MEET OUR TEAM
We're a passionate group of over 20 people working together to support internationals living in Sweden.
Our team is made up of DEIB researchers, wellbeing specialists, former recruiters, content creators, project managers, and more. With so many different origins, experiences, and professional backgrounds, we’re united by a common goal of creating long-term solutions for a more integrated labour market.
Learn more about some of our team members past and present, including why they like working with us, their proudest moments with New to Sweden, and their tips for newcomers to Sweden.
Arta Kjato
People & Culture Lead
I am a multipotentialite and super curious about life! My cup fills when I can help someone achieve their dream life here in Sweden.
What I'm most proud of
Every time someone tells me how they feel better about something I have helped them with, regardless whether it's an interview, a job tip, a networking connection, etc.
My advice for newcomers
To prata Svenska :) Or at least make the minimum effort in learning the local language as it opens a whole new world.
Karyn Kiser
Communications Lead
I am a writer, editor, and pinball player who's lived in West Sweden since 2014.
What I'm most proud of
Co-creating the Ready to Work program; growing NTS's social media presence; helping build the foundations/structure for communications at NTS.
My advice for newcomers
When you're looking for work, search job listings by your skills and strengths instead of by title or industry. You never know what you'll find — the career waiting for you in Sweden could be something you wouldn't have imagined!
Sotoodeh Moghadasin
DEIB Specialist
I'm passionate about developing and putting in place initiatives that foster a culture where everyone feels they belong, are respected, and can grow through learning.
What I'm most proud of
One achievement I'm proud of is my contribution to a project within the DEIB team. We developed workshops aimed at helping companies build more diverse and inclusive workplaces through creative design. I'm also thankful for being part of the Bazaren job fair. I talked to many job seekers and shared my experiences to help them. I wanted to support and assist them in any way I could. I humbly received a lot of positive feedback from the individuals I spoke with.
My advice for newcomers
Remember to be kind to yourself!
Alexa Madrid
Communications Specialist & Fundraising Strategist
I’m a strategic partnerships and funding specialist who works for gender equality and social change! My background spans across international cooperation and sustainability, with experiences working on gender equality initiatives, research and projects in international organizations.
What I'm most proud of
Haven't been here so long, but I really like the Ready to Work workshops.
My advice for newcomers
Network. Don't hesitate to attend events, as you can meet wonderful people. Be patient and persistent — the job market can be competitive, but perseverance pays off!
Liliana Ramírez
DEIB Specialist & Fundraising Strategist
Passionate diversity, equity & inclusion specialist, talent journey curator and partnership builder, with international experience in creating inclusive environments that drive positive organizational change.
What I'm most proud of
Helping with the Ready to Work session by delivering tips on how to take care of your mental health was both important and impactful for me, both as a jobseeker and as a facilitator of the workshop.
My advice for newcomers
Surround yourself with vitamin people, people who motivate you and support you.
Lindsay Calif
Social Media Specialist
I'm versatile: I have a digital and marketing background. I'm a visual person this way I'm also photographer. And I'm actually an Europeers ambassador in order to provide European mobilities for youngsters.
What I'm most proud of
I'm just proud to contribute at NTS with helping through using my skills.
My advice for newcomers
Enjoy the present and Sweden, go out, meet people, visit what you like. But really don't think about the future, try to take all opportunities ready for you!
Scott Couper
Wellbeing Specialist
I'm originally from Scotland and moved to Sweden over 13 years ago. I work in IT services as a consultant manager. I'm also a certified coach with focus on helping other Internationals thrive in their new lives in Sweden. I'm married with four children.
What I'm most proud of
I have coached a number of other team members and helped them make some changes and progress which has been very rewarding.
My advice for newcomers
Enjoy the nature in Sweden, it's amazing, and if you are feeling like it's a struggle sometimes remember you own background and values - they are so important to making the best life here.
Lakshana Shiv Kumar
Brand Strategist, Marketer
I am a passionate brand strategist and digital marketing professional with a background in Tourism and Marketing. I have a strong commitment to helping changemakers create impactful brands, driven by my experience in industries where decisions directly affect the people and planet. At New to Sweden, I have transitioned from social media content creation to overseeing brand strategy projects, aligning my work with my dedication to social change. Outside of work, I enjoy interior decorating, crafting with air-dry clay, and advocating for animal rights and sustainable living.
What I'm most proud of
Not sure if this is an accomplishment, but the most recent project that I am proud of is the brand strategy project that I am currently working on. This is a project that is very close to my passion project where I am directly involved in creating an impact of social change in Sweden and I couldn't be more happy than to begin this journey with New to Sweden.
My advice for newcomers
Change is always hard, be prepared to throw yourself out of your comfort zone especially in a new country and mainly if you are job hunting. Learning the hard way, I would strongly recommend you to have a disciplined lifestyle where balancing your career/ job search and your wellbeing should be the top most priority! :)
Johanna Denecke
Communications Specialist
I'm a German designer and storyteller with a passion for communication. Still fairly new to Sweden myself, I love exploring new places and am always curious to hear about other people's experiences. To me, forming connections and sharing our stories is essential to making a home in a new place!
What I'm most proud of
I've been working on some logo designs for different initiatives connected to NTS. Apart from giving me an excuse to get much more acquainted with the relevant programmes, I also really enjoyed navigating the design process, balancing different input and opinions.
My advice for newcomers
To me it's always super important to make connections and to find like-minded people. I used Bumble Friends quite a lot in the beginning. It helps you find people who are also looking for new friends, in a culture that can sometimes seem a bit hard to enter at first glance. And of course embrace fika and afterwork — Sweden's dedicated times for casual socialising!
Rebecca Janssen
Communications Lead
I am originally from the US and moved to Malmö in late 2021. My background is in museums, nonprofits, and adult education, and in my free time I enjoy cooking and most hobbies related to arts & crafts.
What I'm most proud of
I'm really proud of all the different aspects of the organization's work I have been able to be involved in, but especially helping put together the Ready to Work pilot program, and adding more structure and organization to how the Communications team functions.
My advice for newcomers
If I were to make the move all over again, I would focus first on just learning the language.
