SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES

The profiles of the 3rd GIWA shortlisted candidates.

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Athanasiadi Iris

Artist

Iris Athanasiadi is a London-based architect, choreographer, and performer. Her work focuses on the common threads between movement and architecture, mindfulness and bodily awareness, and multisensory experiences. She studied Architecture at the Technical University of Crete and holds an MFA in Choreography from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance as a Leverhulme Choreography scholar. In 2018, she was invited to give a TEDx talk on her research around movement and architecture, and since then she has been collaborating with artists of different disciplines including composers, set designers, VR designers, and fine artists. She also works as a visiting lecturer and mentor in BA & MA Architecture, Dance and Fine Art programmes at well known universities such as Trinity Laban, Bucks New University, Anglia Ruskin University and University of Bedfordshire.Her choreographic work has been experienced - among others - at the Royal Academy of Music (UK), Athens Video Dance Festival (GR), Ugly Duck (UK), Stone Nest (UK), John Lyons Theatre (UK) and is supported by the Arts Council England. In 2021-22 she was selected to be the artist in residence at the Cambridge School of Art, and in 2022 she performed in the famous work ‘Our Labyrinth’ by international artist Lee Mingwei at the prestigious Tate Modern in London. She is passionate about creating work that is inclusive and accessible, and for that reason she has been working closely with leading charities such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People through talks and workshops with different communities. She is also an advocate of supporting people’s mental health and has acquired a Level 2 Certification as a Mental Health First Aider.

Bozonelis Lia

Producer & Screenwriter

Lia Bozonelis is a screenwriter, writer and producer based in LA. While it has not yet been publicly announced, she is about to assume the role of producing and running development for a major Hollywood studio -- one of the youngest females to do so. In addition, her pandemic thriller feature SAFER AT HOME, which she co-wrote and co-produced for Voltage Pictures during Covid lockdown, was distributed with a full international theatrical release by Vertical Entertainment before selling to Hulu last year.In conjunction with her own writing, Lia story consults on a myriad of projects and served four years analyzing scripts to build a slate of sub $35MM original films for Netflix. At the center of Lia’s career is her mission to help create jobs within Greece, as well as help women rise within the entertainment industry. Lia is Co-Founder of the Global Greek Film Initiative — a strategic set of programs designed to promote cultural exchange between Greece, the US and the Hellenic Diaspora and service opportunities for employment and economic growth within Greece. Everything from hands-on crew training to scholarships, GGFI is the North American hub and global one-stop collective for Greek film programs and initiatives.Lia finds fulfillment as a pro bono mentor and advisor to women, as well as within her cultural community of Greeks and Greek Americans. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, where she previously volunteered for over ten years, and served on the jury of the first-ever Greek Film Festival of Toronto in October of 2021, as well as this past year in 2022. In addition, and as a member of several women-in-film groups, Lia utilizes her strengths within these organizations to advocate for young, diverse voices to be heard through storytelling. She was recently a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award from the Greek America Foundation for her professional and philanthropic contributions.

Dimitropoulou DelAngel Zafi

Artistic Director

Zafiria (Zafi) Dimitropoulou Del Angel is a Greek Mexican Director, Performer and Educator. She has served as the Artistic Director of People’s Theatre Project since 2018. The PTP Company grew out of her artistic vision and commitment to immigrant representation on NYC’s stages.Born in Mexico raised in Greece, Zafi studied dance and performing arts from her early years. As an educator she has facilitated theater making workshops and classes in public schools across the world. As a performer, she has been a member of many ensembles in Europe and the United States, including the Troubleyn theater company and the Athens Epidaurus festival. As a director, Zafi specializes in creating methodologies that center underrepresented artists and develop original work through an anti-oppressive lens.Her latest works, Las Mariposas, Somos Más, and Doña Mañana have been performed in venues and theater stages across NYC including The Riverside Theatre, The Whitney, and New York Theatre Workshop. In 2020 she was selected for the New York Foundation of the Arts’ (NYFA) Emerging Leaders Program Cohort. BA Acting, Greek Art Theatre Karolos Koun; MFA, Physical Theatre, Dell’Arte International.

Giannouli Tania

Pianist / Composer

Pianist, composer, improviser and bandleader. Classically trained (Piano Soloist and Composition) she regularly employs improvisation in her practice. She makes jazz of the kind where improvisation is just the starting point and somewhere out there -or something deep inside- is the aim. Her interdisciplinary projects span an impressive range of styles - a borderless amalgamation of the global reality.  Her genre-defying "open sound language" is often described as lyrical, inspired, complex, eclectic, intoxicating and highly original. As the Korean magazine Jazzspace wrote: “This music invites the listener to dream of eternity.”Her discography is released on New Zealand's foremost label, Rattle. All her albums received wide international acclaim and were included in numerous ‘Best of’ lists, with Transcendence cited as one of the most important Greek albums of the decade according to many Greek media.She regularly performs at major festivals in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, Skopje, Greece (among others: Jazzfest Berlin-Berliner Festspiele, Madrid International Jazz, Enjoy Jazz, Bergamo Jazz, Bimhuis, Ars Musica, November Music, Onassis Stegi, NFM Wroclaw, Skopje Jazz, Athens Jazz, Handelsbeurs, Borusan Sanat, Stavros Niarchos FCC, Thessaloniki Concert Hall), but also in special projects like the site-specific concert "634 minutes inside the volcano". Her music for film has travelled to many festivals, museums and Biennales worldwide. In May '21 she was nominated for the Deutscher Jazzpreis-German Jazz Prize-in the category Piano/Keyboards International.She currently works with musicians such as: Maria Pia De Vito, Nik Bärtsch, Michele Rabbia, Daniele Rocatto, Amir Elsaffar, Sun Mi Hong. Several concerts of her were broadcasted by Deutschlandfunk Kultur, RTBF, ERT. In the fall '22 she was artist in residence at one of Europe's most important jazz festivals (Enjoy Jazz).

Ioannides Elisabeth

Education curator - Art Psychotherapist

I am an Education Curator and Art Psychotherapist at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST).My interests lie in the promotion and application of Learning, Health & Wellbeing initiatives in Museums and Galleries.I studied Psychology and Fine Arts at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, USA, received my M.A. in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, a Post Graduate Diploma on Contemporary Art from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, and an M.A. in Art Psychotherapy from the The Art & Psychotherapy Center (A.P.C.) in Athens, Greece, where I submitted my dissertation on the application of art therapy in museums.I am a member of Phi Betta Kappa, ICOM, AICA, the British, Greek & Canadian Associations of Art Therapists, the European Association for Psychotherapy (& also co-leader of EFAT’s SIG Art Therapy in Museums), and Vice President of the Greek Association of the Expressive Art Therapists & Jungian Coaching (2020 - 2022).As Education Curator, I deliver educational programs to primary school children and vulnerable groups both within the Museum premises and outside, and hold tours to the Museum's exhibitions. I also design the educational leaflets that accompany the exhibitions.In 2017 I inaugurated together with Mrs. Pantagoutsou the innovative group art psychotherapy program "Exploring the Museum's Images - Exploring My Image" which is held on a regular basis at the museum. For further information visit http://www.emst.gr/en/category/art-psychotherapyI have a broad teaching and mentoring experience. My research work has a special focus on museum learning, art psychotherapy, health and well-being, inclusivity and the ways culture contributes to the efficiency of education and health systems.I have published various articles and have been an exhibition catalogue coordinator in catalogues published by EMST.In 2021 I was nominee for the Greek International Women’s Awards in the field of Art and Culture.

Lotsari Nina

Performing Arts

Nina Lotsari studied monody,theatre performance,dancing at the Hellenic Conservatory of Athens, from where she graduated in 1998 receiving her diplomas in classical singing and melodrama,iasmos theatre academy and Arroyo school of dance.Master class at the Opera, with distinction from the Academy of Anovero.She has also attended Musical theater seminars at London's Studio Center. She has starred in the National Opera,the Athens Concert Hall,and Herodio since 1999 in Operas and Operettas,musical shows and concerts.She has collaborated with the most important symphony orchestras.She has participated in collaborations with many composers and artists of the domestic music scene. At the same time, she has participated in various television series and films. She has personal albums and participation in many productions. From 2006 she established her own variety shows: "Jizz", "Copacabana", "Flush Royal", "Vendetta", "Mata Hari", "Red a dark Cabaret”and many others.Other performances:"Looking for Attic" at the Athens Concert Hall opera “Antigone”and in the world premiere of the Opera "Opus Elgin, the destruction of the Parthenon" in the role of the Goddess Aphrodite and Maria Callas.Among other things, she has taken on an administrative role in the artistic direction and organization of production in many of the above musical theater performances, while in many of them she took over their production direction entirely. Throughout her artistic career, she has developed intense activity for the promotion of Greek culture as well as for many charitable purposes.From 2022, she started teaching master class in schools inspired by her stage coaching technique and musical psychology, innovative method that she inspired herself to give her experience to young people to discover themselves, to find their energies, to take off, not to be afraid of the public overexposure ,To gain confidence, self-awareness and dominate the scene. To learn themthat “Sky is the limit”.

Mina (Chatziefraimidou) Katerina

Soprano; Pianist; Writer; Marketing Director

A prizewinning British soprano, Katerina Mina commands an operatic repertoire that includes Tosca, Santuzza (Cavalleria rusticana), Giorgetta (Il tabarro) and Leonora (La forza del destino). Born in Cyprus, she makes her home in London, where she studied voice and piano at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama before winning prizes at the Julián Gayarre International Singing Competition and Concorso Vocale Internazionale di Musica Sacra. In 2018 she released her debut album, Angel of Fire, on the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s own label. Katerina has appeared at such concert venues as London’s Southbank Centre, St John’s Smith Square and St Martin-in-the-Fields (with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra under Marios Papadopoulos), and, around the UK, the Buxton Opera House, De Montfort Hall and Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre. European engagements have taken her to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Paris, Moscow, Zagreb, Florence, Athens, Tenerife, Ancona, and Cyprus. She has also toured Japan and appeared with the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Katerina's extensive concert repertoire includes the Verdi & Mozart Requiems, Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Haydn’s Nelson Mass & Scena di Berenice, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater & Te Deum, Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Duparc's songs, Tippett’s Five Negro Spirituals from A Child of Our Time, Fanshawe’s African Sanctus, and ‘symphonic rock’ by Rick Wakeman. Appearing beside the late Professor Stephen Hawking, she performed music by Alexandros Hahalis at STARMUS 2014, the International Festival of Astronomy, in the Canary Islands, and in 2018 sang numbers by British songwriter Linda Lamon at the inauguration of the First International Day of Light at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. In Spring 2022 Katerina received a medal at the Stockholm Culture Awards for her contribution to opera and culture. Her future plans include the world premiere of Ian Fletcher’s oratorio Jonah at the Cadogan Hall in London.

Papadopoulou Eleni

Choir conductor

I am a music teacher, currently working at the Regional Directorates of Primary Education in Patras. I have studied music in conservatories in Athens and Patras, as well as in the Kodaly Institute in Hungary, while I have also attended seminars on the art of conducting by leading conductors from around the world. As a music teacher, I have worked in primary schools in both Athens and Patras for more than 30 years, organising school concerts and introducing children to the fundamental rules of music theory. When it comes to my path as a conductor, I conducted the Children's Choir (2001-2016) as well as the Youth Choir (2010-2016) of the Polyphonic Choir of Patras. From 2016, I have founded Cantelena Choir, where I also serve as an Artistic Director. The choir is comprised of 4 groups, namely: 1)Pre-Junior group for children aged between 4-6, 2) Junior group for children aged between 7-9, 3) Children's Choir for children 10-17 years old and 4) Youth Female Choir from 18 years old and over 5) Mixed Choir. Through the years, I have had the honour to collaborate with significant composers such as Dionysis Savvopoulos, Mimis Plessas, Panagis Barabatis, Kypourgos, Manoudis and soloists, among others Sonia Theodoridou, Zachos Terzakis, Nikolaos Karagiaouris and Vasiliki Karagianni. For my contribution to the enhancement of the cultural life of Patras, I have been awarded "Person of the Year" in the context of the respective awards ceremony organised by the Newspaper "Peloponnisos".

Papadopoulos Shelly

Regional Director

Shelly Papadopoulos was born in Thessaloniki, Greece and immigrated with her parents to the U.S. She enjoyed a rewarding career as a law firm administrator.Shelly began her volunteer work in the mid-80s when her daughter started elementary school. Her achievements include:• Culver City PTAs and Education Foundation 1985 - 2008: Board member and trustee, holding many board positions, including president.• Certificate in Fundraising from UCLA in 1997.• Greek Heritage Society of Southern California 1997 - 2022: Assisted in raising funds to complete an award-winning documentary trilogy about the Greeks of Southern California, hosted and narrated by Olympia Dukakis. The documentaries were based on over 500 interviews accumulated over 25 years. Shelly was an executive producer of award-winning parts 2 and 3, “The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960” and “The New Greek Americans 1960-2018. She chaired all three premieres. The documentaries were entered in dozens of film festivals. She has chaired special events, written grants and completed digitization of over 500 interviews of Greek Americans. She served as president twice.• Los Angeles Greek Film Festival 2007 – 2015: Shelly joined founders Angeliki Giannakopoulos and Ersi Danou to create the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. She served in many capacities, including development, administration, finance, sponsorship and box office.• Theatron of the Americas 2019 – Present: Shelly is honored to bring her talents and experience to Theatron of the Americas. She looks forward to helping the organization expand awareness of Ancient Greek Drama to audiences in California and throughout the U.S. and abroad.• Hellenic American Women’s Council (HAWC) 2019 – Present: A national organization, Shelly is the Director of the Pacific Region where she promotes varied talents of Hellenic American women and promotes leadership and mentorship to younger women.

Vagioni Pavlina

Visual Artist

Pavlina Vagioni is a multimedia artist with a kaleidoscopic practice ranging from installations to sculpting, painting, sound collages and digital works. The theme of her art is the exegesis and relevance of classical myths in contemporary society.Pavlina studied painting under professors Yannis Psychopedis and Aggelos Antonopoulos and stage design with Lili Pezanou at the Athens School of Fine Arts of Greece, graduating with honors in 2016. Additionally, she is a classically trained soprano soloist with studies in piano, music theory and composition. Her studios are in Athens, Greece, and Houston, Texas, USA, and she has been exhibiting widely. Her work has been featured in international art publications and books.

Velli-Kosma Evangelia

Artistic Director

Evangelia was born in Athens, 1974. She studied composition at the “Athenaeum” Conservatory in Athens, Greece, as a student of the composer Kostantinos Varotsis. Her composition diploma in 2002 was fill in with the "Athenian first prize in composition" (1st Prize Summa Cum Laude) but it wasn't the first; in her teens, she was awarded with the first composition prize in the category of children's theater at "Thessaloniki's Theater Festival in 1992". She also studied orchestra and choir conducting at the "Hellenic American Educational Foundation" but her love of knowledge and continuous learning led her to long-term studies with lessons, seminars and workshops in different fields from arts, science and practical studies.Since 2003 she started a research in physics with the aim of combining sound and light waves in a holistic approach of the arts which led in 2010 to a new musical system, "Nuclear music". Her first "Nuclear composition" perfomed in Europeana's international festival 2012 "Reclaiming the past regaining the real". Till today the "Nuclear music system" finds applications in many areas of the arts: from education, interpretation and performance, composition, to the construction of new instruments and the installation of holistic art spaces.Evangelia's "Nuclear" compositions, performances and music installations are played in concert halls, theaters, museums, open spaces, and more. She collaborates with major institutions of the arts such as Ministry of Culture, National Theatre, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, National Television, Michalis Kakogiannis Foundation and artists acclaimed in their field.She composes, performs, conducts and teaches with "nuclear system" through the observation of nature because "Nature is the muse of the arts". Her vision is an art school open to everyone, with the nature in the role of artistic director.

Arplia Marina

Founder & CEO

My name is Marina Arplia and I am the founder and CEO of Project Parenting. I studied Primary Education in the University of Patras, where I discovered AIESEC where I worked as a volunteer for 4 years. AIESEC for me was the best business school. I had the opportunity to volunteer in a lot of counties (Ghana, Lithuania, Moldova) and travel in 15 more, and I took more than 15 roles in the organization. With my last experience as Business development manager after my AIESEC experience, I entered the business world and worked in Google and GSK. It was a great achievement for me to enter these companies without any relevant study background. Then I quitted my job in GSK to follow my dream and do something with direct impact in the world. This is how I created Project Parenting the first e-learning platform for parents in Greece and with a very innovative business model in a global level. Project Parenting is the e-learning platform that parents who strive for ease of mind, accurate knowledge & advanced parenting skills, need. We support parents thrive as humans and caregivers, as we provide them with evidence-based solutions through educational material created by 130+ certified and experienced professionals on parenting and self-development, based on the latest and gentlest parenting methods. I started the startup 2 days before the first lock down in my country with no budget and 2 years later, we have more than 250K users and 2.5K customers. My next move is to go global and create the biggest hub of likeminded people who aim to support parents and create an online library where every parent in the world will have access to.

Hala Maria

Business Angel, Startups Consultant

I am a senior strategy advisor, an investment professional and an angel investor. I have been concentrated on the expansion of the Greek technologically innovative startups ecosystem and the local angel investment community. I provide mentoring and business coaching to ventures at seed and start-up stage, mainly from life sciences’ industries, aiming to become “investment-ready”. My expertise is on entrepreneurship-business planning, strategic management, business and product development. I am the Founder and CEO of two consultancy firms, StartupsandScalesups and joinHERbusiness. I have participated as an expert speaker to numerous entrepreneurial conferences. Being a member of important associations, I have served as a mentor and judge at their annual startup competitions, such as: European Business Angels Network (EBAN), Hellenic Spanish Chamber of Commerce and MIT Enterprise Forum Greece. I have also served as Senator for Greece for World Business Angels Forum (WBAF 2018 – Oct.2020). Over the last two years, I am the Head of Female Founders’ Startups Cluster, of ICC Women Hellas, aiming to improve the participation of Greek female entrepreneurs to the startups community and increase the presence of Greek female investors in the startups’ ecosystem. I am a Certified Fund Manager by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, whereas, as an asset manager professional for over 17 years, I gained my experience and my profound knowledge in the international capital markets. I hold a BSc in Marketing, an MSc in Business Finance and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, from Imperial Business School.

Kouidou Marilena

Co-Founder/Manager

Marilena was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. She graduated from the American college ‘Anatolia’ and continued her education in the UK at The London School of Economics obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology. She also holds a postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Management from the University of Essex,UK. She holds a certificate in Strategic Leadership from the Institute of Leadership Management of UK. She was trained in green coffee trading and logistics in Italy, working at Itochu group in Genova. She received her first certificate in Espresso tasting from the London School of Coffee in 2003. Since 1998 she has been working in the coffee sector, both in the import/export of green coffee and logistics, as well as in sales management.She holds various certifications in the coffee and tea sectors. In 2016, she was accredited as a trainer for the Beverage Standards Association of UK and since later that year she is the founder and director of Coteco SA consulting company, representingthe Beverage Standards Association of UK educational curricula in Greece and Cyprus. She holds a certificate in adult education from the PanteionUniversity of Social and Political Sciences and has just completed the Postgraduate degree in coffee science ((Postgraduate Certificate in advanced studies of Coffee Excellence) by The University of Zurich (ZHAW). Marilena is currently the principal of the WSPC Coffee, Tea and Cocoa school. She a Cofounder of Café Femenino Greece and director of CotecoSA, representing the Beverage Standards Association of UK in Greece and Cyprus. She is a pioneer member of the Greek chapter of International Women Coffee Alliance (IWCA). She is a member of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Athens and is married with two children.

Koumpouri Eirini

CEO

My education started in University of Patras -Greece where I received my BSc in Biology and then in Universite d’Orleans-France where I completed my master’s degree in Development, Production, Strategy and Management on the bioindustries. In parallel with my business life, I continued my education in Health Units Management & Administration and to the wine business (Oinology, viniculture, wine-marketing) from the N.K University of Athens. My first contact with the business life came just after the completion of my bachelor’s degree in a private Greek Company where I was employed as a scientific support for Molecular diagnosis applications. My duties included training, troubleshooting and after sales support mostly to public hospitals labs. This experience made me choose the theme of master where in full contentious I decided that my BSc would be the base of my future career and not the main center. During my master in France, I worked as a Marketing assistant for Chiron Europe and organize and realize a European market leader meeting for the global launch of a molecular diagnosis instrument. Coming back to Greece I worked for a period of 2 years again for same company as a Project manager with main duties to research and explore new business opportunities, create business plan and make first contacts with the market leaders. When I came across the European funds for Women Entrepreneurship it was the greatest opportunity of starting my own business. I submitted a business proposal for the creation of a company fully specialized in the transportation of biological materials. We have been awarded with the funds as an innovative and groundbreaking idea for Greece and continued for many years to be acknowledged as a good business example. Our team and I, as co-founder and CEO, we have developed Biotrans to a company which provides Health, Research and Safety services, with 70 employees, nationwide network and offices in Athens and Nicosia Cyprus.

