Alum and Young Alum of the Year Awards 2023
For the sixth year in a row, the Stockholm School of Economics has presented the Alum of the Year Award and, for the third year in a row, the Young Alum of the Year Award. In 2023, the Alum of the Year Award is presented to Stefan Krook, co-founder and chair of the GoodCause Foundation. The Young Alum of the Year Award is presented to Lydia Graflund, founder of EsterCare.
Alum of the Year Award 2023
Stefan Krook, co-founder and chair of the GoodCause Foundation
Stefan Krook earned his MSc in Economics and Business from the Stockholm School of Economics in 2002. For more than 20 years, Stefan has founded and led tech companies and social ventures, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and philanthropists alike. As co-founder and chair of the GoodCause Foundation, a foundation that starts and owns companies that donate 100 percent of all dividends to charitable causes, Stefan Krook has demonstrated a strong commitment to social change and sustainable business practices.
Beyond his charitable ventures, Stefan’s entrepreneurial spirit has also left a significant mark on the tech industry. As the founder of Glocalnet and Kivra, he has demonstrated an ability to identify opportunities, pioneer change, and create platforms that improve connectivity and communication. Stefan’s contributions to social change are substantial, with 99 million kronor directed to charitable causes.
– On behalf of the School, I would like to commend Stefan for being a remarkable inspiration to the SSE community through his achievements as an entrepreneur and driver of positive change. The impact he has had on the tech industry and his professional accomplishments are extraordinary. Stefan continues to inspire the SSE community and beyond through his humility, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning, says Lars Strannegård, president of the Stockholm School of Economics.
Thank you so much for this enormous honor bestowed on an alum that needed 10 years just to graduate… During the first and very active part of those 10 years, I gained friends for life, and I am forever grateful that SSE became my homebase after I stepped down as CEO of the company I founded during those years. SSE helped facilitate the direction I have since taken in life, trying to foster entrepreneurship for good and for happiness. Thanks again for this great honor!
Young Alum of the Year Award 2023
Lydia Graflund, founder of EsterCare
Lydia Graflund earned her MSc in Business and Management in 2016 after completing her BSc in Business Economics in 2014, both at the Stockholm School of Economics. Today, she is CEO and co-founder of EsterCare, a digital healthcare platform for women that raises awareness of women’s health issues and improves access to healthcare services across Sweden.
In addition to her work with EsterCare, Lydia hosts the free podcast Gynpodden, which focuses on increasing knowledge and understanding of women’s health by sharing evidence-based research with women and men alike. Her passion and ambition have contributed to remarkable achievements early in her career, serving as inspiration to members of the SSE community.
“Lydia’s dedication and innovative work have contributed to positive social change and advanced gender equality. Her courageous decision to switch career paths in pursuit of enhancing the quality of life for women makes Lydia a great source of inspiration for SSE students and alumni alike, embodying the School’s FREE values. We are proud and honored that Lydia is part of the SSE family and look forward to following her on her ongoing career path,” says Lars Strannegård, president of the Stockholm School of Economics.
SSE has developed so many talented people throughout the years, it is an honor to be acknowledged as SSE’s young alum of the year. Studying at SSE has been one of the most important decisions in my life, which has put me on a path I wouldn’t have found without my education. The high level of education, valuable connections and close friendships I gained during my time at SSE has truly shaped my career and personal life, and I would not have been the same person without those five years. Thank you!
The Alum of the Year Award honors graduates of the Stockholm School of Economics for their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the School. The Young Alum of the Year Award honors graduates who completed their studies around 10 years ago or less and who have made significant contributions to their field while serving as inspirational role models for future alumni.