Emnet Tarer Named Metropolia Alumna of the Year 2026 "The Best Solutions Are Created Together"
Emnet Tarer, a Bachelor of Social Services graduate from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, has been named Metropolia Alumna of the Year 2026. Since graduating in 2010, Tarer has worked in a variety of expert and development roles across the public, private and third sectors. Her work has included developing family support services within child welfare, advancing anti-racist practices and creating solutions that strengthen the wellbeing of children and young people.
Finding a Calling at Metropolia
Tarer describes her studies in social services at Metropolia as the period when she discovered her professional calling.
“My years as a student were truly meaningful. My studies strengthened the feeling that I had found the right field for me. At Metropolia, I became part of a community where I grew into a professional and built friendships and professional networks that have stayed with me ever since.”
Collaboration Builds Wellbeing
Throughout her career, Tarer has believed strongly in the power of collaboration. According to her, the complex situations faced by children, young people and families require the expertise of professionals from different fields, open dialogue and a shared commitment to building solutions together.
The lessons she learned at Metropolia have remained with her throughout her working life.
“Fortunately, we had a lot of group work during our studies because it taught us that nothing is achieved alone. You need other professionals, reflection and dialogue, as well as a safe environment in which to learn, develop and grow. The best solutions are created together.”
According to Tarer, her studies instilled a strong belief that every person has the potential to grow, influence their surroundings and discover their own strengths.
“That belief is still reflected in the way I work and develop services today. The impact of social services is not always visible through major achievements. Sometimes it is found in small encounters, trust and in ensuring that someone is genuinely heard and seen. Their significance cannot always be measured, but they can change lives.”
Metropolia Provided a Strong Foundation
Tarer believes Metropolia has played a significant role in her career path.
“My studies in social services opened doors for me and made it possible to pursue my dreams. They provided the foundation that has enabled me to do meaningful work and contribute to the wellbeing of children, young people and families in Finnish society.”
Since graduating, she has maintained a close connection with Metropolia. Tarer has offered internship opportunities for students, participated in teaching as a guest expert and shared her professional experience with future social services professionals.
Alumni Build Bridges Between Higher Education and Working Life
Marko Hakovirta, President and CEO of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, highlights the important role alumni play in connecting higher education with working life.
“Metropolia alumni are much more than former students. They are an important part of our university community and its impact on working life and society. In the future, the significance of our alumni network will continue to grow. Alumni build bridges between higher education and working life, bring new perspectives and create opportunities for collaboration and lifelong learning. Metropolia’s impact does not end at graduation. In many ways, it begins there.”
The Alum of the Year is selected annually by Metropolia’s Executive Group from among nominated alumni. This year’s candidates included several highly accomplished alumni.
According to Heidi Rontu, Vice President, Education, Tarer’s societal impact, commitment to promoting wellbeing, and dedication to fostering collaboration among different stakeholders were key factors in her selection.
“Emnet has developed new ways of working and promoted equality and participation. She has also maintained a strong connection with Metropolia by providing students with opportunities to learn from working life and by sharing her expertise with future professionals. Emnet is an excellent example of an alumna whose impact is visible both in society and within the higher education community.”
A Recognition That Came as a Surprise
The Alumna of the Year recognition deeply moved Tarer.
“In social services, a great deal of meaningful work is carried out, yet its impact is not always visible to the outside world. That is why this recognition feels especially important. It is also a reminder that the best results are achieved together. This recognition belongs to all the people with whom I have had the privilege of working.”
Tarer has a clear message for future social services professionals.
“Build networks already during your studies and be courageous in collaborating with people from different backgrounds. The most meaningful and lasting changes happen when we learn from one another and create solutions together.”