Markaki Evangelia

CEO

Dr. Markaki completed a post-doc in Applied Statistics (Innovation & Research Scholarship AUTH) in 2016. In 2014 she founded Excellentia Int. a consulting company on applied statistics. Since 2008 she works in behavioral analysis, vocational guidance, career management & coaching. She is specialized in the development & application of psychometric tools, the human learning styles & the brain function. She has more than 2.800 hours of consulting & coaching during the last 3 five years. The last 6 years she focuses on athletes’ coaching & dual career management in Greece & abroad. She is project manager for researches both in Greece & abroad. As HRM consultant in the private sector, she conducted more than 5,200 interviews the last years. Since 2009 she is lecturer at AUTH in Greece, at Karlsruhe University in Germany & at Universities such as: University of Seattle, Cardiff University, Derby University, with courses on HRM, Leadership, Applied Statistics, Game Theory & Strategic decision making. The last five years her two 30hours workshops on “Personal & Professional Development” & “Skills optimization & Career Management” have full participation with more than 620 persons in Greece & abroad. She is a graduate of Communication & Mass Media Studies department at University of Athens. She graduated with honor from the Master of Human Resource Management program at AUEB. She worked for the National Insurance Company, the Greek Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), the regional channel Blue Sky, the Athens 2004 Athens Olympic Games in Athens Olympic Broadcasting (American Company) in consulting companies such as Kienbaum Germany, Evressis Consulting Greece & Cyprus & in VPRC. She has more than 20 publications in academic journals. She speaks French, English, Italian & German. She is a member of European & International Associations. 2016-2020, she was member of the management board of the Institute for HRM (EIMAD) at HMA (EEDE). She is the author of 2 published books.

Mavroeidi Zina

CEO

Zina is the managing director of e-Fresh.gr, a technology driven online supermarket. E-fresh.gr is a fast growing, independent online retailer. It was founded in 2015 and has successfully delivered more than a million online orders ever since. E-Fresh.gr has also received more than 20 awards for different parts of the business, including an award on digital entrepreneurship from the minister of development and EBEA. Prior to her current role, Zina was a big 4 strategy consultant specializing in big data and working equally with the technical, analytical and strategic aspects of customer insight and data intelligence areas. She holds an Msc in operational research and management science from Warwick Business School and a bachelor degree in marketing and OR from Athens university of Economics and Business. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, e-commerce and the Greek potential. Zina is married and a mother of two.

Papadopoulou Maria

TSP Manager

An Oil and Gas Expert, that held different leading roles in the industry. Maria holds a ptichion in Applied Geology, a MRes in Marine Geology & Geophysics and an MBA in HR Management, along with multiple CPD accreditations. A high achiever, that has always been considered a talent, with a strong academic background and solid technical and business skillsets. Maria has been leading successfully engineering operations offshore North Sea (rigs and vessels) and onshore in Europe (Scotland, Netherlands, France, Norway, Houston, South East Asia, Australia) for more than 15 years. Started her career as a young Geologist Offshore North Sea, and moved to onshore management roles as she progressed through the ranks. Currently in South East Asia leading a team of local technical personnel. Maria is passionate about female inclusion in male dominated industries and making sure that the new comers in the industry are well equipped with the skills that are needed to succeed. She is also an entrepreneur and had different businesses running on the side of her busy daily routine and work schedule. Her hobbies are Wine Tasting, Diving, Arts, and Photography. A curious mind that likes to understand how the world is functioning and how we can all contribute to make the world a sustainable place to live in.

Santikou Katerina

Founder & Managing Director

Katerina is a Greek hospitality entrepreneur. She studied political science and history at Georgetown University and has worked in numerous NGOs and think tanks in the US. Since 2012 she has been involved in innovative projects aiming to advance the efficiency of hospitality and specifically has focused in the recruiting and hiring process of personnel. She has been heading the business development for the hospitality group Santikos Collection for the past five years and is leading the education and marketing efforts for the union of hoteliers of Skiathos. In 2017 she founded the award winning hospitality recruiting platform, Workathlon which was acquired by Kariera.gr in November 2022, marking it the first travel tech exit in Greece. She has been included in the lists for Forbes 30 under 30 and Fortune 40 under 40.

Skouteli Olga

Head of Culture & Engagement

My name is Olga Skouteli and I believe in people – in engaged, fulfilled and happy people: they’re the people who innovate and drive this world forward. So this is what I do: I build engagement strategies, create communications plans and deliver employee experiences that help people stay connected and included so they can do their best work and contribute to the business mission. My personal purpose lies in creating soulful businesses; one [employee] experience at a time. I studied law at the University of Athens and completed my studies with an L.LM at UCL, London. Fascinated by the power of words, I started my career in 2010 in Marketing and Advertising at MRM, part of McCann Worldgroup, one of the top advertising agencies in the world, which connected me directly to the costumer. I’ve helped brands across different industries, such as O2, Natwest, The Guardian, and Costa Coffee, engage their customers and drive behavioural change. I then transferred my skills into the area of Employee Experience and Internal Communications, with a mission to impact business results through the engagement, productivity and commitment of their employees. As an Employee Experience Consultant, at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), I supported big, global and complex organisations such as HSBC, Visa, Rolls-Royce, GE Healthcare, Nestlé to transform in human, engaging and empowering ways. Currently based in Munich, I’m the Head of Culture and Engagement of Lilium, a high-growth deep-tech unicorn start-up set to revolutionise aviation with the Lilium e-Jet. I’ve led the evolution of the organizational culture from 400 people based to 900 people publicly-listed international company across 4 locations around the world. In an entrepreneurial environment at a constant state of transformation I have taken employees on the journey of multiple reorganisations and strategic changes, with inclusion, respect and humanity at the heart of everything I develop and launch.

Stoumpou Myladie Polyxeni

Regional Director

Myladie Stoumbou is an experienced digital executive, leader and strategist. She specializes in building and transforming global and diverse high performance teams, as well as in assisting businesses to leverage opportunities from the 4th industrial revolution and current exponential technologies. She has worn many hats in her professional career – started as systems engineer and a programmer, developing into a digital technology and innovation evangelist and later into a regional executive. She has been working in multinational environments for many years – mainly in Germany and Central and Eastern Europe – and has a unique ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects, to navigate non-standard challenges and to solve complex problems. She is currently working as a regional director for Microsoft, and she goes beyond that. She supports digital entrepreneurship as a mentor for MIT Enterprise Forum in Greece, The People's Trust and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub for EMEA. She is a women leadership advocate. Chair of Women in Business committee for Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, and a mentor for Women Leadership Programme in the European Innovation Council. She is an international keynote speaker addressing topics like leadership, future of work, diversity and inclusion, artificial intelligence and digital entrepreneurship. She has 2 TEDx talks and she is the author of many articles in LinkedΙn as well as many prestigious Greek and International sites.

Tompra Marilia

Country Director Sephora Greece

Marilia currently holds the position of Country Director, Sephora Greece, part of LVMH Group. She has been in this role for the past (almost) 2 years and is the first woman to have had this position in the Greek company. At the age of 37 she had the chance and privilege to take over this big and strategic role of managing the Greek enterprise, which employs around 300 people, with 34 stores and 1 ecommerce website. Before embarking on this beauty journey, Marilia was for 4 years at INTERSPORT and The Athlete's Foot, part of Fourlis Group, as Regional Marketing Director for Greece, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus. Once again she was responsible for a very complex and demanding role, while she was the only woman and the youngest one in the commercial leadership team. She started her career at Procter & Gamble at the age of 24 in the global Headquarters of Wella in Geneva, where she stayed for 4 years in various international assignments (global and European). After Geneva HQ she moved to P&G Greece, where after a few years she took over the South East Europe Brand Director role for Shave Care (Gillette & Venus). In this role she was managing 9 very diverse countries, and a very diverse team across the region. Her international career was not by chance, as she completed her undergraduate studies in the UK at Oxford University (Economics & Management) and later on her MSc in London School of Economics. She graduated both Universities with Distinction. In parallel with her career, Marilia has a passion for trying new things, doing sports, playing theatre, she loves volunteering and helping NGOs through her professional roles while she is privileged enough to have a great circle of friends and family that she always finds time to spend time with. While she is an only child, she has a dog that in a parallel universe could have been her brother! She loves singing, mainly in the shower but also for friends' "special occasions"!

Feida Sissy

Interior Designer

Sissy Feida is a Greek Interior Designer with a love of harmony, an obsession with flawless aesthetics and a talent to transform her client’s vision into environments where architectural balance meets artistic authenticity. Sissy Feida founded SISSY FEIDA INTERIORS twenty years ago, an architectural and interior design studio, undertaking a number of tailor made and unique residential, commercial and hospitality projects around the world. She has worked on projects in Greece, Cyprus, the UK, California, Florida and Uruguay, building a strong portfolio of outstanding projects and distinctions. based in Athens Greece The Greek Interior Designer is very much loved by the media, and she has showcased her work through her longstanding TV presence, while she has worked with companies like H&M Hellas, Lanitis SA, Samsung, Sony and Leroy Merlin and has given lectures and workshops at various schools and organizations. Sissy Feida recently launched "Zeus Collection", her own luxury home collection including functional and decorative objects, cushions, wall art and tableware. The collection is inspired by the Greek culture. The concept is based on Zeus, the king of the Gods of Mount Olympus presenting symbols that frame the theme through a contemporary approach with a premium character. Symbols including thunder, meander, scepter, spear, eagle and winged goddess Nike of Samothrace are translated to design patterns which define the concept. Those symbols reflect global principals and ideas, which fully represent and spread Greek spirit and philosophy. https://www.sissyfeida.com/shop/ Sissy Feida has also a strong presence in social actions through her work. Having collaborated with non-profit organizations, such as "The Child's smile" and "Lead by diabetes", now she is happy to support "ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with Cancer", through her new home luxury collection, giving hope to children who need to be embraced and empowered.

Felekou Dora

Senior Architect

My name is Dora Felekou, a Senior Architect at O’Donnell & Tuomey Architects. I have followed a career in architecture because of its universal aspect and its ability to enact change anywhere, regardless of borders. Eagerness for exposure to a global and multicultural environment brought me to New York, acquiring a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD 2014, first of my class). During my studies, I have been the recipient of the Mentzelopoulos, Gerondelis and Latsis Foundation Scholarships, the National Scholarship Foundation (IKY) and the Award of the Greek Technical Chamber for Academic Achievements. These academic achievements led me to a role in Bernard Tschumi’s world renowned practice, being the architect behind the Acropolis Museum. My subsequent move to London signified my involvement in large scale master plans, collaborating with local authorities towards the common goal of creating vibrant city centres and communities. Design is not about providing answers but rather beginning reactionary relationships. With my design approach I seek the unfamiliar, moments that evoke emotions and create spaces for people to exist in and experience everyday or extraordinary moments of their lives. Always looking for opportunities to apply my experience in Greek projects,my proposal for the reuse of the Ladopoulos Paper Factory was awarded by the competition jury in 2021. Currently, my design for a private house is seeking planning permission and is due to be complete in 2024. My work has been exhibited in the GRE > NYC Exhibition of Young Greek Architects in New York, hosted by the Greek Consulate in New York. Last but not least, I widely use sketch as an art form capturing the vibrancy of cities. Large scale drawings I have done on behalf of the British Land Company and the Boroughs of Camden and Slough have been used in public consultations, steering conversations on the public realm and revealing aspirational visions on the future of cities.

Giavi Ourania

Owner

DO DESIGNERS is an interior design firm based in Athens – Greece, established in 2013 by Deniz Vassiliades (ΜA in Interior Design, Derby University) and Ourania Giavi (MA in Interior Design, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya). From a large-scale remodeling to a simple quick makeover, we specialize in high-quality refurbishment of residential and commercial properties, providing a wide range of services including layout proposals, architectural finishes and decorative details such as fabrics, lighting design, accessories and custom-made furniture. Irrespectively of the project’s size, our principal goal is to imaginatively interpret and convert each of our clients’ needs, personal style and desires, into engaging and fulfilling environments to live or work in.

Papafigou Maria

Architect, Founder, Partner

Maria Papafigou is an architect and a founding partner of the Stockholm- and Athens-based office OOAK - One of a Kind Architects. Maria studied architecture in Sweden, Barcelona, and Athens, and did her postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in Sweden. Until recently she has held the position of lecturer at the School of Architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (KTH). The boutique office is small in size and works with projects of varying scales in a broad variety of environments around the globe and has received several awards for their projects. OOAK architects approaches each project with sensitivity and thought, aiming to create one of a kind projects with distinct identities tailored to their specific conditions and needs. Specific attributes such as physical and cultural contexts, climate, people and programme are often are the driving forces for the design process. We always bear with us the distinct traditions of our two countries and all our projects are colored by the Nordic respect for nature and the Greek vernacular attitude for tailor-made solutions.

Sakellaridou Rena

Architect Professor

Studies and professional experience I hold an Arch Diploma degree from the Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki, an M.Arch degree from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and a PH. D from the Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning, UCL, London, in which I worked under the supervision of Prof Bill Hillier. I am currently Professor of Architectural Design in the School of Architecture of A.U.Th. I have written two books: Sakellaridou, R. (2019), Sea Voyage. Photography Erieta Attali, Berlin: Hatje Cantz. Sakellaridou, I. (2001), Mario Botta. Architectural Poetics, London: Thames & Hudson, (in english). Published in italian (2000) by Rizzoli. I practice architecture with emphasis on large scale complex projects, I write about architectural composition, I study creativity and teach design. I am founder of SPARCH SAKELLARIDOU/PAPANIKOLAOU ARCHITECTS which has evolved in the last years to RS SPARCH. RS SPARCH focuses on innovative architecture and urban design at different scales and has a strong interest in the poetics of space, the power of the concept, materiality, sustainability and light as the creative forces that enable architectural poetics to emerge into design.

Sidiropoulou Klair

Fashion designer

When I was 23 years old, after I got happily married, I had my daughter and then my son. This may have slowed down my beginning, but it never kept me away from following my dream, which I had been planning for a long period of time! At the eighties, fashion was truly thriving at Thessaloniki. The fashion industry was developing rapidly, which mesmerized me! Not only casual fashion, but also high fashion, good quality clothes were really trendy. The city I grew up in, was then going through the peak of high fashion. You would see clothing industries and shops opening and sempstesses working with passion at every possible place. They enjoyed what they did, so beautiful clothing pieces were made. A place where many businesses had emerged from fashion's development! For instance businesses who were responsible for fabric imports and exports or sewing machines had benefited a lot and were making good profit out of all the sells. Furthermore, colorful faithers, fabrics, buttons, strands and more were seen at every corner of Thessaloniki. Clearly, such images inspired me even more and kept me interested in the path I chose to follow. Because when I was younger, I was making dresses for my dols and prepared them for catwalk. It was finally time to make my dream come true! Having lots of confidence and faith in my abilities, hard working and knowledge on the subject, I began my business career with passion, positive thinking and personal will.

Skarpeta Marilina

Illustrator

My name is Marilina Skarpeta, I was born in Patras, in a very artistic family. As a child I used to sell to my grandmothers bracelets made of pasta and cotton buds, telling them that I was a merchant. At the age of 18, I opened my first business. A store with handmade gifts, jewelry, wedding and christening items, as meanwhile I studied Telecommunications and Networks. My second love, animals, empowered me to open with my brother, two new start-up businesses at the age of 27. The first van in Greece for dog grooming and “Tru Blu - K9000 Dog Wash”, vending machines for washing dogs, a business that made us exclusive agents in Europe. At the same time, I started a third start-up business, a travel diary designed and illustrated by me, the second and much more evolved version of which is already in the making. Then, I studied comics and illustration, adding some more color in my life and started working as an illustrator and logo designer. For the last year I have been mainly involved in writing and illustrating children's books. I'm now 32, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up but I love who I've become so far!

Vasiliadou Dionisia

Owner

Vogiatzi Ria

Founder

Ria Vogiatzi is the Founder of Elastic Architects and Interiors, the design studio based in Athens, Cyprus, London, Dubai and Toronto, was born in Athens and completed her studies in the Architecture school of the National Technical University of Athens. The sculptural approach of her design was the inspiration for ELASTIC , founded in 2005, which is now an international architectural and interior design company of +100 architects and interior designers around the world. With a global portfolio that includes ultra luxury hospitality projects, is among the few top international design companies with such an extensive and specialized experience around the world. Ria is currently leading the design of very important large scale projects , such as the new design concept for the AmanVari in Mexico , Amanera, in Domenica Repubic , the Banyan tree in Varko Greece , Four Seasons both in Dubai and Ryiadh, the One n Only in Mykonos , the Nammos restaurant in Cannes and a Nammos Resort on a private island in Maldives and many more demanding international hospitality brands. Elastics’ international clientele includes Aman Resorts, Janu by Aman, One & Only Resorts, Marriott, Accor, Nammos Restaurants & Hotels, Nobu, Hyatt, The Edition, Brown Hotels, Banyan Tree Resorts etc. Fortune magazine recognized her as a Trailblazer for her international avant-garde design, she was awarded the World Woman Leader of Advanced Architecture by the Who is Who International Awards and has been announced as an Ambassador of Advanced Architecture. She is the first Greek judge in the AHEAD awards for Europe in London and recently was awarded as “Architect of the year” by the 100% hotel design awards . Her projects have been awarded with international awards in America, Europe and England, and she has given important speeches on architecture and design.

Vrantsi Chrysi

Architect

Vrantsi Chrysi is a 27-year-old architect from Greece interested in algorithmic design who applying her passion for architectural design through her studio Vrantsi. Chrysi has worked as an architect in the UK and Greece. In 2019 she founded with her sister Anastasia Vrantsi (civil engineer) Vrantsi, a construction and architecture firm based in Thessaloniki.

Branika Vicky

Chief Executive Officer

I hold a Master of Business Administration from Hellenic American University and a first degree in Marketing from the American College of Greece. In 1987 I began working at the Hellenic American Union, a non-profit binational cultural and educational institution in Athens, and in 1993, was appointed Director of Administrative Services, Human Resources, and Operations, the first woman to hold a senior management position at the institution. In 1998, I created and led a special department to offer management education and professional development programs to managers and was personally involved in the design of numerous seminars, courses and conferences. In 2012 I was appointed the Hellenic American Union’s Chief Operating Officer and eight years later, in 2020, its Chief Executive Officer. My priority now as CEO is to ensure the institutional resilience and readiness to successfully address future challenges, as we have done with the pandemic and economic crises of recent years. My second goal is to develop new programs that will increase the organization’s impact in education and create new revenue streams for further growth. For the institution to succeed in these areas, I devote special effort to areas such as new product development, human resource planning, and the introduction of innovations in business operations, as well as the expansion of the organization’s lifelong learning and educational programs in terms of content, audience, and geographical scope.

Chiona Vivian

Founder and CEO, Psychologist

Vivian Chiona is the founder of Expat Nest, which promotes the emotional well-being of expats by offering professional online counselling services. Our qualified counsellors are familiar with the mobile life and offer emotional support in several languages, including English, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese and Chinese (with more to follow). We serve adults, parents, couples and teens, with consultations taking place online and in the comfort of the client’s home or environment of choice. Expat Nest was awarded Best Online Expat Counselling Provider globally, as well as in the Benelux area and in the Netherlands, for 2022. Vivian is a psychologist with Master’s degrees in both Child & Adolescent Psychology and Health Psychology. A multilingual, bicultural expat with family all over the world, she feels most at home within the international community and is inspired by its diversity. Vivian has successfully consulted with thousands of clients and has delivered training on topics including transition, Third Culture Kids, dealing with stress, bereavement, expat loss and special educational needs. Prior to launching Expat Nest, she was the school counsellor of The British School in the Netherlands and a taskforce member of the International School Counselor Association. Passionate about both connecting with people all over the world and the role of education, Vivian was involved in the Pestalozzi Programme for education professionals of the Council of Europe, as a teacher trainer and as a moderator of the online Community of Practice; she also participated in expert groups for the Council of Europe. Vivian is also actively involved with Families in Global Transition (FIGT) and is one of the founders of the FIGT Affiliates in both Greece and Holland. Vivian was recognised as one of the 100 Most Inspirational Women in the World for 2020 for her positive contribution to society and as a “visionary woman serving humanity”.

