[2] She completed the matriculation exam in 1966 and attended the University of Tampere, receiving the Master of Arts degree in 1972.

After graduating, Ala-Kapee-Hakulinen taught history and social studies at the Kiljava Institute [fi], where she was a deputy principal from 1973 to 1975.

[1] From 1975 to 1979, she worked at the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions as researcher and secretary of the organization's history committee.

[1] Ala-Kapee-Hakulinen represented the constituency of Uusimaa in the Parliament of Finland from 24 March 1979 to 30 April 1989.

[8] In 2001, she married Kajaani mayor Pentti Hakulinen at Mikkeli Cathedral.