Roots in the River Valley, Eyes on the World

In Stegra’s large, bright kitchen in the old Centralskolan building in Boden, languages and laughter fly across tables and laptops. Malin opens her computer, lifting a screen decorated with stickers reading “I love Boden” and “Women in Steel.” The two cousins from the Lule River Valley, together with that text in the middle of an international workplace in central Boden, form a clear picture of the moment they—and Boden—are in right now.

Growing Together

Malin and Jessica have not only grown up close to one another; they have also worked side by side for much of their adult lives. Previously, they were two pillars of the alpine resort Storklinten. Now they are key players in Stegra’s major efforts to create opportunities for new residents to make Boden their home.

Two very different industries, yet with many similarities. Cultures and needs must meet. The practicalities must work. And everything has to move fast. Collaboration comes naturally to Malin and Jessica. So do drive, hospitality, and the ability to solve problems and organize both themselves and others.

Paving the Way for New Residents

Malin and Jessica are two of a growing number of local talents who have chosen to contribute their expertise to the development of the new green industries. Malin’s role is Relocation and Immigration Specialist, and Jessica’s is Relocation Coordinator. In practice, this means that Malin is involved already in the recruitment process, offering practical information and support from Stegra’s side even before a candidate accepts a position. She then follows the entire process of everything required for a move to Sweden and Boden—from both within and outside the EU.

Jessica is part of the team that ensures their new colleagues have somewhere to live when they arrive. New employees have been coming to Boden every week for a long time.

“On my first day at work, there were 34 of us starting,” Jessica says, explaining that the pace is only increasing—and that the desire to move here is strong.

“Right now, we’re working intensively on preparations for January’s arrivals, when nearly 50 new international employees will move to Boden.”

Knowledge in Both Directions

Jessica and Malin speak with pride about their place in the world and the value of contributing their experiences as Boden grows—along with the importance of bringing local knowledge and understanding into the organization.

“For this to become a success story for Boden, we need more Boden residents. And once everything is in place, we want Boden to remain an attractive place to live. We want to bring in more real residents who integrate and want to stay—and that requires understanding and willingness on both sides,” says Malin.

Malin and Jessica have roots here going back for generations. They enjoy traveling the world, and through many years in the tourism industry they have welcomed the world to their doorstep. But their home village in Boden Municipality has always been the safe place they return to, no matter what life brings. Malin grew up in Rasmyran, Jessica in Harads. They now both live in the village of Bredåker.

“– I love living here, completely unrelated to what job I’ve had. Here my children live their best life, where we can give them what I consider to be everything – being able to play outside in the yard, fish from the jetty, go skiing just 15 minutes away, and enjoy a water adventure park 15 minutes in the other direction,” says Jessica.

Malin adds that everything she wants close by is right here – forest and river, coast and mountains, and even a touch of big-city energy only an hour away if she feels like it.

Local Commitment

Both Malin and Jessica are deeply involved in local associations and the community’s development. They are team leaders and coaches in their children's sports. Malin counts on both hands how many associations she participates in and helps run. Jessica is also involved in “Let’s Go Swedish,” a nonprofit she co-founded when she was young, during the large refugee influx. The work has recently been revived, and one evening a week they welcome newcomers—still primarily asylum seekers—to offer basic support and enjoyable guidance in everyday Swedish, customs, habits, and general know-how. Their children now join as well, meeting kids from all over the world with great enthusiasm.

The local engagement and a vibrant community life are, according to Malin and Jessica, absolutely essential for a place to be alive, to develop, and to welcome the newcomers who arrive.

More on the way

Boden is continuously being scanned for available housing, and now additional efforts are being made to reach people who, with their hearts in the right place, feel that they want to help with housing for the new residents of Boden. A small “Attefall” house in the yard, an unused summer cottage, or other solutions can make a big difference when the need is great.

“And we are not talking about temporary construction workers, but entire families from different parts of the world who have decided to move here, live here, and make this their home. We welcome everyone to get in touch if any current resident of Boden would like to rent out a home to one of our new residents, for shorter or longer periods,” say Malin and Jessica, who are happy to provide more information at relocation@stegra.com.