JCI Cosmopolis History

The first steps in founding JCI Cosmopolis were taken by internationally minded members of JCI Espoo: Jan Storgårds, Monica De Leon Sanjuan, Peggy Torres, Andi Horvath and Alberto Delgado who were quickly followed by enthusiastic JCI members from other local organizations like Mal Jargan, Niklas Enkvist and Peter Gyetvai. JCI Espoo provided a crucial support in this beginning phase.

Cosmopolis grew to more than 20 potential members in April 2008 when the idea was presented at a launch event. However, that summer the new “future local organization” faced its first setback, as Monica and Peter left Finland. It became clear that Cosmopolis’ members are very mobile and relocating would be a challenge for future operations in JCI Cosmopolis.

In August 2008, the founding “core team” developed the local organizations’ strategy with the assistance of Rasmus Nyberg using JCI Finland’s “Future local organization’s” strategy program. During that strategy process, the team was convinced that there was a true need for a unique, English speaking JCI local organization in Finland and the letter of the foundation was signed with the lead of Niklas Enkvist in October 2008.

JCI Cosmopolis became an official non-profit association in beginning of 2009 and an official JCI Finland local organization in February 2009.
The first elected board came into effect in March 2009 with Nina Hanhinen as JCI Cosmopolis President.