Evangelou Alexandra

Mathematician

My name is Alexandra Evangelou. I am 41 years old. I completed the high school at 1999. Right after I studied Mathematics in the University of Ioannina. I graduated and the same year I started my first Master degree on Statistics and Business Research in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In the meantime I started working as a teacher in high school and in private lessons while I was helping University students in Mathematics and Statistics. On 2010 I started working as an accountant in my father's company in order to help the family business. For being more efficient in my role as an accountant I studied and I gained another Bachelor degree on Economics and Management from the University of London (department of London School of Economics and Political Sciences LSE). On 2018 after I gave birth to my son and since I was in Norway for family reasons I completed a second Master degree on Mathematics and Physics. On 2020 I completed an educational program on special pedagogic and on the same time I gained the Google Proffessional IT specialist certification a program by Coursera. Currently I am living with my son in Greece as a single mother and I work in the Ministry of Education as a high school teacher, a job that I find very interesting and intimating.

Garidi Christina

Purpose and Career Coach

Christina Garidi is a seasoned Purpose & Career Coach, Corporate Trainer and TEDx Speaker. She founded Eudaimonia Coaching UK, with a sole purpose to "democratise human flourishing". She is now a multi-business owner and builds on her 10 years of corporate business consulting experience in strategy, customer services, change management, organisational development and IT digital transformations. She has headed (and created from scratch) a successful Mentoring arm of a London based accelerator for startups, managing 300+ mentors and curating educational content to accelerate mentors and entrepreneurs, alike! At Eudaimonia Coaching UK she empowers people to realise their full potential, find purpose and make meaningful career transitions. She specialises in creating bespoke career development programmes and workshops that have a lasting impact and create profound experiences for audiences. She has run numerous workshops and webinars with solid participation and completion rates. Finally, Christina has spoken in front of 3500+ corporate audiences (Olympic Stadium fort Ping Pong) and have touched more than 15,000 people through her work. My purpose (WHY) when I set out Eudaimonia Coaching UK was and still is to “democratise Human Flourishing” across the world and in the generations to come. The way I do this (HOW - I honour my purpose?) I help professionals find purpose at work, design a career that is meaningful & empower them to confidently choose their next career move. WHAT - I do? I coach clients 1-2-1 or train corporate teams and speak to wider audiences. I transition (metamorphose through Coaching and Mindset Training) Purpose Seekers into Authentic Leaders in their chosen fields. Once anyone is aware / conscious of their purpose in life, and they tap into the power of authenticity, they become unstoppable magnetic leaders (force of nature on their mission).

Georgiadou Andri

Associate Professor and Director

I am an Associate Professor at the Nottingham University Business School and the Director of Equality Inclusion Diversity (EQUIDY) Center. Exploring aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion, I pursue a theoretically rigorous and empirically grounded research agenda. My research seeks to address significant problems that societies and workplaces face. I am the recipient of the 2020 Global Equality & Diversity Award for Research; the 2019 Women in the Academy of International Business Emerging Scholar Award; the 2018 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award; the 2016 European Management Review Best Reviewer Award, and the 2014 Graduate Scholar Award for Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations. I sit on the Editorial Board of the journal of International Studies of Management & Organization as the Review Editor and am the Associate Editor for Gender Work & Organization. My work has led to publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, such as Human Resource Management Journal, Gender Work & Organization, and European Management Review among others, and several book chapters. I am the Elected Representative-at-Large of the Management Education and Development Division of the Academy of Management (AOM), the Deputy Chair and Vice Chair Events for Academy of International Business (AIB) Western Europe chapter. I have been invited as a Keynote Speaker at international conferences and workshops organized at renowned universities including the University of Southern California, the Rutgers University of New Jersey, and international business networks such as the Institute of Leadership & Management and the European Women’s Management Development International Network. I served as the chairwoman/member of many organizational/ scientific committees at various international conferences. In addition to my academic career, I work with individuals and organizations providing a wide range of management consulting and training.

Iordanidou Aspa

French Teacher/ CEO of Yarn

Ceo of Yarn the 1st Greek online community for foreign languages for teachers, language centers, translators & translation agencies. Also, experienced French Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Customer Service, Management, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Strong education professional with a Master's degree focused in Special Education and Teaching from University of Nicosia and a Master's degree focused in New Technologies in Language Education from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Fluent in English, French, Greek and Italian.

Kolonia Dimitra

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

I was born on the 3rd of April 19971 in Athens where i grew up. I studied Childen's Psychology (BA) and Clinical Psychology in USA (MA). I chose the field of psychology consciously even though it was an inovative profession. I specialized in Individual and Group Psychotherapy, in Adult Training and I worked with children, couple, family and parental groups in public and private educational institutions. I go by intergrative, cognitive (CBT), and systemic pryschotherapy and i have been trained to sex education. My training has been recognised by certified health care providers. I work with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression and my work has been presented at conferences and workshops. I also teach in private educational institutions and in University of the Aegean. I collaborate with authoritative scientific journals and the daily press for issues concerning everyday life. I have written a book on infertility and IVF, called "Μάνα Χωρίς Παιδί Ακόμα" to empower all couples and help society deal better with this very sensitive issue and eliminate the stress these couples face. I am a coleague to Μυστική Πύλη and to mitrotita.gr΄; organisations that deal with infertility and IVF. I am an approved member of the relevant psychology associations APA, BPS,, IAC, EAC, IAFP, EAC and others, and have served on EAC Boards of Directors and chaired the Program Inclusion and Approval Committee. In recent years I have been a certified member as a psychology expert at the Court of First Instance of Athens and I deal with Forensic Psychology mainly in family law as well as with abused children and women. I have collaborated with many voluntary units such as Mexoxo and the professional Chamber of Athens for the support of women.

Koromvokis Patricia

Lecturer - Head of Modern Greek Studies Program Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

Dr Patricia Koromvokis Lecturer and Head of Modern Greek Studies Program Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia Patricia is a linguist with experience in second language acquisition and intercultural communication. She has been awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence for her doctorate thesis. Patricia has initiated multiple funded projects aimed at developing innovative methods for teaching and learning Greek and has worked with many national and international stakeholders, developing impactful collaborations to promote Greek in the diaspora. She has participated in national and international conferences in the organizing committees and as a keynote speaker. She is Head of one of the leading examination centres for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek, is on the Board of Directors of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation, and a member of the Outreach and Engagement Committee of her department. Her main goals are promoting Greek education abroad and building bridges with Greece.

Lemisiou Miselina

Psychologist-Psychotherapist-Leadership Coach

Miselina is a licensed Psychologist-Psychotherapist and Leadership Coach practitioner in Greece. Since 2014, she developed and applied for the first time internationally a Person-Centered (Rogerian) Coaching Model focusing exclusively on the expansion of Emotional and Social Intelligence Competencies, as an experiential Learning & Development method in the field of Human Resources. ESI has been proven to be the catalyst skills compound, that can be developed, leading to Top Performance (5-10% of working population). Her mission is to offer the necessary and sufficient conditions for personal growth and success, including the largest possible part of the organization, not only the C-level employees. Her work is published at the International Coaching Psychology Review (2018) of the British Psychological Society. The model’s highest distinction is its’ inclusion among the 36 most accurate scientific methods internationally over the past two decades (1995-2018, over 25.614 studies), regarding Psychology in Executive Coaching, which are suggested as guidelines for any global coaching federations. It is part of the mandatory literature for the academic program of Business Communication, at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, also listed in the Research Portal of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Global, and has been cited in numerous scientific journals, research papers and scientific books regarding Learning & Development.The model has been awarded at the HR Awards Greece [Honorable Distinction (2015) & Silver Award (2016)- Category “Learning & Development” - Sector “Effective Use of Coaching”], as an innovative and best-practice method.Miselina graduated from University of Athens (EKPA), Nottingham University [Pg.Dip Psychology], University College London-UCL [MSc in Health Psychology], Strathclyde University [MSc in Person-Centered Counselling and Psychotherapy], and has been triple-certified in Coaching for High Performance [MDI, CCU, AMA]. She is involved as founding member of the Panhellenic Association of Person-Centred & Experiential Professionals and as a Scientific Associate at the Association of Social Responsibility for Children and Youth (SKEP).

Patsiomitou Stavroula

High School Teacher of Mathematics

I was born in Larisa, Greece and live in Athens, Greece. I am a mathematician and researcher and work as teacher of mathematics in state secondary education. I hold a Ph.D. degree on Didactics of mathematics, as well as a Master degree on Didactics and Methodology of Mathematics. I was chosen as visiting Lecturer at the University of Crete, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and taught for two academic years the courses, reported in the following link https://www.academia.edu/91437351/. I cooperated with the University of Athens, Department of Mathematics, in the mentoring of preservice teachers of Mathematics, who were also postgraduate students on the Interdisciplinary postgraduate program for many years. I have written 8 monographs [6 open-access and one of them in English], more than 50 conference papers and more than 40 articles in Greek and English scientific journals. My first monograph was approved by the Greek Pedagogical Institute and has been sent to experimental Model schools in Greece. It consists of 15 stand-alone chapters which are connected through the basic idea of linking visual active representations. See also my monographs and books the link https://www.academia.edu/44314999/. I was honored that Prof. Daniel Scher, a leading expert in the use of The Geometer's Sketchpad and Web Sketchpad, undertook to write the preface of my last book. I coined new terms through my research studies, introduced in my papers. These notions are internationally recognized and reported in scientific works of other researchers. I am a mother of three children who have accomplished their postgraduate studies at university. My scientific writing work and my career took place in parallel with raising my three children, without any help from others. All my work represent my efforts of many years investigating/ teaching an innovative approach on LVAR that will bring about a revolution in teaching the proof process to children.

Archontidou Vanessa

Alpinist, EU Climate Pact Ambassador, Founder of AWomanCanBe.org

Vanessa Archontidou is a mother of two boys and a woman who literally “climbed high mountains”. She was a member of the first Greek women’s alpinist team, that climbed Mt Everest in the spring of 2019. As part of her mountaineering activity, she has traveled around the world scaling the 7 SUMMITS, the highest peaks of each of the 7 continents.Although for the past 17 years Marketing and Communication have been at the core of her business career, working as a Marketing Director for multinational companies, her personal development has been strongly influenced by her love of nature, meditation, mountaineering and traveling the world.Since 2004, she is a member of AOS (Athenian Mountaineering Association) and has completed the Climbing and Winter Mountaineering School. As a Mountain Leader, Vanessa occasionally leads ascents and hikes all over Greece.Through her experiences she has developed a deep respect towards nature as well as a concern for environmental sustainability. She is also a certified mindfulness teacher, specializing in outdoor meditation techniques that enhance concentration, empathy, positive psychology and empowerment.In July 2020, she founded AWomanCanBe.org an organization that promotes women as leaders and agents of change by supporting female inclusive initiatives that address the Global Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on Climate Action. Since the beginning of 2021, she has joined the cohort of EU Climate Pact ambassadors, organizing and implementing projects and campaigns aiming to raise awareness and help local communities to confront the climate crisis.

Avgerinopoulou Dionysia - Theodora

Chair of the Environment Committee of the Hellenic Parliament and M.P.

Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou is Member of the Hellenic Parliament with the New Democracy Party and serves as the Chair of the Special Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection and its Subcommittee of the Watercourses of the Hellenic Parliament as well as Vice-Chairperson of the Circle of the Mediterranean Parliamentarians on Sustainable Development. She is Member of the Energy and Environment Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce and ICC Hellas and Member of ICC Women Hellas. She has previously served as the Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Global Water Partnership Organization in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Head of Water of the Commission on Environment and Energy of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France. Dr. Avgerinopoulou has also served as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee for the UN Affairs of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Vice-Chair for the Mediterranean Commission for Sustainable Development, in Athens, Greece.She is an attorney-at-law by profession. Dionysia received a first degree in Law from the Faculty of Law of the National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece and an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. She also holds a Doctorate in International Environmental Law (J.S.D.) from Columbia University School of Law in New York, N.Y. Dionysia is the author of several articles and a book on environmental and international issues and has presented her work at several international conferences. She teaches Public International Law, International Environmental Law, European Environmental Law, Law of Sustainable Development, Global Environmental Governance, Climate Change Law and Sustainable Finance Law.She has been presented with several international environmental and humanitarian awards.

Babalouka Angel

Head of Communication & Partnerships

I studied Communication at State University of New York. In 1995 I started working in Marketing positions and from 1998 I began my career in the media. I served as Commercial Director for local & international media both offline and online for more than 2 decades at Mad TV, National Geographic, Fox, LinkedIn, Twitter, Wetransfer etc. In 2018, I joined Organization Earth team as Head of Strategic Partnerships with companies.

Dimadama Zefi

Lecturer Panteion University / VP PESWOMEN

Dr. Zefi Dimadama is a Scientific Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the Department of International, European and Area Studies at Panteion University and she holds a Doctorate (PhD) and Postgraduate Diploma (Msc) in the field of “Regional Development and Environmental Policies".She was Director General of International Centre for Black sea Studies and has a significant presence in International Forums and scientific contribution to research activities in the field of Economics and the Environment and has participated in research activities on European environmental policies and climate change (Germany, Belgium, UK).She is Vice-President of the Women of the European Socialist Party (PESWOMEN) and represent the PESWOMEN in the PES European Climate Change and Environment Network.She was former deputy Spokesperson of PASOK KINAL 2019-2022. She is also Member of Political Committee of PASOK KINAL It is active internationally on issues related to Climate Change, Sustainable Development and the Environment as well as Human Rights and Gender Equality.She is the author of a monograph entitled "Economy, Development, Environment. Theoretical Approaches and Policies for Sustainable Development »[2008, Papazisis Publications, Athens] and also of a monograph “Sustainable Development. The integration of the 17 SDGs” [2021, Papazisis Publications, Athens] and participates in individual and collective scientific publications in Greek and international publications.

Djeran-Maigre Irini

Professeur des Universités

Born in Istanbul in 1959, I received my education in Greek schools. Excelling every school year, I sat for the exams for the Greek diaspora in Athens and was enrolled into the Civil Eng. Dpt of Aristote Panepistimio Thessalonikis. Those 5 years of study were rich in education and culture, with my participating in amateur theatre productions. I worked as a civil engineer for 2 years and passed the entrance exams going directly into the 2nd year of the Architecture dpt of the same institution. Wishing to continue my studies abroad, I received a scholarship from IKY for France. I enrolled in the Master's degree of ENPC (Dr. Ky) and I furthered my studies at Ecole Polytechnique under the direction of G. Rousset on the behaviour of clays, with funding from the European Community. Once I was awarded my PhD, I worked as an engineer in the LMS laboratory.In 1994, I was ranked 1st among 64 candidates for the position of Senior Lecturer at the University of Cergy-Pontoise, where I worked until 2003. Having passed my HDR in 2000, I obtained two positions as full University Professor, at INSA Lyon and at Cergy-Pontoise. I chose the INSA engineering school. I have been working there since 9/2003 in the Civil Engineering and Urban Planning Dpt, which I headed from 2009 to 2012, and in civil and mechanical engineering laboratories. GEOMAS is my current laboratory where I am responsible for the Geomechanics group. I have directed or co-led 23 PhD students, written and co-authored more than 160 rank A papers, books and conference proceedings. I have been actively involved in international research with fruitful collaborations. I have been invited 108 times to the thesis and HDR juries as reviewer or president (h-index 22, citations 1,859).Since 2014, I have been the president of Defkalion, a Franco-Hellenic cultural association in Lyon which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.I am married and have two children, having lost Calypso this year on her 25th birthday.

Katsimberis Nancy (Athanasia)

Co-Founder and Management Executive at Australian Utilities Company

Nancy (Athanasia) Katsimberis is the Management Executive and Co-Founder of Australian Utilities Company. She has over 8 years of experience in the utilities sector and is passionate about helping developers to light up their skylines with innovative technologies and utility metering and management solutions, whilst putting the consumers’ interests first. She is a thought leader in utilities management rights sector and manages a group of over 15 companies which service 1000’s of customers across Australia and overseas.She is passionate about carving a pathway and empowering other women to be leaders in the development and utilities sectors. She has been a mentor for female students from Bond University and has also taken some beautiful females under her wing in her organisation. She is a passionate thought leader in regards to prepaid metering for utilities and has consulted on white papers and completed a thesis on consumers’ appetite for the adoption of this technology by choice. She has presented at conferences locally and in America and was a keynote speaker at the Smart Energy Conference in Sydney. She is an advocate for innovations and technologies that empower consumersbut also enable them to become more energy conscious and reduce their impact on the environment through education and interaction. She is passionate about creating innovative WIN-WIN models for everyone in the stakeholder chain and has established an innovative remuneration model called People Power which will be a vehicle to empower women to have their own passive income. Nancy is passionate about giving back to her community through philanthropic initiatives and projects. She is the President of the Gold Coast Passport Rotary Club, attracting young and innovative change makers to network, collaborate and combat local and international issues. She is a firm believer that we can all make an impact.

Lazaridou Effie

Chief Executive Officer

Academic curiosity led me to a diverse background: Integrated Master Chemical Engineering /Aristotelio University, MA Cultural Management /City University London, Prof. PGDip Marketing /Chartered Institute Marketing London, Certification in Business Coaching /NY. My professional career rewarded me with diversity: from Cultural Management to Strategic Marketing with special focus in Agrifood.Among international assignments, I led projects of national importance: Destination Greece’s Brand & Marketing Strategy - largest communication consultancy project ever initiated in the country; and Greece’s Wine Sector first ever International Marketing Strategy, working with multinational teams, multistakeholder groups and nationwide bodies.I am an active member in Agrifood Committees (American-Hellenic & German-Hellenic Chambers of Commerce), and Greek Nutrition 2.0 (Ministry of Rural Development and Food).Since 2018, I passionately lead as Chief Executive Officer the non-profit “New Agriculture New Generation” (NANG) from its inception (founding grant: Stavros Niarchos Foundation). We support employability, entrepreneurship and innovation across the Agrifood sector in Greece, promoting it as a career of choice for younger generations, ensuring sustainability for local communities and the environment. Women are critical in this effort, maintaining community bonds, preserving the social fabric in rural areas. We empower them towards professional development and independence.I drive highest job satisfaction, taking pride in our impact: +29.600 people; +120 businesses, startups, cooperatives supported to date.Acknowledging the responsibility for NANG, myself, my family, female leaders and young girls in Greece, I hold regular speeches on women empowerment, hoping to inspire and prove by example that there is no barrier for any single mother to attain her goals. Being a female leader, I was featured in Kathimerini’s edition “ΗΓΕΤΙΔΕΣ” and “ΕΠΙΚΙΝΔΥΝΕΣ” documentary.

Malichin Iliana

Winemaker

I was born in Athens in 31/08/93. I studied Agriculture in the Mediterranean University of Crete and right after I did my postgraduate degree in Master of Wine Science in the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. My master thesis was “Isolation and genetic identification of indigenous yeast from Cretan Vineyards of the "Vidiano" variety and their use in micro-vinifications” a breaking research for Greece and the first record in the world. I started to work as an oenologist in some wineries of Heraklion, then I moved in Santorini to work for Acroterra wines. In 2019 I started my own winery in South Rethymno at Melampes village, and now the wines can be found all over Greece, 7 countries of EU and USA. In the same time I take care of my private vineyards and olive groves. From the last I produce an extra virgin olive oil in limited edition.

Stathaki Pamela

Global Head of Sustainability

Being a child of Greek immigrants in the USA, my background is part of the long history of the Greek diaspora. However, in contrast to many immigrants, I have had the privilege of living in both the US and Greece during my childhood. I continued down this path of adventure as an adult, leading me to live in the Netherlands and in the UK. Overcoming many gender stereotypes, I studied Chemical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens. My hard work paid off as my high performing grades allowed me to obtain not one but two scholarships to study in Amsterdam a master’s in Sustainability, a topic I was/am truly passionate about. I always loved and appreciated nature. Greece’s yearly natural catastrophes due to forest fires motivated me to be part of the solution to the climate crisis and natural resource depletion. I wanted to make a difference. After completing my MSc, I moved to the UK and joined Dyson as an Environmental Engineer. I later worked at Ernst&Young as a Sustainability consultant, which led me to GSK as a Sustainability Manager. Currently, I am Global Head of Sustainability for McDonald’s Happy Meal Toy. Due to my achievements in the past 10+ years, I am recognised externally as leader in Sustainability. I won the Sustainability Influencer of the year 2021 award by Planet Mark and made Mojo Nation’s Top 100 Influencers of Toy and Game Design of 2021 after being in the toy industry for just over a year! Lastly, I was a finalist for edie’s prestigious Sustainability Leaders of the year 2021 award. Recently, I was asked to join the Global Good Awards judging panel. Outside my daily activities, I stay energised and create opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to my wider community by dedicating time as an ESG Special Adviser for the ESG Foundation as well as participating as a STEM Ambassador and Mentor through Westminster’s Lion and Catalysing Change programs. I aim to be a role model of breaking gender or social stereotypes.

