Satu Saarinen, Dean of Oulu Cathedral, is a warm and courageous partner of the Smiling Oulu 26 project. She embodies the values of acceptance, humanity, and community that build a more inclusive city.
Satu Saarinen – a smiling trailblazer and partner of the Smiling Oulu 26 project
From the very first meeting, Satu radiates charisma, warmth, and bright positivity. She is a person who shines light around her and makes others feel welcome. Her smile is contagious, and her words carry acceptance and humanity – exactly the values that Smiling Oulu 26 aims to strengthen.
Satu often speaks about human connection and the power of accepting gazes. According to her, acceptance and building bridges between people are vital for the future of humankind. This idea naturally intertwines with the heart of Smiling Oulu 26, which seeks through smiles and photography to strengthen community and bring forward the stories of minorities and the lonely.
The same is the mission of Smiling Oulu 26 – a year-long, open, and free photography project that highlights the stories of minorities and people experiencing loneliness. The goal is to reduce isolation, create new friendships, and connect people across cultural boundaries. This is where Satu is a vital partner – her warmth and courage support a project whose essence is simple: a smile can break prejudice and build community.
Satu Saarinen is a cultural historian and theologian from Oulu, serving as the Dean of Oulu Cathedral Parish. She is the first woman ever appointed to this position – and a young leader in a field traditionally dominated by men. Satu is a pioneer, opening doors for new generations and encouraging others to see the future differently.
Her career speaks of courage to face difficult topics and a will to make a positive impact. Satu has defended gender equality both in research and in practice and has been recognized as a pathfinder who dares to speak about issues many prefer to avoid. As the patron of Oulu Pride, she sends a powerful message of acceptance, human dignity, and the beauty of diversity.
Our collaboration with Satu is both natural and meaningful. Her presence brings depth and credibility to the project – she represents the values essential to building an accepting and communal city: protecting humanity, respecting diversity, and building bridges across differences.
Satu’s involvement is not only symbolic but concrete. She will participate in the June 10, 2026 gala, joining a panel discussion representing the church and an equal world. Her participation encourages people to join in, smile, and connect with one another.
In 2026, Satu and Smiling Oulu 26 walk side by side. Her light, acceptance, and courage make her an important partner. Together, we can create spaces where diversity is seen as richness, and a smile becomes a bridge between people.
