Alumna Marianne Oropel-Klengsen is the first Filipino to serve as Councillor of the Sandnes Municipal Council in Norway after securing one of the 49 seats during the election on Sept. 11.
A graduate of the SU College of Business Administration with a degree in Management (2004), Oropel-Klengsen is now the Council’s ninth Progress Party Representative, and will serve a four-year term.
Although this is her first elected post, Oropel-Klengsen has been active in public service. She was appointed leader of the Sandes Immigration Council, member of the Committee on Schools & Children Development, and deputy member of the Committee on Urban Development.
She also has a successful corporate career as Implementation Lead and Acting Payroll Head for Norway of Ernst & Young, a multinational company considered as one of the largest professional services networks in the world.
Raised in Zamboanga City, Oropel said her assimilation in Norway has been a long but fulfilling process. She said that as Council member, she will focus on issues and policies related to immigration.
“I have been very lucky, and my public service is my way of giving back. I will look at policies that will help immigrants’ seamless integration into Norwegian society,” Klengsen said.
She credits her training at Silliman for her success in Norway. She said the University boosted her self-confidence, and trained her to be articulate, resourceful, and insightful.
In her college years, Oropel was a champion debater and orator, a member of the Corps of Campus Ambassadors, and a performer in several school productions. (SU OIP)
_________________________
Photo Caption: Marianne Oropel-Klengsen speaks to new Norwegian citizens during a Citizenship Ceremony. (Photo file on Marianne Oropel Klengsen Facebook)