Tolika Konstantia (Dia)

Assosiate Professor

I am a Associate Professor at the Department of Meteorology and Climatology of the School of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Since last year I am also the Director of the Post-Graduate Couse we have in our department on “Meteorology – Climatology and Atmospheric Environment”. My main scientific interests regard: climate change, impacts on society and environment, global and regional climate models, future projections and climate scenarios, extreme events, statistical climatology, atmospheric circulation. Since, 2002 I have participated in 11 international and national Scientific projects and in one of them I was the Principal Investigator. Right now, I am teaching 11 courses both to under and post graduate students, and I have been a supervisor of 24 undergraduate theses, 9 masters and 2 PhDs. I have published 50 papers on international scientific journals (with an h-index of 18 and almost 700 citations) as well as 68 papers on national and international conferences.During my academic career I have participated as an invited speaker in numerus conferences and meetings regarding Climate Change and its environmental and societal impacts. My most recent speeches were on May 2022 “Conference on the National Climate Law and the Impacts in Lakes and rivers” and on March 2022 at the Open University of the Municipality of Thessaloniki “Looking for a greener future – How the environment affects life quality.” I have been a member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees of several conferences on Climatology and Climate Change, and I would highlight that on 2019 I was the President of the Organizing Committee of the International Conference of AIC 2019 “XXXIIème colloque international de l’AIC. « Le Changement Climatique, la variabilité et les risques climatiques» Thessaloniki – Grèce du 29 mai au 1 juin 2019”I am also a Guest Editor in 4 Special Issues (one of them published as a book) and a reviewer in numerous Scientific journals.

Kounou Rianna

Founder & Creative Director

I was born in Athens into a world of vintage. As a child, I grew up in my parents’ vintage collection, where I would spend my days admiring the treasures from times gone by and listening carefully to my parents to understand what made each item unique and special. As I got older, I took an interest in costume design, working in theatre styling and costume history while traveling the world in search of beautiful artifacts.Soon, these loves joined together. I took my years of vintage experience and my love of design to create Berlin, a shop specializing in all things vintage located in Kolonaki. The boutique was an astonishing success, with positive press coverage and customers coming from all over the world to take in the beauty of vintage.While running Berlin, I came across a box of 500 silk scarves at an Athens flea market. Feeling the precious material that made up these scarves, I knew I could turn them into something more. I began designing using these vintage fabrics, weaving together stories to create wholly unique pieces to sell in my shop. Little did I know that this would lay a pathway for my future.In 2009, I moved with my husband and 9-year-old son to the city of Berlin, a place that captivated me ever since I was a teenager. Here, I opened another vintage boutique, which would go on to be a leading vintage store in the country. Through the world of vintage I also met Nina — my business partner and a woman for whom I have unending admiration.In 2014, we founded RIANNA + NINA, basing the label on our shared love of color and all things vintage. The label has reached incredible heights, offering a wide variety of both original prints and pieces composed of upcycled high-end fabrics in a host of boutiques and luxury hotels around the world.While we are now more popular and sought-after than ever, our inspiration stays the same: vintage curiosities, books, cinema, travel, and the overwhelming beauty of the many cultures of our world.

Kritikou Katerina

Art Historian / Jewellery Designer

My career path is anything but linear. Journalism, art, publishing, events, auctions, jewellery design, to name but a few. After completing my studies in Communication & Mass Media at the University of Athens, I obtained a second BA, as well as a MA in Art History at Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris. My professional experience includes positions in museums as the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens in the Communication Department and the Orsay Museum in Paris in the Documentation Department, as well as in the fields of auctions, art appraisal services and freelance journalism in France and Switzerland. After my return to Greece in 2015, I worked as a gallery assistant, art advisor and curator, before entering the publishing industry as communications manager and events coordinator. While aiming at acquiring a strong academic background and experimenting with different professional fields, my persistent desire was to revive a certain period of the Greek jewellery history with which I was closely connected since my childhood. What began as a personal research, became a vision and finally, since 2019, a business venture. AENÁLIA is the first Greek brand that focuses on the contemporary revival of neo-Hellenic jewellery which formed an integral part of Greek traditional costumes. As founder, my roles extend from research and design, to sales, content creation and collaborations. My fundamental goal is to promote neo-Hellenic jewellery both in Greece and internationally through its contemporary redefinition.Remaining an art historian at heart, I work closely with the Greek multimedia artist Peggy Kliafa as her advisor. I am also a member of the Museum of Cycladic Art’s Young Patrons, as well as of the Association of Greek Art Historians.

Papa Mia

Founder/ Creative Director

"My mission is to design a timeless wardrobe for the modern, international persona, leading the way for an inspired and elegant lifestyle." - Mia Papaefthimiou-MilcicMia Papaefthimiou-Milcic is a luxury womenswear designer and is widely recognized as one of the most talented emerging designers of her generation. Born in 1988, Mia was raised in Athens, studied in England, worked and lived across Europe as certified architect and art director and she is currently based in Vienna. Her multicultural upbringing, yet being deeply rooted in the rich history of her home land, Greece, together with her passion in different forms of culture–ranging from architecture to art to craft–are key influences throughout her work.Since the launch of MIA PAPA in 2019, Mia has received numerous accolades for her work, from inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 - Greece to the European Enterprise Awards for Best Emerging Fashion Brand 2020 and the Enviro-Excellence Award for Sustainable Products and has been featured in various prominent publications such as British Vogue, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, among others.

Perdikogiannh Efthimia

Manager & CEO

PRIVATE LUXURY FASHION SERVICES IMPROVE THE GREEK HOSPITALITY AND A FASHION EXPERIENCE INSPIRED BY THE GREEK ISLANDS

Rafail-Vogiatzakis Marina

CEO

I am a creative activist, a designer, and the founder of Marina Raphael, a fast growing sustainable luxury handbag brand that promotes environmental consciousness and inclusivity without compromising aesthetics and affordability. My respect of the environment and humanity is translated to an endogenous and exogenous work ethic we hold very dearly at Marina Raphael. I have instilled a work culture that is aligned with modern day values of tolerance, where every employee is treated with the same level of respect and given equal opportunity to shine. I believe it is the combination of our strong values, progressive work environment and our extraordinary team which have made us so successful in the short time we have been operational. By using local Italian artisans and modern production techniques, we have achieved a near-zero-waste policy that will set an ambitious standard for the future of sustainable fashion. Our core partner, Swarovski, known for their unrivalled sustainability agenda overlooks the Marina Raphael production. Paying tribute to my Swarovski heritage of creating ‘’a diamond for everyone’’, I aim to create an accessory universe defined by values of quality and elegance that can be worn by anyone.Testament to our brand ethos and design, Marina Raphael has seen sales double year on year since the launch of the brand. Thriving during the pandemic and as economies enter a cost of living crisis, loyal and new customers alike look for fashion escapism through timeless investment pieces.

Taranto Valeria

Managing Director / CEO notos Department Stores

I am Greek and Italian, I was born and raised in Greece and I lived in London for 14 years. I studied Financial Economics and I hold a Msc. in Management from the London School of Economics & Bocconi University in Milan. My thesis for LSE was on M&A in the Italian Luxury Goods industry. I speak four languages and I have lived in 3 European countries.After graduation I went to work for Alexander McQueen initially in the finance department and six months later, I was moved to the commercial department to become Sales Manager for Southern Europe where I was responsible for more than 56 wholesale accounts. Furthermore, I was showroom manager for our showrooms in Milan and Paris. The designer at the time was still alive and present in the office, being a creative inspiration to all of us. The team was small, and I had the opportunity to see everything that was happening in the business from the design studio to the actual shop floor.In 2005 I moved to Gucci Group, and I switched careers. I held the title of Worldwide Media Planning & Buying Manager for the entire Gucci Group. I was responsible for the advertising strategy of all the brands of the group (8 brands Gucci, YSL, Bottega Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Boucheron, Bedat). Our budget was $210 million. My job included handling 5 media agencies around the world, negotiating the advertising rates and positioning as well as liaising with the creatives. In May 2010 I moved back to Greece as Buying & Business Development Director for attica Department stores where I remained for 9 years. During those years I introduced more than 150 brands on all categories, I helped redesign parts of the store to reflect international standards and elevate the image. I introduced concept Pop-Up stores, seasonal stores and worked with marketing on special initiatives. Finally, I opened 2 more attica stores in Thessaloniki as well as monobrand boutiques for Furla & A/X.Currently, and after a brief period of consulting, I am CEO to the notos Department Stores. In 2020 I was offered the CEO position with a plan to turn the stores around after 15 years of hibernation. We are currently working on a rebranding, on updating the brand offering to elevate its image, on a website redesign and finally we are focusing on an omnichannel communications strategy.2022 marked 20 years in the Fashion industry for me!

Theodorou Vasiliki

CEO, Founder & Designer

I was born in Greece. I studied Marketing and Communications in Athens University of Economics and Business and straight after, I moved to the UK for my Masters in Lancaster University. I finished my MSc with success and I immediately entered the professional market in the UK having held key managerial positions at multi-national companies. After an extended working experience in the UK, I returned back to Greece to continue my career at multi-national institutions. An international career offer though, brought me to Paris, France where I stayed for three years. After an intensive working life-style with lots of travelling throughout Europe, I decided to return back to Greece with bigger plans for the continuation of my professional career as I have always had fashion in my inner heart. Therefore, I returned to Athens and at the beginning I worked in the world of Business Management at leading firms, reaching the Director’s position of Marketing & Trade Marketing Departments, leading successfully big teams, and driving businesses to robust growth. In parallel, I studied Fashion Design, and Production to help me fulfill my dream to enter the fashion industry. In 2017, I founded my own company and brand, MISS POLYPLEXI, given my passion about fashion and crocheting. It was not long after the brand’s establishment that the unique pieces of my handmade creations have been featured internationally in magazines, fashion blogs and editorials, with iconic women and Hollywood stars choosing to wear my creations. I am now the CEO, Founder & Designer of my own company with international presence around the globe. MISS POLYPLEXI counts almost six years of presence and has been steadily and successfully growing. Last, but not least, I am about to launch my innovative fashion start-up, having been selected among the TOP 20 business proposals at the 13th Technology & Innovation Business Competition run by the National Bank of Greece.

Theodosi Natalie

Fashion Editor

After graduating high school in Nicosia, Cyprus, I moved abroad to pursue a French and English literature degree at King's College in London and Sorbonne in Paris. I then turned my focus on fashion writing - a lifelong dream - completing a Master's in journalism from the London College of Fashion and simultaneously a series of internships at magazines such as Tank, Women's Wear Daily and British Vogue. Post-university, I took on a full time role at Net-a-Porter where I learnt about retail, marketing and branding. Having always had my eyes set on journalism, I returned to WWD where I spent over 6 years as a full-time reporter and then editor. Given the publication's history as the Bible of fashion and a go-to source for all industry professionals, I got to interview some of the most important designers and executives and report on major industry events, for a global audience of 2 million+ online readers. Some highlights have been covering breaking financial stories, shows at London, Paris and Copenhagen fashion weeks, sustainability conferences, global events like the Cannes Film Festival and profiles on young up-and-coming creatives like Harris Reed or Richard Quinn who have since grown into some of fashion's most revered designers. At the beginning of 2022, I took on the fashion editor role at Monocle magazine as I was looking for a new challenge. Here, I oversee the magazine's fashion section, where I get to write but also commission fashion stories for the print magazine. I also contribute to sister publication Konfekt (focused on speaking to modern women in an intellectual, elegant manner) the Monocle newsletters and radio shows. I also work with commercial teams to foster bigger partnerships with brands such as Chanel, Celine, Dior and Saint Laurent and participate in the company's annual conference. Outside my full time job, I also consult brands and retailers and act as an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion's media program.

Andrikogiannopoulou Angie

Reader (Associate Professor) in Finance

I am an Associate Professor in Finance at King’s College London. My research focuses on behavioural finance, sustainable finance, and asset management. In one of my current projects, I study how managers' incentives affect firms' environmental policies and I propose new ways to encourage corporate pollution abatement. In another ongoing project, I use machine learning to construct novel measures of funds’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment, which I then use to identify funds that engage in greenwashing activities and to study whether investors are affected by cosmetic ESG talk. In past research, I have studied investor-level behaviour, focusing on attitude toward risk and on the prevalence of behavioural biases in financial decision making. My research has been published in the premier academic journals in finance and business management (e.g., Journal of Finance, Review of Financial Studies, and Management Science) and has received various grants and awards (e.g., British Academy Grant, Geneva Institute for Wealth Management Award). Beyond academia, my research yields practical implications for corporations (e.g., on manager selection and management incentives) and policy-makers (e.g., on ESG disclosure regulation) and has attracted interest from regulatory authorities such as the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority. Prior to joining King's College London in 2017, I was an Assistant Professor in Finance at the University of Geneva and the Swiss Finance Institute from 2011 to 2015, and a Visiting Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics from 2015 to 2017. I hold a BSc degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Piraeus in Greece, and an MA and PhD in Economics from Princeton University in the United States.

Delikoura Katherine

Chief Compliance Risk Officer

C-level Risk Management and Compliance Executive, with more than 20 years of banking experience, focusing on the markets of Central and Southeastern Europe, the United Kingdom, the USA, Turkey and Egypt. She is Director General of Regulatory Compliance Risk Management at the CEB European Bank, a European transnational development Bank specializing in project financing. She is a member of all major committees , for Risk, Compliance, Finance and ESG issues. She is the Central Investigator of Financial Crime, Fraud and Corruption, in charge of Business Ethics and Personal Data Protection. She has served as Group International Risk Head, at the EFG EUROBANK Group, at the Central and Eastern Europe, UK and Luxembourg, EFG Representative at the EBCI Vienna Initiative, Member of the Board of Directors of EUROBANK TEKFEN AS in Turkey, General Secretary of the EFG Group Risk Committee and Chairman of the Risk Committees of the EFG subsidiaries in Bulgaria, Serbia, Cyprus and Turkey. She has been the Group Head of International Risk at the PIRAEUS BANK Group, in Central and Eastern Europe, United Kingdom, USA and Egypt, member of the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. She has worked at ALPHA BANK, as a Senior Risk Officer and started her banking career at ABN AMRO BANK in the Corporate Risk Department. She holds an MBA degree from the ALBA Graduate Business School and a Law Degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, registered with the Athens Bar Association. She is also a Certified Financial Investigator and Certified Data Protection Officer. In 2019 she received the international award ‘Woman Chief Compliance Officer 2019, IFIs and Private Sector’. She speaks English, French, Spanish and Italian.

Fotopoulou Ioanna

Co-Founder

Ioanna Fotopoulou is an engineer and an entrepreneur since 2007. She started her first business when she was 19 years old. Today she runs her three companies but her biggest love is finance. She speaks about financial literacy, financial sustainability and personal finance on her YouTube, tik tok and Instagram channels. She firmly believes that SMS businesses are the backbone of every economy and of every society! For her efforts she was awarded by many international organizations like Clinton Global Initiative University, One Young World, the State Department of USA and she was Curator of Global Shapers of the World Economic Forum in Greece.

Kagia Matina

Head of Cash Management & Special Projects, Transaction Banking

Matina Kagia has entered the exciting financial world about seventeen years ago. Her areas of expertise include transaction banking products design and implementation and project/change management. Beginning her career at ABN AMRO in 2005 (an FI with presence in more than 20 countries) provided her with experience and thorough understanding of complex banking products and solutions, and with the chance of collaborating with multiple international teams to offer international corporates a sophisticated range of products. Following the acquisition of ABN AMRO by leading FIs, one of the biggest acquisitions in recent history, she had the opportunity to further expand team’s international partnerships and multi-disciplinary approach, and accelerate migrating sizeable infrastructures and support operations in order to create a ”one stop shop” for international customers. In 2017, she became a member of Eurobank, joining the Transaction Banking team as a Head of Cash Management & Special projects exploring her passion for utilizing new technologies to serve corporate client needs. The Eurobank Group, consisting of Eurobank SA and its subsidiaries, is a robust financial organisation that operates in 6 countries. Her role incorporates collaboration with international institutions and vendors for sharing financial practices, knowledge and strategies, and she is also given the chance to utilize personal motivating values, such as setting goals and being open for innovation and change. Matina holds an MSc in Finance and Investment from Brunel University London and a BSc in Accounting and Finance from Glamorgan University Wales (major/minor course in Information Systems and Accountancy). She is also married with two children. Loving the sea, she has a diploma for open sea sailing, and she also enjoys ice skating.

Stathopoulou Katerina

Executive Director

BSc in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Advisory Board member of ACS Global. Seasoned, business professional with a unique blend of international finance and management expertise. Substantial experience in originating and managing transactions in the Maritime Industry. Since 1986, held managerial positions in Shipping, Banking and Advisory, with positive results in excess of $20B. Shipping Finance career with Athenian Sea Carriers and Head of Shipping Finance of 2 Greek private Banks, responsible for setting up and developing their shipping loan portfolios. Executive Director of Investments & Finance Ltd, a shipping investment banking advisory boutique in Piraeus since 2000. Advise Shipowners and Entrepreneurs on their Business Development strategies, advise Shipowners, Entrepreneurs, and Bank financiers in distress with financial restructuring transactions in excess of $5B of bankruptcies and complex workouts of public traded securities. Sourced and arranged over $16B complex bank debt financings, over $4B in public and private equity placements. Advisor/Jury Expert with the European Commission for Blue Economy, Governor of the Propeller Club Port of Piraeus and Chairwoman of the Scholarships and Donations Committee, WISTA Hellas member and former Executive Committee member of WISTA International. Promote gender diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector, support women of all ages in advancing their careers in the industry, thus eliminating gender-based inequality. Regular speaker and moderator in International Shipping Forums on Finance, Sustainability, ESG and Diversity. Clinical Lecturer on Shipping Finance at the Piraeus University MSc in Shipping Management and Mentor to the students of the program. Shipping Finance Lecturer at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and a Trainer at DNVGL Training Academy. Advisory Board member of YES Shipping Forum and Board member of IforU.

Vlami Eleni

Head of Growth UKI

Eleni has +15 years working experience mainly in Financial services & Banking. She is currently Head of Growth at Pleo, Danish Fintech and leader in Expense management solutions. In present role, her team is supporting the expansion & growth of Pleo customer base in the UK/I markets.Prior to that, Eleni was leading the Account Management team in Meniga, an Icelandic Fintech company that was focusing on Personal & Business Management Solutions. The team was responsible for maintaining an on-going collaboration with existing customers in 35 countries across the globe. Earlier in her career, Eleni was working in Citi and Piraeus Bank, supporting digital banking projects in Greece. She is fortunate to have been shortlisted in 2nd GIWA awards in the category of Finance among a list of exceptional and successful women in the industry. She is also named in Women in Fintech PowerList, an initiative launched by Innovate Finance that aims to showcase women who are driving global success across the sector. Eleni is an active advocate on Diversity and Inclusion in Fintech industry, and she is has also been a Mentor in ‘’Women in Banking & Finance’’ (WIBF) and ‘’Reload Greece’’ organisations. She holds a BSc Degree in Economics from Athens University (EKPA).

Vogiatzi Margarita

Head of Private Clients Geneva

Margarita Vogiatzi's expertise in finance has spanned a career of over 18 years. Throughout this period, she has worked with large international organisations throughout the UK, Greece and Switzerland. Margarita provides vital hollistic advice to families on wealth management, whilst ensuring provisions for the next generations, as well as assisting clients in succession planning. She has a strong background working in investment management, developing portfolio models and tailor-made investment strategies. Margarita has worked with some of the top named European banks, such as HSBC Global private Banking, Marfin Bank and Berenberg Bank. She is currently Head of private Clients at Bergos AG in Geneva. She holds a BSc in Economics, an MSc in International Investment and Banking and an Executive MBA. She is a member of the Hellenic Economic Chamber and also a Chartered member of the Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) in the UK. She also holds the Certification from the Capital Market in Greece for advising on securities and financial derivatives. During her time working in London, Margarita has been awarded for the Top 40 under 40 Private Asset Managers in the UK. She is passionate about foreign languages as she feels that via them you get the opportunity to read up on the culture. She speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and Greek. She also has a passion for fitness and healthy nutrition, she loves sports and travelling.

