As the spouse of the President, she advocates for the mental health and well-being of children and young people. Through her activities, she aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, emphasising the role of culture in supporting mental well-being and supporting the development of children and youth.
Sirje Karis is a patron of the SOS Children’s Village, the University of Tartu Foundation, the Maternity Hospital Fund and the development of children and young talent.
She graduated as a historian from the University of Tartu and attended the master's program in cultural organization. From 2006 to 2018, Sirje Karis was the director of the Estonian History Museum and from 2018 to 2022, the director of the Tartu City Museum. Sirje Karis is a member of the Estonian Museum Association and the Estonian National Committee of ICOM (the International Council of Museums).