Humans of ToU: Veenda Tedvik on Redefining Integration Through Education and Empowerment

🎓 MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Technology, Class of 2023

📍 Ängelholm, Sweden

🌱 SDGs: 5 – Gender Equality, 10 – Reduced Inequalities

💼 Social Entrepreneur | Founder, Integration Academy Ängelholm

❤️ I create a more inclusive society through education, vocational training, and cultural exchange.

Empowering Integration and Inclusion through Education and Social Entrepreneurship

Veenda Tedvik’s story is one of transformation and dedication. Fourteen years ago, she arrived in Sweden seeking new opportunities and a better future. Adjusting to a new culture and overcoming language barriers was daunting, yet it ignited a profound understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly foreign-born women. Equipped with a Master's degree in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Technology from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences, Veenda combined her personal experiences with academic insights to tackle these challenges head-on.

“Integration is not just about fitting in; it’s about creating a society where everyone belongs, contributes, and thrives.”

Her thesis project blossomed into the Integration Academy Ängelholm, a social enterprise focused on empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. By offering tailored support in language acquisition, vocational training, and cultural exchange, Veenda’s academy addresses key barriers to integration, enabling individuals to thrive personally and professionally.

Building a Pathway to Inclusion

The Integration Academy is more than an organization; it’s a platform for transformation. Its mission is rooted in Veenda’s unwavering belief in the power of diversity and inclusion. The Academy offers:

• Language Courses to help newcomers communicate effectively and feel at home in Sweden.
• Vocational Training designed to equip participants with job-market-ready skills.
• Cultural Exchange Programs to foster understanding and bridge societal gaps.

By focusing on foreign-born women, the academy directly tackles systemic inequalities, creating opportunities for economic participation and community building.

From Self-Doubt to Empowerment

Veenda’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Struggling with imposter syndrome and stepping far outside her comfort zone tested her resolve. Yet, she persevered, crediting the support of mentors like Dr. Thomas Funke and the collaborative, inclusive environment at Tomorrow University for shaping her path.

Her education at Tomorrow University stood out for its flexibility and global community, allowing her to balance life’s demands while gaining critical skills. She highlights projects like the Integration Academy, which emerged from her studies, as powerful proof of education’s ability to drive social change.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Veenda’s story exemplifies the transformative potential of education. At Tomorrow University, she learned to align academic knowledge with real-world impact, creating a meaningful social enterprise. Her focus on SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 4: Quality Education positions her as a leader in building inclusive communities.

Continuing the Mission

Today, Veenda remains dedicated to her vision of fostering integration and inclusion in Sweden. Her efforts demonstrate that with the right tools, a supportive network, and a commitment to innovation, individuals can overcome systemic barriers and contribute significantly to society.

The success of Integration Academy Ängelholm speaks to Veenda’s entrepreneurial spirit and belief in collective progress. As she continues to expand her work, her story serves as an inspiration for others to harness education and personal experiences to create lasting societal impact.

Want to accompany Veenda on her journey? Follow her: LinkedIn

Veenda at a Glance:

• Career: Founder of Integration Academy Ängelholm, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering foreign-born individuals, especially women, to thrive in Swedish society.
• Key Experiences: Over 14 years of professional expertise spanning financial accounting roles at HemoCue and Tetra Pak, and entrepreneurial ventures centered on social inclusion and diversity.
• Why Tomorrow University: Pursued her Master’s in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at Tomorrow University to deepen her expertise in driving impactful, socially inclusive initiatives.
• Mission: Build bridges, foster opportunities, and create a more inclusive society through education, vocational training, and cultural exchange.
• Advice: “Empathy and inclusion are the greatest tools for building a better world—start small but aim for meaningful, lasting change.”

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