Nordic and Baltic leaders have become among the most vocal and active supporters of Ukraine’s fight against Russia. In a February 2025 joint statement, the eight countries (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland plus Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) vowed to “further increase” support for Ukraine, emphasizing that “Ukraine must be able to prevail against Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure a just and lasting peace”.

From secret glances in Nordic fishing villages to defiant dances on New York’s Christopher Street, the journeys of queer Scandinavians and Balts weave a century-long tapestry of exile, love, and liberation. Love Across Latitudes traces these migrations—through war, the AIDS crisis, and today’s Pride diplomacy—to reveal how Viking sailors, Baltic refugees, lesbian caregivers, and trans trailblazers reshaped both America’s queer capital and the homelands they left behind. Dive into an epic story of resilience that spans fjords, iron curtains, and rainbow-draped avenues.

From 19th‑century immigrant weeklies to today’s digital platforms, Nordic and Baltic media in New York has constantly reinvented itself. This overview traces that evolution—and shows how The Northern Voices now leads the next chapter as a fully digital hub for Northern creativity.

As Europe pushes for digital sovereignty, many individuals and organizations seek alternatives to US-centric tech. A recent survey of European tech leaders called for reducing reliance on Silicon Valley giants. Privacy-first startups and open-source projects have flourished in response.

The Northern Voices is thrilled to announce Nordic/Baltic Talks, a brand‑new podcast series that serves as the perfect audio companion to our site. Each up-to-30‑minute episode distills our most‑read stories into a lively on‑the‑go format—combining headline rundowns, cultural spotlights, business briefs, tech trends, and creative‑industry insights, all delivered with the cross‑Atlantic perspective you expect from The Northern Voices. Think of it as a “portable newsroom” where concise reporting meets smart context and a dash of northern flair.

In 2015, co-founders P. Blake Renda and Julie W. Koester were huddled around a kitchen table in Naples, Florida, sketching plans for a different marketing agency. They had a bold vision: a one-stop firm blending rigorous business strategy with full-service, white glove business marketing services under one roof. Fast-forward to today, and that kitchen-table startup—Dragon Horse Agency—has grown into a multi-award-winning international firm with offices in Florida and California.

Over 40 Nordic and Baltic artists transformed the Estonian House into a living, breathing expression of identity, heritage, and hope. For the first time, artists and audiences from across eight nations came together under one roof to share stories, sounds, and traditions in perfect harmony. From immersive forest installations to a soaring concert finale, the evening brought the entire diaspora together like never before. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a deeply felt reunion, and a turning point in the cultural presence of Nordic and Baltic voices in New York.

In the windswept Baltic isles of Estonia, a young girl learned skincare secrets passed down through generations. Decades later, that girl – Eha Urbsalu – is a New York City entrepreneur bottling those very Viking beauty secrets for the world. With an international career spanning beauty pageants, fashion runways, and even Hollywood film sets, Urbsalu has never lost sight of her Estonian heritage. Today, as the founder of Viking Beauty Secrets, she blends the natural wisdom of her homeland with modern, organic skincare innovation. Her story is one of cultural pride, female entrepreneurial grit, and a mission to prove that clean, sustainable beauty rooted in tradition can captivate a global audience.

A Journey from Estonian Roots to International Acclaim - Kristi Roosmaa, an award-winning actress, singer, and producer, has carved a distinguished path from her early days in Estonia to the vibrant stages of New York City. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the arts and her ability to seamlessly blend cultural heritage with contemporary performance.

In the ever-expanding digital realm, creative professionals have more opportunities than ever to showcase their work and connect with a global audience. But in a crowded landscape, authenticity becomes the key to truly resonating with followers, clients, and collaborators. How can creatives build a personal brand that not only highlights their skill set but also reflects their real selves?