Arvaniti - Minoto Afroditi

Group Director of Operations

Afroditi Arvaniti-Minoto Agile, inspirational leader, creating state of the art experience in the Hospitality industry. Managing Director in the hospitality industry with 20+ years of experience in leading management roles with International Luxury Hotel Chains as well as Hotel Investment Companies. A transformational leader with systemic view in developing business and creating high expectation value. Leading by example, creating added value for the organization and the generations to come. Afroditi has a Master Certificate in Hospitality Management (focus on Financial Management & Revenue Management) from Cornell University, USA.  April 2022 – today Group Director of Operations – DOMES HOTELS & RESERVES all under Marriott Brands (Luxury Collection & Autograph Brand)  October 2021 – March 2022 General Manager Task force preopening/opening project - First MILOS Luxury Hotel Opening  July 2020 – October 2021 General Manager & Senior Advisor to the Board at Kalesma Mykonos Hotel SA  August 2020 – today General Manager & Senior Advisor to the Board at Kalesma Mykonos Hotel SA  From June 2020 - Senior Consultant-Associate Hospitality Strategy & Analytics – Deloitte Greece  August 2019 – April 2020: Task Force Managing Director L+ R Properties, TITANIA HOTEL PROJECT  July 2018 – July 2019: CEO & General Manager SLS Cardinal SA – Hospitality Investment and Management  June 2010 –June 2018: General Manager NJV Athens Plaza Hotel – & Managing Director of Varnicos SA  July 2006 - May 2010: STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS, DOSM of Astir Palace Complex  Jan 2003 - July 2006: HILTON INTERNATIONAL , DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING HILTON ATHENS  April 2002 – Dec 2002: ATHENS 2004 (Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games), Project Manager Hotels/Athens Head Office  March 1998 – March 2002: ACCOR Sofitel Hotels Complex Director of Sales, Rhodes New Conference Centre Opening for 3,000 delegates  1992 – 1998: Director of Sales &Marketing, Horizon Travel

Bitsani Angela

Marketing & Communications Director

Business Development, Marketing & International Communications Director specializing in International Services Industries with strong presence & expertise to Hospitality, Traveling, Fine Arts, Automotive , Mobility in Multinational Corporations. • Business Development Executive Consultant • Brand Management • Premium & Luxury Brands Expert • Business Network Ambassador • Research Specialist • Digital Marketing, SoMe & Performance Marketing Expert • Strategic Planning Marketer, Communications Expert (Internal – External), Corporate Affairs, CSR • BT, ATL, THL • B2B PR & B2B Sales Executive Consultant • Cultivating Client Relationships through Business Communities, Network Enhancement, Travel Shows, International Media Events • Lifestyle Consultant for Niche Brands • Media Management • Seven Stars Awards 2019 (Worldwide Awards) • World Travel Awards 2019 • World Travel Awards 2020 • Global Launch of Ranger Rover New Evoque to Greece May 2019 • Significant contributor to the start-up of LeasePlan in 2003 in Greece. • Sales Awards 2015 - 2016 • BWP Award 2012 • Social Responsibility Award HEROES ANT1 TV SHOW • Founder and Producer of a Corporate Theatrical Team (performing for Non - Profit & CSR missions)

Kafkarisiou Stamatina

General Manager

I HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN THE FIELD OF TAXI TRANSPORTATION SINCE 2003. I HAVE A FLEET OF TAXIS ALL OVER GREECE THAT WE SERVE COMPANIES, TOURIST OFFICES AND COMPANIES ORGANIZING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES.

Mantzouratou Pigi

Career-Placement and Development Manager

A committed educator, passionate lecturer, youth, underprivileged communities and women motivator, personal development coach, experienced trainer, career consultant and Hospitality Expert. More than 16 continuous years of experience in the Hotel industry always at 5* luxury world recognized multinational chain hotels and resorts in managerial positions and 12 years in the private Educational system. Career ,Placement and Tourism Development Corporate Manager for AKMI SA Experienced senior lecturer for Hospitality Management courses for reputable Global Universities. Certified coach and trainer for a vast variety of hospitality related projects such as hotels, company staff training ,team building Personal development Trainer and Youth Motivator Volunteer and Social responsibility projects Manager specialized in Women and Youth Empowerment European Tourism Projects Expert and key note International speaker. TourX project consultant Customer Service related Operations Manager/ Expert /Motivational Coach Certified Hospitality Lean Six Sigma Green belt ( 6s) for Starwood hotels and Resorts (Marriott hotels). Certified HACCP Manager for Hotel Grande Bretagne VIP and Butler Service Manager for Marriott Hotels A.H.L.E.I courses certified trainer Certified Trainer EHL École hôtelière de Lausanne Mystery shopping expert for international complex hotels , cruise ships, airlines and VIP. Private Luxury Yachts crew trainer Pre-opening task force -Consulting Management Services Recruiting and Behavioral interview expert Human Resources and People Talent Trainer .Multiple seminars and trainings, evaluation of CV' recruiting and placement of students and graduates for various positions. Major Hospitality and FB-Catering related Operations project owner VIP International and local clientele private Productions with more than € 500.000 minimum revenue and more than 4.000 guests. Multi functional indoors ,outdoor convention experience, over sized private gala receptions and theme events.

Peistikou Magda

Head of L&D

Magda Peistikou is the Head of Learning and development of INSETE (Institute of Education of the Greek Tourism Confederation). Since 2006 she works in the field of tourism and gastronomy education, both as a lecturer and in managerial positions. In addition, since 2009 she is the Editor in Chief of Food Service magazine and other business publications. Her work has been published in international journals and conference proceedings. Her collaboration with UNWTO as a training expert begun in 2020 and till now, she participated in educational projects conducted in Russia, Georgia and Tanzania. Also, she is a member of the judge panel of the Taste olymp awards and The Innovation in Politics. Last but not least, she organises food events from concept creation to execution and her work has been awarded several times from professional bodies and organizations.

Saridaki Katerina

Director

Katerina Saridaki is the Director of CapsuleT Travel & Hospitality accelerator. Katerina joined forces with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels in 2019 to develop on behalf of the HCH the strategic planning & growth of CapsuleT’s program, the 1st tourism accelerator in Greece. She is leading all activities regarding the programmatic growth, strategic planning and design of events, program content, marketing and PR of the brand/initiative. She acts as a key liaison - spokesperson of CapsuleT & acts as a mentor to all startups of the program. Moreover, she helps travel tech startups to connect with the industry locally & abroad through meetups, events & participation in international trade shows. At the same time, she connects hoteliers & other tourism related companies, with the innovative community of startups aiming to introduce them to new tech solutions that could grow their business. From 2013 till 2018 Katerina was acting as the Executive Director of MIT Enterprise Forum Greece, the local chapter of MITEF Global. She successfully planned & delivered 4 rounds of the MITEF Greece Startup Competition as well as several other startup community events. Part of her role was to connect startups with the Greek American community in Boston, MA and at the same time include international speakers in the MITEF Greece’s events to expand networking opportunities & know-how. Prior to MITEF Greece, Katerina worked for 12 years in the marketing communication & advertising industry, acting as an Account Director for Sprint Integrated Marketing Communications till January 2013. Katerina loves to work with young people and especially women that want to enter the startup ecosystem or looking for new opportunities to grow their careers thus she participates as a mentor or speaker in a variety of initiatives such as Mexoxo and Women on Top and other events when invited by CapsuleT’s partners. She holds a bachelor’s in Marketing and an Executive MBA from the University of Kent.

Vogkli Christina

Director of Hotel Operations

I completed my studies at the Upper University of Tourism (ASTEK), Agios Nikolas, Crete (2002 -2005). I continued my studies at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete in Heraklion, in the Department of Tourism Business Administration (2011-2014) and got my degree with excellence (Upper Second-Class Honors) I also received a Diploma in Business Psychology from EKPA (E-Learning) (2014-2016). I started my professional career as a Receptionist at Hotel Nissaki Beach 5 *, in Corfu (2003) and continued my first steps as a Receptionist at City Plaza in Athens (2006 -2010). In 2012 I started as an Assistant Hotel Manager at Thalassa Sea Side Resort in Kamari, Santorini and in 2013 Operation Manager at Delina Mountain Resort in Anogia, Crete. In the same year I actively joined the Katikies group as Hotel Manager at Chromata Hotel, Small Luxury Hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini and the following year I continued in the same Hotel Group as Maitre De Maison at Kirini Suites, Relais & Chateaux in Oia, Santorini. In 2016 I was promoted to Rooms Division Director in the same group (Katikies Hotels) in Santorini & Mykonos. For the next 3 years I exceled in the company Hotel Brain in Santorini & Mykonos as Director of Hotel Management (Katikies Hotels) (2017-2019). In 2020 I continued my professional career as Director of Hotel Operations again at Katikies Hotels until June 2021. On January 2022 I joined Cavo Tagoo Mykonos as Director of Hotel Operations till today.

Alexandropoulou Antigoni

Associate Professor

I am a Greek attorney admitted to the Bar Association of Piraeus since 2002. I have worked with international law firms in Athens, Munich and New York as well as an independent legal practitioner, and I have extensive professional experience in all areas of commercial law. Since 2018, I am also the Chair of the Company Law Committee of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (“CCBE”), an organisation seated in Brussels that represents more than 1 million lawyers. Our work within the Committee focuses on preparing legal opinions and suggesting improvements to legislative proposals of the European Commission, participating in stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission and sharing our official position with other EU Institutions and the public regarding legislative initiatives when needed. Additionally, I am an Associate Professor of Commercial Law, at the European University of Cyprus, where I have acquired extensive experience in lecturing and training students and other professionals in the field of Commercial Law. Indicatively I have taught courses of International Commercial Law, European, Greek and Cypriot Company Law, Trademarks Law, Insolvency Law, Securities Law etc. both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. I have also lectured in many international conferences, workshops and seminars. I speak fluently Greek, English, French and German.

Antonopoulou Sofia

Attorney at Law - Founder & Developer

Having graduated from the University of Athens in 2008, I am a greek qualified lawyer, solicitor of the Supreme Court and a member of the Athens Bar Association, with an expertise in Commercial and Energy Law. In 2015 I acquired an LLM in tax law and taxation (Athens University of Economics and Business). In 2006 I became member of the scientific research group of Athletic Law Professor Dr Andreas Malatos and I continued her career working for law firms which were mainly practicing civil law. In 2010 I founded “Attica Lawyers” and started becoming legal advisor of numerous well established enterprises, activated in Real Estate, Energy, Publishing and medicine. In the same year, I had been working in New York, for 7 months, on an investment banking project of 195.000.000 euros, connected to Energy field. Among others, I have successfully handled an important number of Criminal Law cases. I fluently speak English and has a very good knowledge of French.

Fasia Eirini

International Lawyer

My name is Eirini Fasia and I come from the island of Syros. I am a public international lawyer specializing in the areas of international environmental law, law of the sea, and dispute settlement. I am currently working as a Judicial Fellow at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. My work at the World Court, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, facilitates the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. Two recent examples of cases in which my team and I are working on are the genocide case between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the use of force dispute between Ukraine and Russia. At the same time, I am writing my PhD thesis at the University of Oxford. My research focuses on resolution of inter-state disputes and the reconciliation of overlapping rights and obligations of States in the sea. In previous years, I have worked as an international law tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students at Oxford, including students from under-represented backgrounds, while I was also a researcher at the Oxford Martin Programme on Sustainable Oceans, working on the question of how technology and, in particular satellites, can facilitate monitoring violations of human rights at sea and illegal fishing. During my time at Oxford, I have acted as the women’s representative at my college, St. Anne’s, working on women’s rights, welfare, and access to education. Previously and before starting my PhD, I studied law at the Universities of Thrace (LL.B (distinction)), the University of Athens (LL.M (distinction)) and the University of Oxford (LL.M (distinction) and MPhil). For my studies at Oxford, I have received various scholarships and awards. Alongside my academic and legal career, I am an actress at the London-based “Theatre Lab” company and the Oxford-based Greek Theatre Group “Praxis.” I speak English, German, and French.

Gavela Kallia

Senior Director, Head of Disputes and Investigations

Kallia Gavela is a Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s Disputes & Investigations (DI) Services practice. She recently relocated back to Greece to lead A&M’s Disputes & Investigation Services team in Greece. Kallia is a qualified lawyer with a track record of successful involvement in the planning, staffing and management of high-calibre litigation, regulatory and internal compliance projects for clients based in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Kallia brings strong experience in the financial services, life sciences and oil & gas industries, having directed or supported a broad range of cross-border investigations in the context of bribery and corruption, fraud, AML and financial crime, data loss and cyber security breaches, employee misconduct, regulatory compliance, and EU GDPR investigations. Sitting at the intersection between law and technology, Kallia also advises clients on the effective use of legal and AI technology to automate or make the investigative process more cost and time efficient, focusing on creating bespoke workflows, best practice analytics and big data technologies. Prior to joining A&M, Kallia spent 6 years within EY’s UKI Forensic & Integrity Services where she successfully directed global engagements and business development on global accounts. Previously, Kallia worked in various legal and managerial roles in the UK and Germany. She holds a PhD in Law from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, Summa cum laude, a Master of Laws in Medical Law, from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, Summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Laws from the National Kapodistrian University Athens (8,1/10). Kallia is a published legal author and an award winner of the academic prize of the Institute for German, European and International Medical Law, Public Health Law and Bioethics in 2011. Kallia is a member of the Athens Bar Association. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a Member of The Boardroom.

Karampatsou Nadia

Lawyer-Mediator

I come from a small town in the South East of Greece, Pylos, a place with amazing beauty and rich history. After my first bachelor, in the Political sciences and Public Administration School of Greece in Athens, I managed to get accepted into Sorbonne University in Paris, where I studied law. After that, I became active in the world of business and trade, with an export company I created, trying to promote the high quality products that were coming out of my birthplace, to the world market. When coronavirus struck, I took a mandatory break, and returned to Greece, where I was involved with humanitarian projects, raising money for orphanages and families who need support. Trying to help families in need, I realized the great need there was in the Greek legal system for alternative, non judiciary solutions, so I became a mediator, specializing in family, divorce and custody issues. The last few years I continue the support of underprivileged communities by fundraising and supporting cultural, social, and athletic events. I organized on May 2022 the charity tournament in Glyfada golf course "The Enterprise Golf Tour" supporting the organization "Μαζί για το Παιδί" -"Together for Children". I am active in sports such as sailing ( championship on 2006) and golf.

Konitsioti Rizou Penny

Attorney at Law MSc

I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. I am a graduate of the Law Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (LL.B in Law) and holds a master's degree " (Executive M.Sc in European Studies) in European Studies for Business Executives and Organizations" from the Department of International and European Economic Studies of Athens University of Economics and Business. I speak fluently Greek, English, French, Italian and Spanish. I am acting as an Attorney at Law in Athens, being a member of Athens Bar Association and also for international clients, focusing on international contracts and sports law as well as dispute resolution before the bodies of FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), having particular expertise in agency, transfer and employment-related disputes. I have also provides services on a broad range of civil and sports legal issues, such as negotiation and drafting of contracts related to international transfer of players, players’ agency, economic rights and image rights and setting up of companies. During my 19 overall years legal experience I worked also as an in-house Lawyer for the football club AEK FC, I provided legal services to many organizations and companies and acted as Research Fellow at the Hellenic Center for European Studies and part of the research team of the "Southeast Europe Program" for 2008-2010. I have a range activity of publications in legal and sports magazines and international reports and surveys, as well as in newspapers, and I am often invited to participate in international congresses for sports law, as well as to express my legal opinions for current legal issues at the media. I was recognized by Who’s Who Legal as the sole leading sports lawyer in Greece in the last years in a row, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Lefkofridi Zoe

Professor

I was born and raised in Athens, Greece on 13 June 1977. After finishing school (Pierce College/the American College of Greece, 1995) I worked at our family business while studying at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (Ptychion in Theatre Studies in 2002). I went abroad to pursue a Master in European Political & Administrative Studies at the College of Europe, Bruges in Belgium (2003). Although my original plan was to work at the Directorate General Education & Culture, I ended up declining a stage in this DG in order to continue my studies. I pursued a MA in Advanced International Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria (2004). I was then awarded a scholarship by the Austrian state to pursue postgraduate studies at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna (2004-2007) and a doctoral degree in Politics at the University of Vienna (2005-2009). I conducted my postdoctoral research at the University of Vienna (2009-2011), Stanford University (2011), the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2012) and the European University Institute in Florence, Italy (2013-2015). I then moved to the University of Salzburg, where I started working as an Assistant (2015-2017) and then Associate Professor of Comparative Politics (2018-2020). My son, Kosmas, was born in Salzburg on January 13, 2017. Since March 2020, I am Professor of Politics & Gender, Diversity & Equality at the Department of Political Science of the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS). I am the founder of this chair – which is also the first professorship of Gender Studies at the PLUS and the State of Salzburg. My research and teaching focus on democracy, equality and diversity; I am interested in the causes and consequences of unequal political participation and representation and in particular in women’s political empowerment. My work appears in leading international peer-reviewed journals of Political Science, such Party Politics, European Union Politics, and Politics and Gender.

Markou Maria

President

Maria Markou, Esq. is the Founder and President of Markou Global Legal Group. She is a respected authority on international law, an experienced attorney, certified mediator by New York Peace Institute, legal journalist, and notary public. She was born in Athens, Greece and is licensed to practice law in both Greece and New York. She holds a Diploma in Law (Greek equivalent of a J.D. degree) from the Law School of Athens, an LL.M degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, Texas, and a M.Sc. degree in Sociology of Law & European Law from Lund University, Sweden. Mrs. Markou is also a holder of Executive Diplomas in Negotiation & Leadership from Harvard Law School and Law Firm General Counsel Practices from Georgetown Law Center. Furthermore, she is specialized in Intellectual Property Law & Digital Information from Lund University. Besides her extensive legal experience over numerous cases that she has handled internationally, Mrs. Markou was a partner in a law firm for several years and an instructor at a notable legal institution in Athens, where she has taught legal courses to candidate judges, diplomats, process servers, law students, police officers, and public notaries. In addition, she has written numerous legal articles with a special focus on lawyers’ ethics. Mrs. Markou is the recipient of awards for her exceptional performance in the Athens Bar examination, her dedication to justice, and her pro bono commitment to the community. She is very connected with Greece because many of her important lifetime steps and events up until now took place there; consequently she always tries to promote the Greek culture and values. Her motivation quote for life and career is that “success is based on effort”.

Plessa Eleni

Lawyer - Mediator - Trainer, Co Founder and Partner at RESOLVE MEDIATORS and PTPM Law Office

Eleni Plessa is an Attorney – at – Law, a CIArb Accredited Mediator and a Trainer in Mediation. She holds an LLB from the University of Athens Law School, an MA in European Politics, Business and Law from theUniversity of Surrey, UK and executive MBA. Since October 2009, she is actively involved in Mediation. She was one of the pioneers of making Mediation happen In Greece. In June 2011, she co presented with Spyros Antonelos the first ever created in Greece '‘Introductory Seminars on Mediation’ at the Athens Bar Association and ever since she has lectured widely on Mediation all over the country.She has participated in mediations in the United Kingdom. She has taken part for several years as a Judge during the most important International Mediation Competition, the ICC. In 2014, she co – founded RESOLVE Mediators and she is one of the most experienced Mediators in Greece. As a Trainer in Mediation, she was a member of the Athens Bar Association Task Force for the establishment of its Mediators’ Training Center and she still participates in its programmes.In 2015, she co-created the first 20 hours Mediation Advocacy Training Programme and has been providing it ever since. It was also the very first Mediation Training Programme in Greece to be provided as a Webinar in May 2020. She has been also certified as a Trainer in workplace mediation and in School Mediation. Eleni is also an actively practicing lawyer and in November 2010 launched her own law firm (Papanikolaou, Tsimpourakis, Plessa Matsouka & Associates). Furthermore, she supports entrepreneurship and women empowerment. She is the Vice President of iforU and has cooperated with Women on Top and Women Act. She is also a member of the ICC Women Hellas and was one of the 100 "Dangerous" Women (best seller Book, 2021). She has co written the first ever book to be published in Greece on Mediation. She is married to Kostas Kontochristopoulos and has 2 sons, Anastasis (8) and Dimitris (4).

