Congratulations Evelina, Welcome to us at Leader Södermanland.
Thank you! It feels very good and honorable to take over the baton as operational manager for Leader Södermanland. I am really looking forward to getting to know the area, the people, all the exciting projects and to continue developing the countryside together through the Leader method.
You come from the neighboring area Leader Mälardalen where you worked as communicator and project coach. What did that mean and what are your previous experiences?
At Leader Mälardalen I have had overall responsibility for our communication, both strategically and operationally. As a project coach I have supported project owners throughout the entire process: from idea development to final report, while also handling applications. Common to both roles is that I have highlighted the possibilities of Leader as a method and created an understanding of how it contributes to local development. I have an education in rural development from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and 20 years of experience in communication in various forms, always with a focus on reaching out, engaging and creating value.
Now you are changing Leader area. What is your relationship to Södermanland?
Södermanland has been a part of my life in various ways, both privately and through work. It is a place I have always enjoyed and returned to. Ahead of the 2024 Rural Parliament, I had the opportunity to get to know committed stakeholders, which strengthened my image of Södermanland as a vibrant, creative and proud part of the country. Here there is a willingness to test new ideas and people have the courage to invest. I am really looking forward to now being part of that development.
What are you most looking forward to about your new assignment?
I look forward to getting to know my new colleagues and our board, and to building on the good work that has already been done within Leader Södermanland. It will be a lot of fun to work together with both new and established actors, listen to needs, visions and contribute to making more ideas a reality. I also look forward to working strategically with communication, so that even more people become aware of Leader as a development actor.