“I like to think of preserving history by embracing progress. Remembering and honoring those before us and keeping records of the past, while looking to the future of the archives.
Walt Disney said it best: ‘We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things,’ but here at the archives, we keep moving forward to protect the past. The archives will never be completed and will always continue to grow; Hopefully long after we become part of its history.”
– Annika Kay
Annika Kay received her Masters of Fine Arts from The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2007, and her Bachelor’s degree from California State University of Fullerton (CSUF) in only 3 years, with honors, and receiving the singular scholarship from giving the commencement ceremony speech.
She was awarded with numerous scholarships yearly and was a member of The Deans List, The National Dean’s List, and The Golden Key International Honor Society.
Kay is a dual citizen of Finland and the USA. Her mother Marilyn 'Pirjo' Kujala was born in Toholampi (near Kokkola) and served as president of the Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation.
She has worked as a graphic designer, producer, director, videographer, event planner, writer, editor, and teacher, with experience in publicity and public relations, library sciences, marketing, and culinary. She has served on the board of many non-profit organizations and on grant committees.
She was an active volunteer with the Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation, Ladies of the Kalevala, and the National Scandinavian Foundation.
Kay is honored to be working for the Appelo Archive Center and is looking forward to carrying on the legacy of Carlton Appelo in helping to preserve the rich cultural history of the surrounding area. She is excited to meet everyone, so please feel free to stop in, say hi, and share your own history with her.