Constantinidi Eleni

CEO

I am a partner and CEO at Hill & Knowlton Strategies Athens. H+K is one of the world’s leading global communications companies, partnering with clients across more than 80 offices globally in more than 40 markets. I lead a team of 22 people harnessing a spirit of unbridled creativity and innovation to help clients drive growth, manage risk, and defend and improve their reputations in today’s extraordinary environment. At the same time, I am founder of GOD – GO Digital, a specialized digital communications & marketing agency in Greece which offers digital strategy, influencer marketing, social media content creation and handling as well as branding and advertising. I am also very honored to hold the position of Vice President of Make a Wish Greece and I have been a volunteer at the organization for numerous years. Hill and Knowlton and GOD work pro – bono for Make a Wish Greece and provide the communication strategy and execution for all the Organization’s creative and communication needs. At the same time, I have been a volunteer cook for the NGO “Deipno Agapis”, cooking Saturday meals offered to homeless people living at the Athens center and Piraeus. Lastly, Hill and Knowlton offers pro bono work for the NGO “Theotokos” to help raise awareness of the organization’s multiple activities related to inclusion and diversity (programs for children with developmental delays, developmental intellectual disorders and autism spectrum disorders). Prior History I am a Harvard Graduate and hold a BA in Psychology /Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University and an MA in Education from Harvard University. I have also attended 2 summer programs at Harvard Business School and hold degrees in Influencing Consumer Behavior and New Media. I have graduated from Athens College, Psychiko. I am a proud mother of 2 great kids!

Katsarou Catherine

Head of Marketing and Communication

I was born in Athens and moved with my family to Paris, France when I was 4 years old. After returning to Greece, I obtained my French baccalaureate from the French – Hellenic Lyceum Eugene Delacroix in Athens and carried on with my studies in France where I graduated from the Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3 University with both a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Sciences and a Master’s degree in Corporate & Institutional Communication Sciences. I’ve been working in Marketing Communications for over 20 years in global corporates and investor backed start-ups across B2C and B2B segments and industries ranging from retail and FMCG to telecommunications. I’ve also been fortunate enough to work on both client and agency-side roles in London, Paris, and Athens. As a true supporter of purpose-driven marketing, I believe that today, more than ever, the only way for companies to grow their reputation and bottom line is to build and nurture sustainable brands. To this end I have been providing mentorship to Reload Greece, a London-based NGO, by enabling young entrepreneurs and start-ups in the UK turn their creative ideas into commercially sound businesses. After having spent 9 years in London and having been part of the #BrainDrain generation that left Greece during the economic crisis, I can now say that I feel proud to belong to the #BrainRegain generation and honoured to offer my services and international experience to NEXI Payments Greece as Head of Marketing and Communication from December 2022.

Lemonia Maria

Journalist

I have over 30 years experience in the most important media groups in Greece. Sports journalism was the start of my career and through the years I progressed into fashion, lifestyle and design. Within those years I covered five Olympic Games, international fashion weeks, Victoria Secret show and private events worldwide. I was part of the Greek team with Yianna Angelopoulos Daskalakis in Lausanne who represented our country and brought the Olympic Games back to Greece. I host the oldest radio show in Greece of 26 years, “Kaka Koritsia (Bad Girls)”. I have also been the first TV lifestyle editor in chief at “Katse Kala”.

Matzaridou Theano

Marketing & Development Specialist

My name is Matzaridou Theano and I have studied Business Administration & Economics of Sheffield’s University department. My studies have developed and increased my marketing skills on sales, which I distribute on our family business “Majar-Matzaridis Bros SA.”, where I currently work. Referring to Majar company, I would like to report that this is one of the biggest companies among several leading brands of south-east Europe and I am personally involved in maintaining an extensive business network of partners and ambassadors throughout 32 countries, that are defined of local dynamic channel networks. The specific area that “Majar” has specialized in over the last two decades is digital technology. We have managed to develop long-term collaborations with some of the world’s most famous consumer electronic marketing leaders. It is very important to mention that “Majar” was included in Financial Times FT 1000 list, as one of Europe’s fastest companies. My professional journey in “Majar-Matzaridis Bros SA” company started in 2005. I specifically was responsible for managing and working on various positions, starting from the smallest. Earning more knowledge and work experience through the years helped me successfully create more business fields and that belongs to my general achievements. In 2015, I recreated the model of offline retailing to have a successful collaboration with our online shop. In 2019, I became the manager of the marketing department, where I was responsible for the presentation of all the companies we represent. In 2021, I formed and implemented various TikTok strategies and creative content for our brands. In a short period of time, I managed to build viral content for online profiles that reached 10,5 million views in total. That led to a personal obligation to enter the TikTok world, so in 2022 I became a TikTok coach, representing small family businesses to help them expand in the social media field and become viral.

Sgouropoulou Tina

Journalist

I was born in Athens under the sing of Aquarius. I am a graduate , of The American College of Greece/Pierce College and I have a degree in Shorthand & Typing. I speak English, French an a little Italian. At the age of 19 I started my career as a journalist , writing for different magazines, and newspapers articles about interesting subjects and chronicles . In the meantime I was hosting a T.V. show to wich i also was a chief editor for 7 years and I was also a hostess and a producer of a daily morning radio show. Further on I continued my work for tv and radio, I worked for 2 Advertising Companies as a text writer, I translated books from English to Greek, I continued my work to magazines and newspapers, I used to own also a bridal monthly magazine. I organized many fashion events and charity events. In the Public Relations and Communications area, I was a public relation advisor for many different big companies, for many years, along with my proffesion of journalism and my every day job in the Public Relations Department and the Library in one of our biggest Oil Companies for 17een years. I have participated as a guest in many television shows. The last 20 years I worked as a journalist in one of the oldest newspapers. I was awarded from The Rotary Club and from the only Institution that awards journalists, THE BOTSIS FOUNDATION.i have interviewed dozens of famous actors, painters, writers, dancers, artists, V.I.P.S , Greeks and foreigners . Among them were Sean Connery, Hulio Inglesias, Geraldin Tsaplin, Farah Dibbah , Paolo Bulgari, etc.

Souferi Alexia

Executive-Business Development Antenna Studios

I currently work as an executive at Antenna Studios (part of Antenna Group, the largest Media Group in Greece), focusing on Business Development of Original content and International expansion. Previously I was employed by Syco Entertainment, in London for c10 years. This was the Sony Music UK subsidiary co-owned by Media Mogul, Simon Cowell. I was responsible for the Strategic planning and development of International Franchises for Various Shows including the X Factor, Got Talent and La Banda Globally. I completed an MA in Media and Communication at City University London, and a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration at University of Athens. I have complemented my studies with an one-year placement with a Hellenic political party, as part of Political Communication Specialisation.

Tampakopoulou Nastasia

Head of Marketing

I studied Marketing and Communication in London. Shortly after my studies I returned to Greece, where I began my career path in the advertising industry. Digital Minds was the first ever company in Greece, that had implemented a YouTube CMS in partnership with Google, which allowed creators to monetize their content and increase their income. After being part of this innovative environment for five years, I decided to take a big leap in my career and jump from working in an advertising agency to being part of the marketing team of a brand. My next professional stop was Plaisio. This is safe to say, that was a decision that marked my career, due to the fact that I was lucky enough to work closely with the CEO of the company, Costas Gerardos, and learned how to think and work according to the Managing partners’ standards and business criteria, when creating an advertising campaign. I was respondible of how to strengthen the company's image among younger generations. I was tasked to think of and create smart content on modern platforms, something that proved to be a big step towards a more complex and innovative environment. After what I can describe as a successful three years at Plaisio, I found myself in a dilemma between entering the work force of a multinational company or return to a startup environment. After much thought, I decided to leave the comfort zone of a large company, and chose to join a primarily small startup team that brought real estate to a new era. The knowledge and experience I had previously gained, resulted in my acquiring a managerial role, as head of the Marketing department and a team of twelve individuals. Prosperty, is the first innovative platform that has brought technology and data analysis in the real estate market in Europe. Prosperty offers complete digital experience to property owners and buyers, making the process of selling and renting a property, easier, faster and a completely transparent process.

Timosidou Kiki

Ad Copywriter & Content Specialist

Creative copywriter and content specialist with both in-house and agency experience, previously employed in communication and content planning in the event, media and digital marketing industry. My academic background includes a Master’s in Digital Media Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Similar to my academic career, my professional experience varies including previous positions in business consultancy, local media outlets, event organizing and most recently digital marketing.

Vlachou Elli

Sales Technology Lead

Elli comes from Thessaloniki and completed her studies in Business Economics in British Russel group universities ( Durham University BA, Warwick Business school Msc). Following her studies, she managed to make a career out of her curiosity – How people make shopping decisions and how to influence them? Elli has spent more than a decade working in Consumer goods and Retail, for some of the biggest Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies in the world (P&G, Diageo, L'Oreal etc) in various positions of Branded sales and Marketing and in advisory companies (PwC & Accenture) in Transformation and CX (customer experience) . Her focus was always on emerging channels and customer centricity, following the beliefs that the customer experience should be consistent to the relevant brand, premium to provide a value-for-money sense, and enjoyable, independent of the shopping channel. Elli in her career led: • Ecom strategy of P&G Beauty in preparation to the Coty integration, managing the portfolio of MaxFactor and Clairol with >10M pounds P&L • L’Oreal discounter strategy in AS Watson in the UK, delivering a growth of 16%, improving profitability of the account, improving brand visibility in store and launching the first Ecom discounter shopping page for the market, in partnership with Savers UK • As Watson European and New market expansion and growth strategy, delivering 64M euro sales and more than 40% growth in the relevant accounts At the moment, Elli lives in Switzerland and leads the efforts to implement the strategy for new technology, new data structures and new channel foundations in traditional CPG companies. The recent crisis brought up new shopping routines and new shopping channels, such as Web3.0, and she is bringing to global conglomerates, solutions to better understand & serve their customers, win versus competition and maintain their brand power at a global scale.

Vourdoumpa Argyro

Journalist, Media Consultant, Storyteller

A multilingual journalist of more than 15 years -born and bred in Greece- I have worked in print, digital and broadcast media outlets across Europe, South East Asia and Australia. During my time as a journalist I have unearthed stories about Greek personalities of the diaspora and have raised awareness regarding the Greek language and culture in remote parts of Indonesia -where I lived and volunteered for six years- as well as Australia. During my tenure as the second ever female Editor in Chief of The Greek Herald, Australia's only daily, national newspaper for the Greek community the publication got a mention in the New South Wales parliament as an ethic medium - example for other multicultural media. As a mother of two I am passionate about empowering women and inspiring future generations. I often attend and cover events with my children with the goal to showcase that women can be successful in combining career with motherhood.

Chatzimeletiou Katerina

Associate Professor in Embryology and Genetics in Assisted Reproduction

Associate Professor in Embryology and Genetics and Head of the IVF/PGT Laboratory and the Cryopreservation Bank in the Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital Thessaloniki Greece. Studies and clinical training in England for 14 years: PhD in Preimplantation Genetics and Embryology (University of Leeds, U.K) under a full studentship by the Foetal Medicine Foundation, London, U.K., MSc in Human Reproductive Biology (Distinction) (Imperial College School of Medicine, at Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, U.K.) and BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (University of Essex, U.K). Training in clinical embryology and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in London (1998-2008) at Hammersmith Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, King’s College Hospital, St George’s Hospital, ΤDL and in Leeds at LGI-The Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Molecular Cytogenetic Laboratory Manager at the London Bridge Fertility, Gynaecology, and Genetics Centre, London, U.K. (2003-2007) and participation in the TV programme Τhe Human Body, produced by BBC and presented by professor Lord Robert Winston. Skilled in all aspects of IVF with a clinical Embryo Biopsy License by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA U.K.). Two awards of excellence in ‘clinical-laboratory work and application of novel methods and techniques’ by the Aristotle University, for the world’s first cytoskeletal analysis of human preimplantation embryos at the fresh level and after vitrification revealing mechanisms leading to chromosomal mosaicism and the world’s first Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis of human laser biopsied cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos and their viability assessment using fluorescent markers.

Filippidou Sevasti

Teaching Fellow

I was born and raised in Thessaloniki and after graduating from College De La Salle, I studied Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Democritus University of Thrace, and then Cytogenetics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Patras. In 2010, I received the prestigious diplomatic excellence fellowship from the Swiss Government to be the only woman that year to represent Greece, as an Excellence Fellow in Science. In 2012, I started my PhD in the Microbiology of Extreme Environments at the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland and my journey towards the exploration of the Extreme face of this and other planets has begun. In 2016 I received my doctorate title, and in 2017 I obtained the Swiss Science Foundation Fellowship to explore survival in Extra-terrestrial Environments, at the European Space Agency- German Aerospace Centre in Cologne, and at the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology in Oxfordshire. Up until 2019, I spent my time between Oxford and Cologne, when I settled with the newly funded by the UK Space Agency AstrobiologyOU team. With this team, I lead a project on studying environments on Earth that are analogous to Martian Territories, in order to understand how life, if it exists, would survive on Mars, and how samples should be collected upon the anticipated 2026 Mars Return Mission. From December 2022, I start working as a Teaching Fellow at the Imperial College London.

Ntokou Aglaia (Lina)

Associate research scientist/Founder

During my undergraduate thesis in the Department of Physiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, I worked on climate-induced changes in the metabolism of mussels. During, my Master’s, I focused on the vertebrate metabolism under the framework of seasonal shifts in metabolic stress and energy allocation. During the initial stages of my graduate studies, my mother was diagnosed with melanoma metastatic to the lung, inspiring me to pursue research in lung development and disease for my PhD studies and triggering my passion and long-term professional goal to make seminal contributions in the field of respiratory pathophysiology. My research delineated the differentiation, position, and role of pulmonary fibroblast subtypes during alveolarization. I then conducted postdoctoral studies on smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts and immune cells in diverse cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. My vision is to establish a multidisciplinary group that will work on demystifying how inflammation and fibroblasts cross-communicate and invest my efforts on reversal/re-direction of this signaling towards a healthy phenotype. Inclusivity in all STEM sectors is also one of my main interests hence why I started the initiative Greek Women in STEM and I have leadership roles in groups like the Yale Postdoctoral Association working mainly with mentoring and professional development projects.

Panagiotopoulou Olga

Senior Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Anatomy

I am an Assistant Professor in Anatomy and Head of the Functional Mechanics Lab at the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Monash University, Australia. I am also the Chair of the Honours Program of the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Deputy Chair of the Monash Animal Ethics Committee (MARP1), Associate Editor for the international peer-reviewed journals Frontiers in Zoology and Royal Society Open Science, and an Editorial Board Member for the journal Scientific Reports. In addition, I am the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the 2023 International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology. Following undergraduate studies in Greece at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, I moved to the UK in 2004 to undertake MSc studies on Human Anatomy and Paleopathology at the University of Bradford, funded by the Greek Bakala Foundation and the UK Natural Environmental Research Council. My MSc studies were followed by doctoral studies at the University of York, the UK, where I was one of six early stage international researchers to receive a scholarship funded by the European Commission under the Marie Curie Actions of the Sixth Framework Programme. My PhD work unravelled the function of the jaw during feeding using engineering principles and computer simulations. In 2009, I started my postdoctoral appointment at the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College, the UK, and was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). In 2010, I received a prestigious Marie Curie Re-Integration Fellowship from the European Union (ERG-MACACA 267207) to expand on my PhD work on feeding biomechanics. I was able to receive additional training on experimental and surgical approaches by Professor Ross at the University of Chicago, the USA. In March 2013, I relocated to Australia and commenced my first academic position with the University of Queensland. I moved to Monash University in 2018.

Papadavid Evangelia

PROFESSOR IN DERMATOLOGY, NATIONAL AND KAPODISTRIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

Professor Evangelia Papadavid graduated from the Μedical School of the University of Athens in 1989. In 1996 she received the specialty title of Dermatology-Venereology. She sub specialized in Dermatologic Oncology and Laser applications in Dermatology in London. She has worked as Senior Registrar at the Dermatology Department, Whittington Hospital of the University College of London and as a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University Hospital (New York, USA) . In 2005 she was elected Lecturer of Dermatology-Venereology of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, in 2010 Assistant Professor and in 2015 Associate Professor. In 2020 she was elected Professor of Dermatology–Venereology. From 2017 to 2020, she was the Chair of the 2nd Dpt. of Dermatology and Venereology in University General Hospital "ATTIKON". Since November 2019, she founded and is the Director of the National Center of Excellence for Rare Diseases/ Cutaneous Lymphomas. Professor Papadavid's research work in psoriasis and cutaneous lymphomas has been recognized internationally and is reflected in more than 160 publications and more than 5000 citations in highly prestigious dermatological and research journals. She has wrote chapters in international Dermatology books. Her teaching work has been continuous since the beginning of her career. Professor Papadavid teaches bedside clinical dermatology in undergraduate medical students and participates actively as a lecturer in auditorium. She is also responsible for the organization of the academic undergraduate program for dermatology of the Athens medical school, Attikon Hospital. Additionally she also participates in various postgraduate MSc programs and in the training of dermatology residents. Professor Papadavid is supervisor of several PhD candidates, investigating psoriasis and cutaneous lymphomas and founded the research laboratory for skin diseases at Attikon University Hospital where several research projects are performed leading to important publications.

Petta Ioanna

Immunologist - Research Scientist

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Patras, in Greece, followed by my MSc studies in Biotechnology. In 2010, being awarded a VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) scholarship, I relocated to Belgium for my doctoral studies at Ghent University, focused on the optimization of cortisone treatment in inflammatory diseases. Later, as a post-doctoral scientist at Hasselt University, I investigated how salt intake affects immunity and impacts the development of multiple sclerosis. This project sparked my interest on the interplay among dietary habits, immunity and intestinal microbiome - the bacteria living in our intestinal tract. Since 2018, I continue my research at Ghent University Hospital focused on the optimization of immune check point therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) through microbiome interventions. There is an unmet need for more efficient therapies for CRC patients, and this is where my scientific interest lies in. My research work has contributed to the identification of specific immune cell types that can be targeted in order to improve immune therapy in CRC. During my academic career, I have been awarded and supported by various funding bodies including, The European Cancer Research Association, The Belgian Cancer Research Association, The Research Foundation Flanders. Of note, I was recently awarded with the prestigious Stichting Tegen Kanker grant. I have authored publications in peer-reviewed journals, including a first author publication in Nature Cancer journal. I also had the opportunity to present my research work in more than 50 national and international conferences, along with informing the general public on the advances in cancer treatments through social media. Additionally, by teaching and mentoring students, I am delighted to introduce the next generation to science. Currently, I am also a research associate at FootHills Hospital, Calgary, Canada and the renown International Microbiome Center.

Prokopi Demetriades Marianna

Founder and Clinical Associate Professor in Research Oncology

Marianna is a biotech innovator, entrepreneur and Clin. Assoc. Prof. in Research Oncology. She focuses on personalized oncology and its translation into innovative solutions for improving the quality of life in cancer patients. She is co-founder of three biotech companies; RSL Revolutionary Labs Ltd develops innovative dermaceuticals for the relief and healing of skin side effects in oncological patients; Promed Bioscience Ltd develops medical biomaterials with 3D-atelocollagen for medical applications, synthesis of 3D-artificial organs and tissues; Theramir Ltd develops new generation personalized therapies and diagnostic platforms for cancer based on nanotechnology and microRNAs. She has received numerous awards such as the 2022 King’s Distinguished Alumni Award in STEM, the Republic of Cyprus Research Award Life Sciences 2021, the ASBMB conference Award 2021, the MF Woman of the Year in Innovation Award 2020, the Peter Baker Award (2009) and the Graduate of the Year Award (2009) from King’s College London. She is a Member to the Board of Directors at the Cancer Research & Innovation Centre Cyprus and Vice Chair of the Development Committee for the Parallel Parliament of Entrepreneurship in the House of Representatives Cyprus from November 2020. Marianna holds a BSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a MRes in Biochemistry from the University of Kent, a MSc in Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a PhD in Cardiovascular Research from British Heart Foundation/King’s College London. Marianna volunteers as a mentor for young people and females in many entrepreneurship programs. She is Global Ambassador for Cyprus in WomenTech Network 2022 and included in the list "10 Women to watch in 2022" by the Global Woman Network. She is a Falling Walls Venture Finalist for the Breakthrough Start-up of the year 2022 and included in the European 50 Female Founders by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel.

