Hilkka Koskela´s first visits to Latvia date back to late 1970-ies, early 1980-ies.

In 1982 she graduated from the University of Helsinki (MA degree in Finnish literature and language, Russian literature and language). Since 1992 she has tried to improve her skills in Latvian language at work and in leisure time. Her translations from Latvian into Finnish include mainly non-fiction books (several biographical works), articles and documents, as well as drama (Blaumanis: Skroderdienas Silmacos) and other theatre texts for guest performances in Finland. Her latest  translation from Latvian language (Māra Zālīte: Pieci pirksti) was published in October 2018.