Family, Learning, and Leadership: Riitta-Liisa Arpiainen and TT Gaskets at the 2025 Women Educators Conference in the USA 

Photo: Riitta-Liisa Arpiainen proudly carrying the Finnish flag at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Women Educators International Convention in Indianapolis, USA.

This summer, TT Gaskets North America Inc. will proudly serve as the lanyard sponsor of DKG, the Women Educators International Conference in New Orleans (July 31 – August 2, 2025). But for us, this isn’t just a sponsorship, it’s a meaningful bridge between our company’s values and a long-standing family connection. 

To celebrate this partnership, we sat down with Riitta-Liisa Arpiainen, a dedicated educator and long-time member of this International Women Educators society, who also happens to be part of the TT Gaskets family. Her story is one of deep commitment to education, cross-cultural connection and leadership. 

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Connection 

Riitta-Liisa first joined this society in 2005 while teaching at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. Encouraged by a friend, she was drawn to the society’s focus on collaboration and cultural exchange. “This organization gives you as many opportunities as you want,” she said. She quickly became active in the Tampere chapter and, soon after, attended her first European conference in the UK. 

Since then, she has participated in numerous international conferences and conventions, often gathering over 1,200 women educators from across the globe. “Every time we meet, we share ideas, experiences and build a stronger global network,” she shared. “Finland may be known for its outstanding education system, but there’s always something new to learn from everyone.” 

Leading with Purposes

Throughout the years, Riitta-Liisa has taken on several leadership roles within this society, including serving as President of the Finnish Society, participating and chairing many international committees e.g. leadership, scholarship and marketing committees, and now being a member in the international Nominating Committee, which helps to select society’s future international leaders. 

“This is a volunteer-based society, with elections every second year. It gives women the opportunity to grow into leadership, from being a member one day to becoming an international president,” she explained. “You just need time, energy, and belief in yourself.” 

The Bridge Between TT Gaskets and Women Educators 

Although not involved in TT Gaskets’ day-to-day operations, Riitta-Liisa sees a natural alignment between the values of this society and the mission of our company. 

“Lifelong learning is the key. At TT Gaskets, we always talk about learning together with our customers. This society is the same, you support others and get support in return. And now, with TT Gaskets expanding into the North American market, it feels like the perfect time to build this bridge.” 

Her pride in seeing TT Gaskets’ name on the lanyards at this year’s New Orleans conference is deeply personal. “I’m just so proud. In business there are some risks when making decisions like this, but I truly believe it will turn out well. I’ll be walking around with the lanyard on, full of pride.” 

A Message to Women Educators 

When asked what message she’d like to share with the women attending this year’s event, her answer was simple yet powerful: 

“You can do it. You just need to believe in yourself. Stay realistic, things don’t happen overnight, but keep working hard and stay positive. You are the right person to do many different things.” 

At TT Gaskets, we believe the same. That’s why we’re honored to support this incredible event and the educators behind it, those who empower others every day, and who remind us that learning never ends.