the role of Deputy Director General and is today responsible for one of Sweden's largest providers of pension services. Maria Humla receives the Alumnus of the Year award for her commitment and ambassadorship for Mid Sweden University and because her story shows that it is possible to achieve what you want.
Vahid Zohali
Vahid Zohali was the CEO of DXC Technology, one of the country's largest IT services companies, at the Alumnus of the Year nomination. He came as a refugee from Iran to Härnösand as a 17-year-old and began his education in systems science at Mid Sweden University at the age of 25. After his studies, he moved to Stockholm and built a successful career in the IT industry. In 2017, he was nominated for Manager of the Year and is today also an appreciated lecturer via Talarforum. Vahid is an important ambassador who has made an inspiring journey to his prominent positions. Through his story, he shows that it is possible to realize one's ambitions.
Louise Mackegård Evensen
Louise Mackegård Evensen is currently hotel and HR manager at the design hotel Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre. She has made the journey from seasonal worker in the mountains to hotel manager with responsibility for about 70 employees. Louise graduated from the Human Resources and Working Life Programme at Mid Sweden University in 2012 and is described as a clear, straightforward and inspiring leader. Louise was named Alumnus of the Year for her fast-paced career and ability to translate her love for the Jämtland mountains into successful business development in the hotel industry, which inspires current and future students.
Lasse Mattila
Lasse Mattila graduated in 2005 with a degree in social work from Mid Sweden University and is an author, supervisor and lecturer with a focus on children's and young people's exclusion and vulnerability. He has a background as a professional football player and has worked for many years with social issues within the sports movement. Lasse has written the books Att förebygga livslångt utanförskap and Att bygga bärande relationer, and published the album På riktigt för dig. Lasse is a great ambassador for Mid Sweden University and inspires current and future students.
Karin Näslund
Karin Näslund has established herself in the journalism industry in an exemplary way and renewed Sundsvalls Tidning. In 2017, both Sundsvalls Tidning and Örnsköldsviks Allehanda increased in circulation, something that has only happened a few times since the 1990s. Karin has been editor-in-chief and publisher of several media outlets, including Sundsvalls Tidning, ST.nu, allehanda.se, Sundsvalls Nyheter, as well as Ångermanland and Örnsköldsviks Allehanda, where she was the first female editor-in-chief. Karin is a role model for current and future students and currently works as channel manager for P4 Västernorrland.
Johanna S:t Clair Renard
Johanna S:t Clair Renard has made great contributions and impressions in Swedish sports, the non-profit sector and the business community. Among her merits are a long chairmanship of the Swedish Academic Sports Confederation and responsibility as Deputy Director of the Swedish Ski Association. Johanna studied the tourism program at Mid Sweden University in Östersund. Today, she works as a marketing manager at Humana, which is Sweden's largest assistance company.
Joachim Dyfvermark
Joachim Dyfvermark has worked as a journalist for 20 years and has established himself as a prominent investigative journalist. Today, Joachim works as an investigative reporter at Uppdrag granskning on SVT. Joachim is one of nearly 400 journalists around the world who were awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize this year. He was rewarded for his cross-border digging work with the Panama Papers, which exposed an international tax mess and deposed cheating leaders around the world.
Jonas Bäckström Arlestedt
Jonas studied Master of Science in Engineering with a focus on Computer Science and Engineering at Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall and graduated in 2012. Today, he works as a technology and development manager at Dewire Consultants. After graduating, Jonas has had a successful career and a constantly strong collaboration with Mid Sweden University. Through several collaboration forums, he has been involved in improving Mid Sweden University's collaboration with local companies, created a good image of Dewire by being the face of the students at almost all annual events, and purposefully arranged many degree projects, employments and course projects between Dewire and students at Mid Sweden University in Sundsvall.
Anne Lundberg
Anne studied at Mid Sweden University in Östersund, where she took an intercultural and international degree in social work. Today, Anne runs the non-profit organization Hej Främling! together with Emma Arnesson. Together, they create a better life for the asylum seekers who live at the Grytan refugee camp outside Östersund. In 2015, Anne and Emma were awarded the Fellow Person of the Year award at the Swedish Heroes Gala.
Åsa Kyrk Gere
Åsa is a great ambassador for Mid Sweden University and has shown that she is a source of inspiration and role model for today's students. She was the first to have an academic education in her home and took a Master's degree in '94 from the European programme. After graduating, she has made a career through work at ministries, in EU negotiations, at government agencies, in Nordic collaborations and most recently as a secondee from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) to the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC. There she has worked on the relationship between Sweden and the United States' Homeland Security. Åsa has an attitude that says anything is possible as long as you work hard and find ways that work for you, an attitude that can inspire today's students to build the career they dream of.
Staffan Ekholm
Through his usefulness and curiosity, Staffan has made a successful career after completing his studies. From a master's degree in systems science in '93, where he began his exploration with a study of Apple Village in Åre, to today being CEO of a successful Bonnier company, Mag+. Staffan has given the qualities of entrepreneur and innovator a content and shown how these can be translated and give results in the business world. Along the way, he has founded the internet portal Passagen and the company Framtidsfabriken, Framfab, among other things. Staffan is a great ambassador for the university and a role model for today's students, through his willingness to share his knowledge through, among other things, lectures at the universities.