David Cáceres: The international seeker of cultural integration and talent empowerment from Helsinki
Caceres is emerging as a candidate in the upcoming municipal elections in Helsinki with a clear proposal: to build a more inclusive city, where cultural diversity and international talent are engines of growth and entrepreneurship. Learn more in the Entreprenerd interview.
Eighteen years ago, David Cáceres left El Salvador behind with a suitcase full of dreams and a scholarship in hand to study social work in Finland. What was initially an academic adventure ended up becoming a story of integration, resilience, and now, political leadership.
Today, Cáceres is emerging as a candidate in the upcoming municipal elections in Helsinki with a clear proposal: to build a more inclusive city, where cultural diversity and international talent are drivers of growth and entrepreneurship.
"I never planned to stay in Finland. I came to study and then return, but life had other plans,' Cáceres recounts. The change was not easy. He landed in a country where, in his own words, 'English was not an option for everyday procedures", and where integrating into the job market required much more than a university degree.
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However, after years of effort, language learning, and experience in the social sector, David found his place in Finnish society.
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His personal experience is the driving force behind his current campaign. "Going through the integration process firsthand helped me realize just how challenging it can be for many. My goal is to open the same doors I once had to force open myself", he asserts.
From Salvador to Helsinki: A path of integration
Cáceres arrived in Finland in 2006, during the expansion of English-language academic programs. Although he had a background in computer systems in El Salvador, the scholarship gave him the opportunity to explore the social sector—a change that would define his future.
After graduating, he faced a demanding job market where fluency in Finnish was essential. "Learning the language was a necessity. There weren’t as many English alternatives as there are today. But that also allowed me to integrate more deeply into Finnish society", he comments.
He established his professional career in the social sector, working with vulnerable communities and gaining firsthand insight into the system's flaws.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he became more aware of the hidden cracks in Finland’s social structure. "The pandemic exposed many weaknesses in the system that usually went unnoticed. It was a wake-up call for everyone, but for me, it was also a call to action", he recalls.
A political project to integrate and undertake
His political proposal focuses on three fundamental pillars: cultural integration, promoting international talent, and supporting entrepreneurship. Cáceres firmly believes that integration should not be limited to language classes or bureaucratic procedures, but rather a lived experience that connects people with job and social opportunities.
Helsinki has a wealth of untapped international talent—highly educated, driven individuals with innovative ideas, yet lacking the networks and opportunities they need. "My mission is to change that", he declares with conviction.
One of the strongest points of his proposal is the creation of a municipal job integration program that connects international talent with local companies. For Cáceres, employment is one of the most effective ways to achieve integration:
"Integration through employment is key. It’s not just about learning the language but about actively feeling like part of society. This fosters both a sense of belonging and economic growth simultaneously".
Breaking barriers and encouraging entrepreneurship
In addition to advocating for employment integration, Cáceres places strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. He believes Helsinki has the potential to become a global hub for startups fueled by international talent.
"Everyone dreams of building the next Nokia or the next big tech unicorn. But for that, we need to open up space for foreign talent that already lives here. We must be global from within", he asserts.
His experience as an immigrant and his career in the social sector have given him a unique perspective on improving public policies related to employment and integration. Cáceres proposes eliminating the 'invisible barriers' that hinder access to the job market, such as 'hidden jobs'—positions that are never advertised and are filled through personal connections, excluding those without local networks.
"One of the biggest challenges is access. Many jobs are never advertised, and immigrants miss out on these opportunities simply because they lack the right professional network. That needs to change", he asserts.
A call for a more inclusive Helsinki
During his campaign tours, Cáceres is not only seeking votes but also aiming to spark a debate about the role of immigrants in Finnish society.
Although Finland is ranked among the countries with the highest quality of life, Cáceres insists there is still room for improvement in inclusion and political representation.
"It's not just about integration; it's about having a voice. Today, immigrants in Finland are underrepresented in politics. If we want real change, we need to be at the tables where decisions are made", he concludes.
His proposal resonates not only with the international community but also with Finns who recognize the value of a more open and diverse society. "I want Helsinki to be an example of successful integration—a city where everyone, regardless of their origin, has the same opportunities to thrive and contribute", he concludes.
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