Meet Sisu Nisse
In Finland, the concept of sisu can be described as perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In Norway, the nisse is a mythological creature resembling a small elf who possesses great strength an immense work ethic.
It is these two concepts that were fused together to create Sisu Nisse International Consulting Group. We strive every day to maintain these sisu and nisse characteristics in all we do. Forging perseverance with strong worth ethic and strength has provided our clients with the exact potion for success!
Meet the team
Honora O’Connor
Executive Director
Honora is new to the world of human rights, but not to business. A former business owner, Honora saw the gaps between business plan and the human rights and sociopolitical contexts on the ground. As a result, after a successful career, she was driven to join the group with this perspective. Honora received her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Trinity College Dublin. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and exploring used book shops.
Elise Mervine
People Operations Analyst
Elise is an dedicated human resources practitioner who brings her unique background in both education and psychology to the work she does. Focusing on anxiety disorders, communication issues, and career/workplace psychology, Elise graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Baltimore in the United States. Besides her spectacular work managing People Operations at Sisu Nisse, Elise regularly gives seminars on supporting employees in the workplace, managing anxiety and stress and career burnout, among other topics. Elise speaks English, basic Italian and is enjoying learning Dutch. In her spare time, she enjoys reading captivating and diverse fiction, playing cello, and testing out any and all recipes involving bread and cheese.
Maria Paola Tranchino
Junior Research Associate
Maria Paola is an exceptional up-and-coming legal researcher with a passion for human rights in Europe. In particular, her research interests include human rights in conflict, business sanctions in conflict and EU-Belarus relations, among others. A cum laude graduate in law from the University of Naples in Italy, Maria Paola is currently a LL.M candidate at Leiden University in the Netherlands. She speaks English, Italian and Spanish. When not fighting for human rights, Maria Paola enjoys photography.
Olga Bataeva
IT Specialist
Olga keeps the computers going and the wires uncrossed! A graduate of Lviv Polytechnic National University of Ukraine, Olga has nearly a decade of experience in the IT field. When she is not battling viruses, Olga is an avid marathon runner.
Sisu
Resident Nisse
Our very own resident Nisse! Sisu couldn’t stand the snow and constant skiing in Scandinavia. So, he migrated to our country of rain and bicycles to help our team with any odds and ends (mostly public relations if we’re honest)!