Meet our new Group 3 Board Member: Saga Leppiviita

We're continuing our introductions to the newest members of the Rural Youth Europe Board, finding out more about their backgrounds, their involvement in rural youth organisations and what they hope to bring to RYE during their mandate.

Next up, meet Saga Leppiviita, our new Group 3 Board Member, representing our member organisations across the Nordic countries.

Saga is from Finland and has been actively involved with Finnish 4H since 2023. What started as an opportunity to travel to Austria has turned into a passion for international youth work, volunteering and empowering young people.

We caught up with Saga to find out more!

Firstly, introduce yourself! Where are you from and what is your involvement with Finnish 4H?

Hi! I'm Saga from Finnish 4H, currently based in Tampere.

I joined my local 4H association back in 2023, mostly because I wanted a free trip to Austria by taking part in the Rally, with absolutely no idea what RYE even was at the time!

It ended up changing my life more than I could have imagined and set me on a path towards finding my own way.

Since then, I've worn many hats within 4H: project manager, chairperson of our Youth Ambassadors, volunteer and 4H entrepreneur.

I'm something of a "Jack of all trades" in our organisation, especially when it comes to youth work, forests, entrepreneurship and volunteering.

Tell us a little more about your involvement with Finnish 4H and the skills or experiences you've gained through the organisation.

Along the way, I've gained skills that I use every day: project coordination, leading and motivating teams, public speaking and turning ideas into something concrete and workable.

I've grown so much, learnt so much and met some of my dearest friends through this organisation.

I also had the opportunity to organise my own study session on entrepreneurial mindset from start to finish, together with an exceptional team of four young people.

What has your involvement with Rural Youth Europe been so far, and is there a particular memory that stands out?

I've attended numerous RYE events, both as a participant and as a prep team member.

I fell in love with the concept of non-formal learning in an international environment from the very first event I attended!

I have too many fond memories to count, but one that definitely stands out is our Käärijä vs. KAJ Finnish Eurovision song battle at the talent show during the 2025 Rally in Slovenia.

Why did you want to become the Group 3 representative for Rural Youth Europe?

Through attending RYE events, I've discovered my real passion: empowering young people, helping them find their voice and creating opportunities for them to learn, lead, participate and make a difference in their communities.

RYE has given me the confidence, skills and experience to turn that passion into action, and I wanted to represent Group 3 so that I could give some of that back.

What would you like to achieve during your time on the RYE Board?

I want to give back to the organisation that has helped me grow, represent Group 3 and turn ideas into action, while bringing plenty of curiosity, enthusiasm and good energy along the way.

I also want to bring critical thinking to the table and work together with the rest of the Board to find the best ways to keep RYE thriving as the voice of rural youth.

And finally, what is your favourite thing to bring to an international buffet?

Either Finnish chocolate (the best in the world, obviously) or salty liquorice, just to see people's faces when they try it for the first time!

A big welcome to Saga! We're looking forward to working with her during her mandate and seeing how she helps strengthen opportunities for young people across the Rural Youth Europe network.