Solomonidou Anezina

Senior Researcher

Dr. Anezina Solomonidou is an astrophysicist, specializing in planetary sciences and investigating the potentially habitable worlds of our solar system. She got her PhD in geology and astrobiology of the Saturnian icy moons, from the Paris Observatory in France. From 2014 until 2018, she worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and California Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, USA, as a postdoctoral researcher on Cassini mission data. From 2018 to 2020 she worked at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Madrid, focusing on the preparation of ESA’s new space mission to the Jupiter’s system, JUICE, while continuing her work on the icy moons of Saturn and on Mars. In the beginning of 2021, she returned to NASA and JPL to work on NASA’s mission on Europa – the Europa Clipper. Currently, Dr. Solomonidou is the Scientific Officer of Space Science and Space Exploration, at the National Space Agency of Greece – the Hellenic Space Center (HSC). Dr. Solomonidou has proposed a series of planetary experiments, focusing on the exotic environments of the icy satellites of the giant planets, and she has contributed to the design of future missions. Dr. Solomonidou serves as a review panelist for international boards and NASA panels, evaluating scientific proposals on planetary research. Dr. Solomonidou presides at the Planetary Science Division of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), the leading organisation for Earth, planetary and space science research in Europe. Among other activities, she also convenes planetary science sessions in international conferences, is the Vice-Chair of the Southeast Europe Hub (SEE) of the Europlanet Society and contributes to several ESA and NASA outreach activities.

Touroutoglou Alexandra

Assistant Professor of Neurology

Academic Appointment: Dr. Alexandra Touroutoglou is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. She leads clinical trials to develop new treatments for patients with Alzheimer’s disease at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is the Director of Imaging Operations at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Translational Brain Mapping. She earned her PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postdoctoral training at the Harvard Medical School. Research: She has been awarded grants from the National Institutes of Health and is the author of highly cited articles in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2016, her team discovered a remarkable group of older adults called Super Agers who defy the inevitable and despite their age, continue to have youthful brains. The discovery of Super Agers laid the foundation for Dr. Touroutoglou and her colleagues to pursue clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease that reverse memory decline with brain stimulation. Her clinical trials use innovative techniques that investigate how brain shrinkage leads to symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease and how brain stimulation can alleviate these symptoms in people who are at an early stage of the disease. Her goal is to intervene at an early stage so that people may have the best chance of being treated successfully. International Reputation: Dr. Touroutoglou is known internationally for her clinical research, having contributed to widely regarded textbooks in aging and dementia. Her findings have been featured by media outlets around the world, including the BBC, Harvard Gazette, Huffington Post, and The New York Times. In 2023, she was invited to talk about her work at the United Nations.

Vardoulaki Eleni

Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics

I am astrophysicist and science communicator, currently working as a postdoc at the Thüringer Landessternwarte Tautenburg in Germany. My current role is coordinator of data-intensive radio astronomy, and I am the corresponding and lead editor of the upcoming special volume by Springer on 'Data-Intensive Radio Astronomy'. I did my PhD in Oxford, on observational cosmology specialising on multi-wavelength studies of active galaxies (galaxies that have too much energy, like a kid that had too much sugar). I have worked as a professional astrophysicist at 7 international institutes (University of Oxford, CAUP Porto, University of Crete, Caltech, Argelander Institute in Bonn, Max Planck Institute in Bonn, TLS Tautenburg), and I am member of the international collaborations Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS), Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU), MeerKAT-MIGHTEE, and LOFAR, with which I maintain active collaborations and lead projects. I am currently leading and co-leading several scientific and public outreach projects. Those involve observations from state-of-the-art telescopes (e.g. the radio telescopes LOFAR, VLA, MeerKAT and ASKAP, the space telescope JWST, among others). I have initiated discussions and gathered a team of scientists from several disciplines (e.g. astronomy, weather, neutrinos, data science) to build a LOFAR station in Greece, and to be part of the international LOFAR telescope. This will make Greece an international partner at an international telescope collaboration, performing cutting edge research as part of this collaboration and giving back to society. I am a mentor, teacher, advisor and supervisor. I am very active science communicator (talks, exhibitions, books, art) and I have founded the outreach hubs 'Rogue Astrophysics', 'Astronomy on Tap Bonn', 'Astronomy on Tap Jena'. Lastly, I am the proud writer of a public outreach book in Greek 'The Universe in your pocket', by Keybooks.

Argyri Charista

TUG MASTER/CAPTAIN CLASS B'

My name is Argyri Charista, I am 31 years old from Chalkidiki, Greece. In 2008 I graduated from Technical Vocational School of Economics in Chalkidiki and in 2009 I got my degree from the Public Institute of Vocational Training-Thessaloniki. I then attended the Merchant Marine Academy of Macedonia-Thessaloniki and got my Second Officer’s Licence in 2015 incl. 13 months sea service as an apprentice. I now hold my Chief Officer’s Licence and am on my way for Captain Class A’. Afterwards I worked in bulk carrier ships until 2019 as a Second Officer (responsible for the ships navigation/passage planning and radio communications) and was also in charge of ship’s security. I had to train the crew members via monthly drills in how to be alert, find ways to prevent and to react in different types of security breaches within the ship. Part of my job was also being in charge of parts HSEQ (Health Safety Environmental Quality) department. During this time I had the privilege to take on the responsibility of attending a ships building from scratch and a dry docking. After travelling as Second Officer mostly in Indian and Atlantic Ocean,I got trained in ASD tugboats at Jebel Ali Port-Dubai in 2020 and I now work at P&O Maritime as a Tug Master for shore operations and services as well as a Safety Campaign ambassador in Limassol Cyprus. Tug Masters steer extremely powerful high horsepower vessels (tugs) which require a great skillset and knowledge of the waters, weather and port. Their highest concern is the safe manoeuvring of vessels in consultation with the Marine Pilots and the Captains of the ships, even under adverse weather conditions. During this time I have been a proud WISTA Cy. member and conference speaker-panelist and I am also honoured to be a member of “Lets Disco” (Dive into Shipping Career Opportunities) project, an initiative of the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus in order to mentor students, parents and teachers about future careers in shipping.

Kalapotharakou Theano

Editor

I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I received my degree in philosophy and English literature from the American College, Deree. My professional career began in 1990 when I joined my father's company, the shipping publication ELNAVI - a monthly maritime magazine which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2023. Throughout my career I have written articles for a variety of lifestyle magazines and worked on pilot programs for radio stations. A major part of my career is the publication of the series of books, "Women in Shipping Routes", seven editions to date, which cover interviews of women working in shipping. Presently I am registering the biographies of shipping personalities. I am married to Stefanos Papandreou, my life partner for 30 years, and co editor of ELNAVI. We have three children and a grandson who we adore.

Karlaftis Eleni

Sales Manager

Eleni Karlafti is an international bunker trader, Sales Manager and training instructor for new employees in one of the world's leading trading houses, BMS United. Eleni currently manages a team of 4 and has been a pioneer in the bunkering industry, joining the maritime industry 23 years ago. In a time when women hesitated to follow this profession, Eleni led the way as one of the first women in the field, inspiring many more in the years to come. She works hard to develop professionalism and sustain work ethics and knowledge for young shipping professionals. She strives daily to shape future leaders in the shipping industry, having one core value: Business Acumen. Eleni is an active member of WISTA Hellas and is always on the front line fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all women in the shipping industry. On a personal level, Eleni is very energetic and enjoys extreme sports like scuba diving, kitesurfing and water sports.

Karpida Marsila

Partner

I am a Partner in the Assets & Structured Finance Group at Watson Farley & Williams and I am currently based in our Athens office. With over 20 years of experience, I advise on a wide range of shipping and ship finance matters, acting for domestic and international shipping banks, private and publicly listed ship-owning groups, and joint ventures. I joined the WFW Athens office in 2003 and moved to New York in 2012 where I joined the firm’s New York office, qualified as a New York attorney, and was promoted to partner in that office a few years later. I relocated to Greece and re-joined the Athens office in 2020. I have graduated from a variety of different universities and hold certain degrees including an LL.B. from each of Université de Lille II, Droit et Santé, Lille, France, and Democritus University of Thrace, Faculty of Law, an LL.M. in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton, England and an LL.M. from Yeshiva University in New York City. I am a member of the New York State Bar, the Athens Bar, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA). I have been recommended by legal directories Chambers Europe and USA and Legal 500 US, the latter of which currently ranks me in their “next generation” category of Partners for my shipping finance practice.

Lykofridi Eleni

Seafarer

My name is Eleni Lykofridi and I am 28 years old. I am working as a Seafarer in Oil Tankers since I was 18 and I have obtained Captain Class A' license. My decision to be involved in the Shipping Industry was taken at a young age. The independence that this profession offers, the traveling, and the opportunity of meeting new countries and different nationalities were three of the main reasons that made me chose the seafarer's job. Besides all that, it was a challenge on its own as I was walking through a male-dominated path. Every closed door, every rejection, every underestimation gave me strength. I was determined to succeed as a professional and that is what I am trying to do until now. Shipping as an Industry gives you in addition, the unique feeling of broadening your horizons regarding knowledge matters. Knowledge is power and gives you fullness. That is why I have followed four Master Degrees, from Shipping Management to more generic as Business Administration. I love learning new things! I love giving myself new food for thought, new information, something valuable each day. Finally, born and raised in a small fish village on the sea coast, I never forget my roots. Each step and decision that leads me ahead, makes me look back twice. Gazing at the blue sea view, reminds me of my home, my reasons and my causes to continue doing this honorable job.

Mandaraka-Sheppard Alexandra

Arbitrator - Mediator

Having studied law at Athens University (1st class Hon) I was awarded a scholarship from Chandris Shipping to study for an LLM in shipping law at University College London. Having obtained my LLM, I continued with a second scholarship to study for a Ph.D degree at Kings College London. While I was studying, I worked part time in shipping litigation with a well known London firm (then known as Richards Butler) and with a P & I club (Britannia) and with hull insurance brokers in claims. Having equipped with that training and having completed my Ph.D, i joined the shipping law firm of Holman Fenwick and Willan in 1982. After 11 years of practice in shipping litigation and arbitration, I was head-handed by University College to direct the shipping law courses in 1993. Arriving in academia, it was a lonely world so I set up to bring the shipping industry with the academia together (never done before) for the exchange of practical and academic knowledge and the help of my students. I raised funds from my old contacts from my practice, approached leading judges and industry figures for form the Steering Committee, so the London Shipping Law Centre was born in 1995 (www.shipping@shippinglbc.com). I was teaching all the international students coming to University of London all colleges from all over the world (many Greeks who are now in eminent positions). In 1998, I created and developed Risk management in Shipping education and i set up my company ORA MRM to raise awareness of shipping risks in view of the new regulations created with the ISM. I was a pioneer in this and I set up conferences, seminars and in-house training, which were of great benefit to many. As a result of my initiative the P & I clubs and shipowners set up their risk management departments. I am proud that I have made a great contribution in this area in shipping. An outcome of my development of how to prevent or minimise risks, I wrote Modern Maritime law with Risk management aspects and many articles in this area, which have being invaluable to many young and older practitioners; my book is now in its 3rd edition and a 4th ed should be coming. I was promoted to a Professor of Maritime Law. I have mentored many students and young people. In 2011, I set up the Young Maritime Professionals' group to enable the young to enhance their confidence in public speaking and in taking initiatives in educational seminars and network with colleagues from different sectors of the industry. They have done wonders during the last 10 years and I am proud of them. In 2006, I stepped down from Academia to develop my arbitration and mediation practice. I have taught the principles of mediation from the proper perspective of psychology which was unique as I constructed shipping scenarios for the students. I have been practising as arbitrator _ there is not much mediation as yet and whatever there is men get the appointments! Being the Founder of the London Shipping Law Centre, I still act as its Chairperson.

Albanti Irini

Executive Director

Dr. Irini Albanti is the Executive Director at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and a Lecturer in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. She develops strategies to execute HHI’s mission and amplify its global impact. She leads the strategic, operational, financial, and administrative management of HHI and oversees programs in humanitarian research and education. She is a purpose-driven leader committed to social impact and reducing health and social inequities globally by bridging public health, science, and business strategies. Since 2001, she has held leadership positions in the nonprofit, academic, and healthcare fields with a focus on strategy, operations, philanthropy, alliance building, impact, and change management. Her personal motto is “feel like an NGO, run like a business” which reflects her business acumen and systematic approach to running an organization while inspired by its mission. Dr. Albanti is Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt certified, serves as Consulting Producer at Persistent Productions on the How I Live documentary since 2014, received the Women Leaders in Global Health Fellowship Award from Stanford University (2017), was an Emerging Leaders Program Fellow at UMass (2019), was one of the 24 social purpose leaders selected for the 2019 American Express Leadership Academy’s Converge Academy, and is an alumna of the FBI Citizens Academy. She regularly collaborates with WHO on advocacy, policy, and implementation of childhood cancer initiatives. Dr. Albanti holds a Doctor of Public Health (Boston University), a Postgraduate Certificate in Safety, Quality, Leadership, and Informatics (Harvard Medical School), Master of Public Health (Columbia University), Master of Arts in Communication (University of Miami), and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (American College of Thessaloniki).

Athanasiou-Ioannou Varvara

Founder and Chair, Food For Thought Network Inc (PRO-BONO)

Varvara is a multi award-winning educator with three diverse careers as a teacher/curriculum consultant, HR professional and academic, championing diversity and inclusion policies and programs in different settings. She is the Founder and Chair of the Not-for-Profit Greek Australian Women’s Network, ‘Food For Thought Network Inc’ and the global learning platform, ‘Greek Australian Women and Their Friends Around The World Global Forum’, sharing her professional knowledge, experience, and networks on a pro bono basis, championing the talents and strengths of Greek Women, migrant women and Refugees. Varvara is the author of HER VOICE: GREEK WOMEN AND THEIR FRIENDS, a curriculum writer and co-author of more than 60 children’s Greek books, which formed part of the Greek Curriculum Program developed and published by the Education Departments of Victoria and South Australia. As a Sessional Lecturer, specializing in “Learning and Teaching”, “Diversity and Inclusion” and “Women’s Leadership, in 2018 she received the Swinburne University Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award (Higher Education) Team. Her passion in life is to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion and develop people and organizations to leverage on diversity and become more inclusive. In October 2022 Varvara was named Volunteer of the Year for her long-life commitment in creating inclusive schools, universities, organizations and Communities. Varvara is a recipient of a number of other awards for her life long commitment and contributions to Education, Women and Community. These include: Oral History Champion- Manningham Libraries, (2017), the Victorian Honour Roll for Women (2003), the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2003), the International Teaching Fellowship (1993) and the Presidential Award , (1984).

Balatsou Lilian

Cognitive Neuroscientist, Conversational AI Expert, Founder of Greek Girls Code

I am a Cognitive Neuroscientist, Conversational AI Expert and the founder of Greek Girls Code. My research and work has continuously focused on language and communication in all shapes and sizes: human to human, human to computer and computer to human. I currently work as a Conversational AI Expert, reinventing the way voicebots and chatbots are communicating with humans. I previously worked as a Speech Scientist & Project Manager, where I optimized algorithms and platforms to understand human language better and designed more naturalistic human-computer dialogues. I also coordinated these implementations across multidisciplinary teams in projects in the banking and telecommunications sectors in the EU. In November 2020 I received a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Bangor University, UK. My research focused on the behavioural and electrophysiological underpinnings of single word production. My work has been published in scientific journals, presented in international and European conferences (AMLaP, IWLP, CoNSALL) and invited talks in Universities across the UK and Germany. I have been an investigator in five scientific laboratories in academic institutions in Greece, the UK and Germany, while I have taught, supervised and mentored in research numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students in Psychology. Prior to my doctoral research at Bangor University, I obtained a BA in English Language and Literature from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR and a MSc in Psychology of Language from the University of Edinburgh, UK. In 2021 I founded Greek Girls Code, with the aim to inspire more young women in Greece to learn how to code and pursue a STEM education. I also frequently speak in scientific conferences, universities, government institutions and companies about science, artificial intelligence and women in technology.

Karapchanska Desislava

CEO

Desy Karapchanska (F) is Social Impact & Communities Specialist, mainly Connecting Dots, People and Projects. An International Public Relations & Business Development Executive with over 15 years of experience in various sectors like Energy, Banking, Media & Social Impact. CEO of the non profit ATRAKTOS focused on providing access to quality education for underprivileged children. Desy is Climate Reality Leader at the Climate Reality Project, which is established and managed by the Nobel and former Vice President of the U.S.A. Al Gore. She is also Community Champion, responsible for Greece & The Balkan region of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum as well as Responsible Leader of the BMW Foundation. She has participated as a panel speaker of the World Economic Forum at Davos, a TEDX speaker among others. Desy is also the Operations &Community Manager of the Fortune Greece Network | Fortune Greece. She holds a MSc Degree in ‘Applied Economics and Finance’ from the Athens University of Economics and Business and an Undergraduate Degree in ;Business Administration’, speaks 6 languages and loves arts.

Kothra Iliada Evangelia

Founder www.living-postcards.com Founder of www.iliadakothra.com Founder of #Dontacceptit Campaign Business Consultant / Activist/ Speaker / Writer

Born in Athens.  Studies: advertising, public relations, sales management, digital marketing. Founder of www. living- postcards a global platform project started in 2012, at a time of deep economic and political crisis, out of the need to change the world's perspective of Greece. The approach was to support new entrepreneurs - especially women- and to promote new boutique hotels, designers, artists, local products, and innovative Greek brands abroad. Founder of the #dontacceptit campaign against domestic violence She has written many articles about women's empowerment and leadership in sites and magazines such as ThriveGlobal, Huffington Post, Adorn, and she has created the #dontacceptit campaign against domestic violence. Author of two published books, a keynote speaker, and manager of the global organization ''Nations of Women'' -Greek Chapter.

Kourkoulou Latsi Erietta

Founder and President of Save a Greek Stray & A Promise to Animals, President of Matilda Foundation

Born with an inherent love for animals and a desperate need to understand why the world works as is does, I studied Sociology at the American College of Greece and later received my Master’s Degree in Animal Studies from New York University. At the age of 15, I founded my first NGO, ‘’Save a Greek Stray”, whose goal is to end the plight of stray animals in Greece. Since our establishment, we have spayed, neutered and housed over 5.000 stray animals, educated more than 10.000 elementary students and developed ground – breaking programs such as the Inmate Training program in the agricultural penitentiary in Thebes, which is the first of its kind in Europe. In 2020, after completing my second degree, which focused on how human and nonhuman animals relate to each other and the aesthetic, moral, social, political, economic, and ecological significance of these relations, I founded my second NGO, ‘’A Promise to Animals’’. The organization’s mission is to raise awareness about the harms of animal agriculture and the consumption of animal – derived products, on animals, human health and the environment, through education, public outreach and legal advocacy, ultimately encouraging the collective transition to a plant – based diet. During the same year, I became the Chairwoman of Matilda Foundation, a Foundation dedicated to the protection of children from all forms of abuse, as well as the promotion and protection of their fundamental and inalienable rights. In 2022, I was voted to join the board of the Hellenic Cancer Society and was later asked to assist in the active management of the Ariadne Project, whose goal is to inform and support young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. Hoping to influence and inspire more people to adopt a kinder way of living, I started writing publicly about the issues that matter to me and connecting with people through my accounts on social media. Since then, I have touched on issues including infertility, mental health, body positivity, veganism and human rights and developed and funded several programs concerned with each of these issues. Finally, wanting to align my values with my business activity, I have partaken in a series of ethical investments in vegan start-ups and specialized venture funds, the majority of which are concerned with the food tech industry.

Mestheneos Elizabeth

Board Member

A UK citizen by birth, I'm a trained sociologist (B.A.- LSE 1961-4, M.A.- Brunel University 1973, PhD- University of Kent 1983), and an academic at the University of East London teaching sociology/ social anthropology (1967-83). I joined my husband in Greece (m.1969), Fotis Mestheneos, moving permanently (1983) when he produced 2 serials for ERT and I worked in film production. I became a Greek citizen in 1986. On his death (Feb 1988) I became a free-lance researcher, working on AIDS, refugees, long-term unemployment, and family care, leading to the foundation of SEXTANT research company (1991-2000) where I was M.D.. We researched social exclusion, refugees, and ageing about health, ICT, family care, grandparents, long-term care and older workers. From 2000-2005, based at the N.S.P.H., SEXTANT undertook a significant research project on family care. Recognising the lack of use by governments of research findings and the need for citizens’ actions to promote the rights of older Greeks, we founded 50plus Hellas (2005). I was previously involved in voluntary work: as a founder member of the Greek Council for Refugees (1989-96), and as the General Secretary of the Greek Family Planning Association (1988-97). The NGO 50plus Hellas http://www.50plus.gr is concerned with human rights and older people in social participation, employment, health and long-term care, and education. We became a member of the umbrella NGO Age-Platform Europe in 2003 (www.age-platform.eu) representing people over 50 at the EU level. I served as a volunteer Board member and Vice-President on the Executive Committee from 2005 and was elected President from 2006-11. I was a volunteer on the Board of the International Federation of Ageing from 2008-14. I have been a member of the Hellenic Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics since 1990, serving on the Board for many years, and now an Emeritus member. I work for this NGO as a volunteer supporting the e-library (www.gerolib.gr)

Sarantidou Anastasia

Owner Manager No 1 Web Radio For Disabled, CEO 3D Breast Prexifes

I am a Cancer patient, I have had a total removal of the right Breast and lymph nodes and I have an autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis. I am dedicated to Volunteerism and officially registered in the registers for Organ Donation. I am the owner of No 1 Web Radio For Disabled Disabled www.stekiradio.gr, President of the Non-Profit Disabled Association "To Steki" and creator of Breast Prefixes with 3D printing technology, 3D Breast Prexifes by Anastasia. It is an innovative patented product recognized by the Industrial Design Agency. It is light, and perforated so that the woman with a mastectomy can use it at sea. It helps women with Mastectomy a lot because it is very light. I have been awarded by UNESCO Piraeus and Islands for this innovation.

