Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie is a Ghanaian-born, Finland-based educationist, entrepreneur, and diplomat whose life story exemplifies resilience, transformation, and visionary leadership. From her early days working as a janitor in Finland (due to language barriers as Finland is a Finnish / Swedish speaking country) to becoming a celebrated CEO, international speaker, and Special Envoy to the Nordics, Cecilia has emerged as a powerful advocate for education, migration, and African excellence on the global stage. She is the founder of Ceci Educare Oy and the Finland Academy of International Business & Prestigious Global Awards.
(Photos supplied by the owner)
Founder of the Prestigious Global Awards
Cecilia is the visionary behind the Prestigious Global Awards, a renowned international recognition platform that honors individuals and organizations making significant global contributions in business, education, leadership, innovation, and social impact. Held alongside the Global Business Summit, the awards attract high-profile leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world, celebrating excellence across continents and sectors.
Educational Leadership & Innovation
As founder and CEO of Ceci Educare Oy and the Finland Academy of International Business, Cecilia has led thousands toward educational and professional transformation. Over 7,000 individuals across Africa and Europe have received fully funded UK-accredited training, scholarships, and job placement support. Programs span sectors such as healthcare, education, international business, and event management. Her academy serves as one of the most impactful cross-border empowerment pipelines in recent years. She also facilitates the Global Business Summit, uniting leaders from the government, private sector, and nonprofit sectors to collaborate on development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Philanthropy with Global Reach
Cecilia’s mission of empowerment through education and opportunity spans multiple countries. A few examples are below:
Ghana (2024)
She sponsored 7,000 students at Ebenezer Senior Secondary School in Accra with full UK-certified professional studies scholarships and funded healthcare students at Cape Coast College of Occupational and Health and Well-being professional education.
Malawi (2024)
She provided food, financial donations, and mentorship to children at Kawale Orphanage during her visit for the first EU Malawi Investment Forum.
Finland
She hosted frequent free events and professional training for immigrants, entrepreneurs, and multicultural families.
From Janitor to Early Childhood Leader in Finland
Cecilia’s Finnish career began with humble work as a janitor and a baby sitter. Her first major professional break came in 2012, when she transitioned into education. Over the years, she rose to become a respected leader in Finland’s early childhood education sector:
●Regional Coordinator, New Generation Kids Osk—Oversaw six schools and opened two new centers.
●Director, Touhula Starlight – Sole Black director among 180 leaders in the national network.
●Manager, Kaivopuisto International Montessori – First-ever appointed manager in two decades.
●Headteacher, Little English & Tiny Kids Kindergartens—Promoted bilingualism and multicultural development, etc.
Artist, Activist & Published Author
Cecilia’s early years in Finland also saw her rise in the arts:
●A spoken word poet, she performed at the Finnish Parliament and cultural festivals.
Author of two books:
“Mysteries of a Virgin’s Agony”
“My Diary: Poetry of Hope, Despair & Freedom”
Her creative work gave voice to immigrant stories, womanhood, resilience, and faith.
Diplomatic & Business Representation
Cecilia is a recognized voice in Nordic-European business and diplomacy. In addition to being the Board Member of the The British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland (B3CF), her company Ceci Educare Oy is a member of the The British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland (B3CF), the Finnish – Swedish Chamber of Commerce (FINSVE, and the Norwegian Trade of Association (NOFI). She is the first African led company in Finland to hold simultaneous membership in all three and remains the only African representative in the Finnish Swedish Chamber of Commerce and the Norwegian trade of Association. In 2025, she was appointed Special Envoy to the Nordics by the International Society of Diplomats for her leadership in education, diplomacy, and migrant empowerment.
Awards & Recognitions
Cecilia has received several awards, including the 2025 British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland (B3CF), the 2025 UN IOM (Nordics), the 2024 Nina Meyernorf Leadership Award (USA), and the 2024 Ghana Royal Citation from His Royal Excellency Nana Edu Kwame VII
Media Features & Impact
Cecilia has been highlighted as one of Finland’s most inspiring immigrant professionals. She has been featured across the IOM UN, UN Nordics, and International Society of Diplomats publications and platforms. She is frequently consulted on topics of migration, education, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy.
Legacy in Motion
Cecilia’s story—of grit, vision, and unwavering purpose—is one of the most compelling African immigrant success stories in Europe today. Though her 2025 run for local office in Finland in the Municipal Elections was not successful, her influence on policy, community empowerment, and African representation continues to grow globally.
“I started as a janitor in Finland, but I never cleaned away my dreams. I built on them.” — Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie