For many, the road back home is a journey of rediscovery and purpose. For Lotta Rissanen, it was also about finding the right balance between life and a fulfilling career. Starting as an Engineer at FinVector, Lotta seamlessly blended her professional aspirations with her love for Kuopio, Finland, a place she and her husband now proudly call home.
Returning to Kuopio: A place to call home
Originally from southeastern Finland, Lotta moved to Kuopio to study pharmacy at the University of Eastern Finland. “In the end, I realised pharmacy wasn’t the career path for me, and that’s when I became interested in engineering,” she recalls. After earning her engineering degree, Lotta and her husband spent a few years living in Espoo, near the Finnish capital. However, despite the opportunities in the capital region, it never felt like home. “Life was quite mobile for years, but we wanted to settle down and finally call a place home. Kuopio offered that. It’s a beautiful place, close to nature, with everything you need nearby,” Lotta shares. This decision set the stage for her to join FinVector, a biopharma company that aligned with her values and professional ambitions.
Growing with FinVector
Lotta’s career at FinVector began as an Engineer at a time when the company’s engineering projects were still taking shape. “When I started, we didn’t have a dedicated project team,” she says. “Now, a few years later, we’ve built a team of five people managing projects and supporting the manufacturing facility.”
As a leader, Lotta takes pride in her collaborative approach. “I see myself as part of the team. My main responsibility is to pave the way for them—giving them the tools, space, and support they need to succeed.” Despite initial challenges as a woman stepping into leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field, Lotta emphasizes the importance of community and support at FinVector. “It all comes down to people. You always get the support you need if you’re willing to ask.”
Delivering Hope: A Shared Mission
FinVector’s mission of “Delivering Hope” deeply resonates with Lotta. “We’ve all lost someone to cancer or know someone who has. While our department isn’t directly manufacturing the product, we play a critical role in supporting it. Without us, there’s no manufacturing,” she explains.
Her work is a daily reminder of the difference the company makes for patients. “Even if it’s just one person who benefits from the treatment, that’s already a huge impact. Knowing we contribute to delivering hope to patients keeps us motivated.”
“I tell anyone, especially in engineering, to apply. Sometimes we overthink whether we’re the right fit, but it’s not your job to evaluate that—just show what you’re capable of”
Lotta Rissanen
Finding balance in Kuopio
Beyond work, Lotta cherishes the lifestyle that Kuopio affords. “The pace at FinVector can be hectic at times, but Kuopio provides an excellent environment for maintaining work-life balance,” she says. Whether it’s engaging in hobbies like aerial acrobatics—something she took up as an adult—or enjoying nature through orienteering, Kuopio offers her the chance to recharge and grow personally.
Lotta’s story also highlights the inclusive and vibrant community at FinVector. “We have a great mix of nationalities here. It’s inspiring to meet people from different backgrounds, and the community makes it easy to connect beyond work. This is especially important for those moving to Kuopio from elsewhere.”
Reflecting on her journey, Lotta encourages others to take a leap of faith. “I tell anyone, especially in engineering, to apply. Sometimes we overthink whether we’re the right fit, but it’s not your job to evaluate that—just show what you’re capable of,” she advises.
A legacy of growth and purpose
Looking back, Lotta takes pride in the team she has helped build and the difference they’ve made at FinVector. “We’ve created a functioning project management team from scratch and supported the development of commercial products. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our work contributes to delivering hope to patients around the world.”
Lotta Rissanen’s journey is a reminder of the power of coming home—not just to a place, but to a purpose. Her story showcases how personal fulfillment and professional impact can come together in a way that truly embodies FinVector’s mission: Embracing life. Delivering hope.