Sonidou Kyriaki

Medical Doctor, GPWSI IN CARDIOLOGY AND DIABETES

I am a qualified General Practitioner with special interest in Cardiology and Diabetes.I studied for a Bachelors in Law (LLB)at the Mihai Eminescu Law School with a distinction. I obtained a MSc in Family Medicine and General Practice with a distinction from the Medical School of Herakleion, Crete. I received my medical training in General Medicine in Athens. I conducted research as a PhD candidate in Cardiology in Athens. I successfully completed with distinction an one year MBA Course in Hospital Management(Conservatoire National Des Arts et Metiers, Paris. I was a Teaching fellow for Gastroenterology at Ealing Hospital. I completed a 3-year cardiology training as scientific fellow. I was appointed as NHS Consultant in 2015.I was offered an honorary contract(GPSI in Cardiology) at Chelsea and Westminster Trust. In 2019 I was given the honorary title of the Goodwill Ambassador of Health Diplomacy in the UK from the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Greece. Since 2020, I am the President of the Hellenic Medical Society of the UK. Since 2018, I am the vice President of the Hellenic Society of Professional People and Scientists. In May 2020, I completed a 2 year training at Cambridge Diabetes Education Program UK). I support NHS surgeries in deprived areas with social inequalities, asylum seekers and homeless people. I am Teaching Fellow for year 3 medical students from the Imperial College of London. I am also a volunteer teaching assistant at the Harrow College @Working Knowledge. Since 2013 I am the President and co-founder of the Pontian Society of the UK. Since 2020, I took over the (PR) of The London Lyceum of Greek Women and I also dance with the Performers advanced group of dancers. In 2021 I graduated from an intensive course at the London School of Economics and Political Science:Analysing Health Systems In 2022, I graduated from a course at Harvard University:Global Health Delivery. I speak Greek, English, French, Italian and Romanian.

Spyridaki Argyro

Founder and President of Reading to the Others

Ms Argyro Spyridaki is the Founder, President and Director of the Non-Governmental Organisation, Reading to The Others. Reading to the Others was created in 2015 after a discussion that Argyro held with her blind friend Thodoris. During this conversation she realised that literature is not equally accessed by the blind persons, because just a small percentage of the books in Greece, is finally recorded for the visually impaired. She decided to change this percentage. Now Reading to the Others has more than 500 active volunteers and more than 8.500 members. The reading volunteers have already recorded more than 136 audio books, a number that is increased day by day. Additionally, the volunteers have kept company to more than 3396 elderly persons by reading to them literature books. Ms Argyro Spyridaki is a Political Scientist. She was born in Chania of Crete and she is the single mother of a 6years old boy, Ermis. In the past she had worked as a journalist and as a Coach as well. She loves reading books, travelling and being a woman. She truly believes that we are able to make the change we would like to see in our society, if we cooperate in a positive way.

Araouzou Kelly

Athletes Representative

My name is Kalliopi Araouzou but everyone calls me Kelly. My whole life smells of chlorine and salt as for the last 27 years I have been in the pool and sea doing what I loved most. Until 2021 I was a professional swimmer. I made my dream come true in 2016, participating in the Olympic Games in Rio in the sport of open water. I served my sport and represented my country in European and World Championships winning 7 European and 3 World medals. At the same time I was able to and finished my studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Primary Education. Soon I will start a master's program specializing in Dual Career in sports believing after so many years of being involved in sports that the hardest part of a champion is the moment when he decides to stop professional or amateur sports and does not know what he will do for the rest of his life his life. At the moment I am the Representative of Athletes at the Hellenic Swimming Federation and on the Athlete Commission at the Hellenic Olympic Committee. Αs for my institutional role, I am trying to help Greek athletes with simple or complex problems that they face in their everyday life.

Chatzoglou Olympia

Fitness Coach and Lifestyle influencer

My name is Olympia Chatzoglou, but people call me Polly. I have studied Marketing & Communications at Deere College. I am a certified Pilates, Yoga and functional trainer by IAFA Greece & GRAFTS. I have been playing professional Basketball since 12 years old and still continue ! I am now a mother and continue to try to inspire people to wake up, see the sunrise, workout and live a beautiful life.

Lada Dimitra

Administrator

After finishing highschool, Dimitra studied Interior Design at "Vakalo" arts school and Industrial Design at "AKTO" school of arts. Her involvement in motor racing began at the early age of 17, when she finished third in the women's category of the Hellenic Motor Racing Championship. She continued evolving amd won the women's Supermoto Championship in 2006. In 2007 she stopped motorcycle racing due to an accident on the road, which put her racing but also, career plans on hold for seceral years. After she was rehabilitated, she changed her career plans and started working at "Fivi pilates Yoga Studio", as an ainistrator and, after receiving the proper education and skills, as a teacher. In 2020 she ce back to the racing tracks, competing with men with the sole purpose of conveying the message against breast cancer awareness, after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2021 she won the championship among exclusively men competitors.

Salta Katerina

Sport for Protection Programme Manager

I was born in Athens and studied marketing. I have been working in providing solidarity to refugees and migrants in Greece for the last seven years and I have designed and managed several projects. Many of them were sport ones. I got amazed by the impact of sport, thus I decided to focus and commit only to this sector: Sport for Development and Peace. Since 2019, I am the Sport for Protection Programme Manager of the International Olympic Truce Centre, a joint initiative of IOC and the Greek Government. The same year I founded Hestia FC, the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. I also coordinate for IOTC EU funded sport projects and I am a speaker in international level regarding sport for development and peace, women’s empowerment, refugees’ social inclusion and volunteering. My philosophy is that our world needs a culture of peace. Creating this culture is very difficult but not impossible. And I am committed towards this goal since Ι strongly believe that this change can be achieved with the effort and work of each one of us every single day. Supporting the human rights of vulnerable populations such as refugee and migrants as well as the rights of children and women in general, raising awareness about the Olympic Ideals and the UN SDGs are crucial features of such a culture. Sport is a powerful tool- therefore I use it for the social inclusion and integration of refugees, for children’s protection and education, for women’s empowerment, and for environmental sustainability. Since 2015, the refugees’ flows in Europe have increased tremendously. Greece, as an entry point, faced big challenges and the refugees’ issue needed support. Taking into account that the country had to also fight with the financial crisis, the fact that I managed with my work in such a difficult period to support this cause and to inspire and support others to also take action, is an accomplishment I am very proud of.

Brilli Danai

Electrical and Computer Engineer Student

My name is Danai Brilli and I am a senior student of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens. My master thesis is on the topic of Video Question Answering, trying to create a complex multimodal model able to answer challenging questions combining spatial and temporal features from videos! Evere since I was a kid, I have loved technology and have always been part of activities and projects to broaden my knowledge and skills. In high school, I have been part of the robotics club, taking part in World Robotics Olympiad as a competitor for 3 years, which led me to continue my path in robotics, by becoming a robotics instructor and coach, but also a judge in multiple competitions. During my university years, I have been active in many student organizations, gaining different experiences and cultivating new skills. One of them, BEST Athens, is the local group of the Board of European Students of Technology, organizing both local and international events, and competitions and managing teams of volunteers. Finally, I am passionate about machine learning and entrepreneurship and love spending time in competitions and hackathons using my skills in machine learning to solve real global problems and thus make an impact on my community.

Ilkou Eleni

PhD researcher in Knowledge Graphs, MSCA fellow in Knowgraphs ITN (https://knowgraphs.eu/EleniIlkou)

Eleni Ilkou was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. She graduated high school with excellence, receiving a distinction prize from the State Scholarship Foundation of Greece (IKY) for entering the University of Ioannina Mathematics Department. During her Bachelor, she worked for 3,5 years as a teaching assistant for an introductory course in programming. She gained teaching experience as a mathematics tutor in different curricula, such as the Greek, Swedish, International and European Baccalaureate. Through internships, she taught in private and craft schools and mentored in mathematical competitions. There, she discovered her passion for education. She was awarded an Erasmus scholarship and joined the Greek High School of Brussels, where she taught classes, prepared students successfully for mathematics competitions and participated in school programs and seminars as a co-leader. Having an interest in smart education led her to follow the Master in Applied Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with a specialization in smart cities. She fulfilled her thesis by working on a novel framework for educational material under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Beat Signer. Later she worked in the AI Lab Brussels as a researcher in an applied research project, focusing on explainable AI and ontologies. Currently, she is a MSCA fellow in the L3S Research Center at Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Nejdl. Eleni's goal is to contribute towards smart education. She believes education is a vehicle which can transform people's lives and assist individuals in achieving their goals and dreams. Her research focuses on the semantic web and computer science applications in education and personalized learning. Her long-term goal is to provide quality education to everyone with internet access. Her work is published in top-tier conferences in the semantic web domain.

Lazana Marietta

Product Design Lead

My name is Marietta Lazana and I am Product Design Lead at Prosperty and Managing Director at Girls in Tech - Greek Chapter. In 2020 I graduated with honors from Athens University of Economics and Business in the department of Management Science and Technology with a major in Software Engineering and Data Analysis. In my very first year of university, I had an active volunteering presence. Specifically, I was part of the largest tech conference, Web Summit in Lisbon, TedXAcademy 2018, and Unique Minds. In addition, I was sponsored by Corallia to be one of the 24 Greek students (among 600) to visit Ivy League university Princeton and get inspiration on how to improve Greek universities. Following these experiences, I created two university communities from scratch, the first one is the MUN(Model of United Nations) Club, and the second one is the first and only university community that empowers young women in the tech sector, called WomenInTech University Edition. Last but not least, during university, I have been awarded the best business plan prize in a startup competition by AUEB. When I graduated, I worked as a Product Designer for startups and digital agencies in Greece and in the Netherlands till I was offered this major opportunity to build the design department in Prosperty, a fast-paced startup. A year later, I managed to create my own team as I was promoted to Product Design Lead and gained responsibility for designing all company’s products. In the meantime, I gained a nano-degree from Harvard University in Design Thinking and Innovation. Moreover, I was invited by AUEB and Thinkbiz Academy to talk about product design and give early career advice. Except for my full-time job, I was honoured to be chosen by a Global NGO, Girls In Tech, to manage the Greek chapter, leading a team of 8 people. My work progress led me to be chosen as one of the 120 women across Europe to attend Top Women in Tech conference in Brussels to discuss women empowerment in tech.

Moraitaki Charikleia

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Hara Moraitaki is currently a first-year undergraduate student of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. She is passionate about sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship, and public speaking and combines these fields to improve world challenges. She is currently working as a research assistant at the MIT Development Lab (D-Lab) on a project collaborating with the World Vegetable Center and the Institut d'Economie Rurale (IER) to evaluate clay pot coolers, a device aiming to help citizens of developing countries preserve their fruits and vegetables without electricity. Since her junior year of high school, she has worked on a team project with multiple international awards aimed at improving the use of solar energy using innovations such as sensors, gyroscopic mechanisms, and mimicking nature. She also conducted research along Harvey Mudd's Marianne de Laet in 2021 regarding 3D-printed homes as a sustainable technology and how they can be implemented worldwide. Hara has been interested in implementing technology and algorithms since a young age, as she has been competing in programming olympiads and competitions. After multiple years of national distinctions, she qualified for the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics in 2021 and 2022. With Athens College's Entrepreneurship Club, Hara founded two demo companies that won the Junior Achievement's Social Innovation Relay, Medinow - lowering response time for medical emergencies in remote areas in Greece - and PetLink - using AI to connect strays with a compatible owner. As a public speaker, Hara has earned multiple national and international distinctions. She participated in the World Schools Debating Championship 2022 as a member of Team Greece. At MIT, Hara is a class representative for the International Student Association, organizing cultural events, as well as a member of the Undergraduate Association Sustainability Committee which organizes multiple initiatives to make MIT more sustainable.

Moustaka Maria-Anastasia

Software Engineer

I am Maria-Anastasia Moustaka and I am currently holding my integrated master's degree in Computer Engineering and Informatics from the University of Patras, from which I graduated in 2022. I am currently pursuing my second master’s degree, as a part-time student, in Didactics of Mathematics, Science, and Information and Communication Technologies in Education at the University of the Aegean. Furthermore, I am currently working as a software engineer for a Greek tech company and in parallel as a robotics educator in several institutions in Rhodes - my hometown, where I enthusiastically teach children about robotics and in general STEM since 2021. During my studies, I volunteered as a robotics trainer at Robots@MET from 2017 to 2021. To continue, I joined the student community of “Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors” where I gained the title of “Gold MLSA” in 2020. To continue, I have been awarded the title of “Microsoft Internet of Things Most Valuable Professional - MVP” and I took part in various robotics competitions with the Robotics Club UoP where we obtained multiple awards. Having discovered the impact of the tech world and more specifically of the “Internet of Things” in our lives, I decided on participating as a speaker in national and international conferences about IoT. Moreover, I own the blog “Think about IoT” and I am co-hosting the “IoTeaLive” livestream show on Twitch, where I share the latest updates about the topic. Last but not least, I am very vocal about my passion through my social media handles (Twitter, LinkedIn) where I share my interest and the latest news about IoT. Having as a goal to spread awareness around IoT, I will continue researching and evolving my online and offline presence by making knowledge even more accessible to all that are interested in this field. Through my work, I aspire to diversify a sector that was predominantly consisted of male employees and I will try to inspire women of all ages to learn more about technology.

Paxinos Melina

COMPOSER / SAXOPHONIST

Melina Paxinos is a young saxophonist and composer who combines modern jazz with her Greek roots in her pieces. Born in Hamburg and living in Berlin for almost seven years, she studied music production - arranging and composition at SRH Hochschule der populaeren Kuenste (B.A.). Now she lives between Athens and Berlin. A fusion between ‚odd meters’, Mediterranean melodies and groovy riffs build the foundation of her compositions - „Greek-Jazz“. Melina’s 1st album „Circle of Oddness“ (2018) illustrates the connection of 'odd & even' meters and also links the circle number π = 3.14, with which her father always opened his suitcases. Inspired by the Athens vibe, she immediately recorded and named her 2nd album "Athens" (2019) in her hometown of Athens at Sierra Studios. As a special guest, she and her band were accompanied by Ross Daly, on his Cretan lyre. Melina's 3rd album "Remixes EP" (2020) in collaboration with the legendary Lena Platonos, pioneer of Greek electronic music, is based on four compositions from Melinas' two albums, Circle of Oddness and Athens, released on Hamburgs' label MachenMachenMachen. In May 22 she released her 4th album "Time" with her band Melina Paxinos Quartet (feat. A. Polyzogopoulos). Here, modern Jazz meets Mediterranean flair, creating a small journey through time with the help of her expressive melodies. Her band consists of Y. Papadopoulos, D. Klonis and N. Manos. As a guest musician she invited A. Polyzogopoulos, who with his lyrical playing, accompanies the band with his trumpet. Melina has participated in various festivals and concerts in Germany and abroad, including B-flat Jazzclub (Berlin), Syros Jazz Fest., Red Bull Music (London), Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens Epidaurus Fest., Cotsen Hall and many more. Her music was also included in the in-flight entert. of Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines. She was nominated for the GIWA 21’ and won the place among the TOP 20 in the "Oticons Intern. Film Music Competition 2021.

Rangou Aliki

Co-Founder

Hi! I’m Alice and I’m 18 years old. I co-founded Pop2See Smart Class (with Konstantinos Mazarakis in July 2021), and I lead our business activities, while I also study Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras. I live by the idea that “people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do” (Steve Jobs). My broken glasses inspired Pop2See, a project that started as a Team of Robotics and continues as a young startup. Our system helps blind students re-join the classes of schools and unis by developing autonomy and independence and upgrading their interaction with their teachers. In June 2022, we won the 1st prize at the National Competition for Young Scientists, awarded by the Ministry of Education, and represented Greece in the European Competition at Leiden. Having won 1st place in the Greek qualifiers, we represented Greece in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO 2022, Germany) and won the silver medal. I love acting and have participated in 10+ plays, including 4 where I co-acted with people with disabilities, supported by “Mahites”, an association that empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Furthermore, I have been a Girl Guide and a volunteer since I can remember myself. I have contributed to events such as the European Championship of Archery (2018), Hult Prize Greece (2018), Coca-Cola Youth Empowerment (2019), etc.

Salavgia Paraskevi

Counsellor for people with disabilities

I am Paraskevi Salavgia and I am 24 years old. I was in a bit of hurry to get to know the world, so I decided that I wanted to be born at 5.5 months of pregnancy. This decision brought me a disability which is cerebral palsy and left hemiplegia, which with a lot of work and miraculously is no longer visible. I am a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University and the Art School of Thessaloniki. I am currently doing my Master's degree in Counselling, specializing in people with special needs. Furthermore, I take part in activities such as sailing, dancing, humor therapy as a teacher and many other things that fill me with joy and vitality. My appetite for life and the deep exploration of myself over the past few years have led me to thoughts that have to do with the self-acceptance and self-love of people. I consider myself bless to be born with a disability and it is wonderful and helpful to walk through life with a heart open with love for those around me. My disability has taught me to appreciate the simplicity of life. That's why I want to help people.

Salepi Stella

Deputy Mayor of Volvi

My name is Setlla Salepi. I was born in 1995 and i am 27 years old. I was graduated as Political Scientist and my first Master Degree is "Public Administration & Policy" . My second Master Degree is "Tourism and Local Develpment". In 2019 i was elected as Municipal Councillor to Municipality of Volvi and in 2021 - 2023 i was updated as Deputy Mayor Civil Protection, Environment and Digital Governance in Volvi. In 2019 - 2023 i am representative of Greece to Brussels as Young Elected Politician. Also, i am one of the youngest elected Politician in Greece who is autistic. I am also Greek ambassador of European climate agreement.

Samara Angeliki

Undergraduate Student

I am a 21 year old girl chasing my dreams.I'm studying Finance in AUEB and in parallel I'm studying LeadershipManagement in DEREE with a scholarship from SNF. I am an energetic, dedicated, diplomatic girl with passion and genuie interest in Business.A versatile player with a passion for learning and growing. I have a demonstrated history in working in entrepreneurship projectsin different fields like F1 in schools, JA Greece, greenTech Challenge and Young Energy Europe, where along with my team we always managed to leave our mark. My personal highlight is at F1 in schools where I have won the 2016 world championship in USA being not only the first greek team to have reached the podium but also crowned first, which had never happened before and hasn't happened again since then. This also made me the only greek girl to have competed in a world championship twice with a world title. Since then I have been working as a consultant for several F1in schools teams which they have been highly ranked at the finals and lastly I have been offered a place at the international judging panel. Being engaged in this I found my passion for business and I decided to continue my studies in the field of business, despite the fact that I had a full scholarship to study engineering in UCL & City University of London. After my entry in the university I was the CFO of an enviromental start up which was ranked among 10 best in the GreenTech Challenge by ESU NTUA in 2019. After the pandemic I joined the AUEB's Finance & Investment Club and without further delay I joined the board of directors in the next academic year. There I helped in the organisation of many workshops with organisations like Bank of America, MasterCard, Oliver Wyman and received an invitation for Delphi Economic Forum 2022. Lastly, I am the Co-Founder of EcoCate, which is a start up which mission is to reduce and meanwhile make the full potential out of food waste, which has won the 1st place in Young Energy Europe in 2021 and was presented in Berlin in June 2022. In summer I started my first internship at Ernst & Young Greece (EY) at the department of Strategy and transactions. The most important out of it is that It had a huge impact in my personality.My personal motto is: "Dream Big Enough and you can achieve your most ambitious goals"

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