10 Years of Kota: A Conversation with Founder Jaana Rehnström

In this interview, to mark Kota's 10th anniversary, the founder, Dr. Jaana Rehnström, discusses the organization's journey so far and the vision for the future:

From Helsinki to Harlem: The Roots of Kota

Jaana Rehnström’s professional and personal paths have always intertwined around two central themes: women’s wellbeing and human rights. A physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Jaana’s medical career and lifelong commitment to civic engagement have taken her from Helsinki to New York City.

“I came to the U.S. after marrying a New Yorker,” she recalls. “Women’s issues have always been important to me, as have human rights — I was involved with Amnesty International already as a student. Kota became a way to merge those two passions.”

But what sparked Kota’s creation wasn’t just passion — it was also a keen observation. Jaana noticed that many nonprofit organizations in New York were working in silos, often duplicating efforts and competing for the same grants, while struggling with high operating costs.

“I thought it was crazy that so many small organizations were paying huge rents and struggling alone,” she says. “I imagined a space where they could come together — sharing resources, ideas, and inspiration. That’s what Kota was meant to be from the start.”

Milestones and Learning Curves

Looking back on a decade of growth, Jana identifies five defining moments in Kota’s journey:

First: The first board — “Getting that first board together was a major milestone,” she says. “It grew out of another initiative I had founded, the Finland Center Foundation, but Kota was aimed at a broader and more diverse audience.

Second: A dazzling beginning — In Kota’s second year, the team hosted a large sustainable fashion show. “It was glamorous and fun — and a great learning experience,” Jaana laughs. “We didn’t make much profit, but it put us on the map.”

Third: A creative community — The years at the Center for Social Innovation in Chelsea brought a network of like-minded changemakers. “Some of those connections still persist,” Jaana notes fondly.

Fourth: Finding a home — In late 2021, Kota moved into its own building in Harlem. “That was a dream come true,” Jaana says. “It’s a proof of concept — showing what a shared, mission-driven space can look like.”

Fifth: Embracing Harlem — The move also shifted Kota’s focus. “We listened to the community and realized the arts and wellness were the areas where we could make the most difference,” Jaana explains. “Art heals. Whether you create it or experience it, it’s good for your mental health.”

A Shift from Global to Local

When asked what surprised her most over the years, Jaana pauses. “I didn’t expect Kota to become so locally grounded,” she reflects. “We started with a global vision, but Harlem drew us in. We’ve become part of this neighborhood — part of its grassroots creative energy.”

Evolving Leadership

In the early years, Jaana did it all — from social media to legal paperwork. “I was doing everything, whether I knew how or not,” she laughs. “But I learned so much — about real estate, nonprofit law, and especially about leadership.”

Today, her role looks different. “Now I focus on strategy and sustainability — making sure this place stays viable,” she says. “We have a wonderful COO and fantastic interns who bring fresh ideas and skills. It’s exciting to see others take ownership.”

The Vision Ahead

Looking toward the next decade, Jaana envisions Kota growing into a model for sustainable, mission-driven collaboration.

“We want to be a true community center — a place where other organizations working for women can gather, collaborate, and host their programs,” she says. “Our social enterprise model — earning income from space rentals — makes us less dependent on grants. My dream is to scale that up and create a larger version of this center, one that could even serve international organizations.”

Art, Wellness, and the Music of Life

As our conversation winds down, we turn to art — a core theme in Kota’s current programming. What moves Jaana personally?

“Music,” she says without hesitation. “Always music. Especially classical, though I love jazz too — and Harlem is the perfect place for that.”

Her recommendations? “Sibelius’s Finlandia — always inspiring. And ‘Take the A Train,’ which I do every morning,” she adds with a smile.

A Decade of Building Community

Kota’s story is one of persistence, vision, and listening — to the world, to the neighborhood, and to the rhythm of change. Under Jaana Rehnström’s leadership, what began as a dream of collaboration has become a living, breathing space for art, wellness, and women’s empowerment.

Interview conducted and transcribed by Minna Aslama Horowitz.

Interview: 10 Years of Kota

The Kota Alliance

Interview: 10 Years of Kota

Interview with Jaana Rehnström for Inspira Advantage

The Kota Alliance