Magdalene Awahnde

Nursing Manager · From Cameroon · In Finland since 2004

Magdalene Awahnde came to Finland from Cameroon around 2004, joining her husband who had already been there for several years. She arrived as a student and pivoted into healthcare — studying nursing while raising a family and learning Finnish in parallel. Over two decades she rose to nursing manager, a role she notes she was among the first Black women to hold in her field. Her philosophy was straightforward: she was here, this was her home, and she was going to learn the language — not because it was easy, but because belonging required it.

Episode featuring Magdalene

007: I Didn't Wait To Be Included, I Learned The Language To Belong - Magdalene

Cameroon007: I Didn't Wait To Be Included, I Learned The Language To Belong - Magdalene

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Magdalene Awahnde, a nursing manager in Finland. In this episode, Magdalene shares her journey from Cameroon to Finland, her challenges and triumphs in learning the Finnish language, and her rise in the healthcare sector. Discover her key strategies for overcoming language barriers, her motivational tips for aspiring immigrants, and how her determination and positive attitude opened doors to remarkable opportunities. Magdalene's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing opportunities. Don't miss this insightful and motivational episode!Read More

Magdalene Awahnde | How I Learned Finnish