4th GIWA WINNERS

The profiles of the 4th GIWA winners.

arts and culture

Cathariou Angelica

Opera Singer / Vocal Performer

Angelica is an opera singer,Associate Professor at the Dept.of Music Science and Art (University of Macedonia),Director of the ARTS Lab of Sound & Video Technologies and artist-in-residence at the Athens Conservatoire.An Onassis Scholar,Angelica holds an MA in Music and a PhD from the University of York.She sings an extensive operatic, symphonic and contemporary repertoire ranging from the title roles in Peri’s Euridice and Bizet’s Carmen to Mahler’s Symphony N.2 and Le Marteau Sans Maître by Boulez at Carnegie Hall,Concertgebouw,Opéra National du Rhin,Greek National Opera,Teatro Comunale di Ferrara,Teatro Ponchielli di Cremona,Opéra Comique,Culturgest Hall and Centro Cultural de Belém(Lisbon),Auditorio Manuel de Falla(Granada),York National Centre of Early Music,Megaron Athens Concert Hall,Τhe Pharos Arts Foundation,Budapest Spring Festival,Festival International de Marseille,Athens Festival(Odeon Herodes Atticus),Festival de la Roque d’ Anthéron.As a soloist Angelica has performed with renowned orchestras,such as Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg under the musical direction of: Claudio Abbado,Steuart Bedford,Jan Latham-Koenig,Loukas Karytinos,Jordi Mora,Michel Plasson,Zoe Tsokanou,Pierre-André Valade, Alberto Zedda. Her recordings for BIS,Naxos,Naïve,Melism and Centaur include the world premiere of Skalkottas’ 16 melodies,Mitropoulos’ 14 Invenzioni on poems by C.P.Cavafi,the Eluard cycle by Theodorakis and Xenakis’ Zyia for which she was awarded the Orphée d’Or 2012 Prize by the Académie Internationale du Disque Lyrique for best recording of contemporary vocal music.Other recordings include T.S.Eliot Songs by Jani Christou,vocal works by Silvina Milstein,Michael Adamis,Clotilde Rosa,Falla’s Amor brujo and the music of Alexandre Desplat for the film 11'09"01 New York September 11.Her book “L’Atelier Moderne,An exploration of the collaborative process between performer and composer in vocal music theatre of the 21st century” is published by NOVA Publishers,N.Y

arts and culture

Kapsetaki Marianna

Neurosurgery resident, Neuroscientist, Lecturer, Classical pianist

Dr Marianna Kapsetaki is a neurosurgery resident, neuroscientist, lecturer, and classical pianist. She earned her Piano Soloist Diploma (1st Hons, Distinction, and 1st Prize) at 17, followed by a Medical Degree (1st Hons) from the University of Crete, an MSc (Distinction) in Performing Arts Medicine from University College London, and a PhD in Neuroscience (no corrections) from Imperial College London. She later became a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UCL, undertook a Clinical Observership in Functional Neurosurgery at St George’s Hospital, London, and is nearing completion of an MSc in Clinical and Experimental Neurosurgery at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has received 120+ awards and scholarships, including making history as the first and only Greek doctor to be named in Forbes' "30 Under 30" list (Europe – Science & Healthcare), 1st prize in 12 international and national piano competitions, the 2025 Study UK Alumni Award in Science & Sustainability (British Council), UNESCO Medal, the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine Award for Best MSc Dissertation, the Dean’s Internship Award (Imperial College London), Onassis Foundation PhD Scholarship, and a scholarship from the Athens Megaron Music Friends Society and ‘World in Harmony’ Association conferred by HRH Princess Irene at the Gina Bachauer Awards. She has delivered 110+ talks, performed in 160+ concerts, recorded four CDs, and been featured 100+ times in major media outlets (e.g. BBC News, The Guardian, Classic FM). She serves as an editorial board member for the journals BMC Neuroscience, Health Science Reports, Postgraduate Medical Journal, JMIR Neurotechnology, and PLOS One, has reviewed 260+ manuscripts, published 13 first-author papers, and mentored/supervised 80+ students worldwide. She has taught at UCL and the University of Crete and is currently a Lecturer at the Hellenic Mediterranean University and Collaborative Academic Staff at the Hellenic Open University.

business and entrepreneurship

Prokopi Demetriades Marianna

Founder and CEO

Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is a biotech innovator, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur based in Cyprus. She is the founder of three pioneering biotech companies: Theramir Ltd, which develops miRNA-based extracellular vesicle therapeutics for metastatic cancers; RSL Revolutionary Labs, offering clinically tested dermaceuticals for oncology patients; and Promed Bioscience Ltd, a collagen biomaterials company specializing in atelocollagen for regenerative medicine and bioprinting.Marianna currently serves as Clin.Ass. Professor of Oncology Research at the European University Cyprus. Her work is deeply personal, having lost her mother at a young age and later her father and sister to cancer,is driven by a mission to deliver patient-first innovation that connects science with human dignity and impact and real-world relevance.She is a recipient of the 2024 Falling Walls/Elsevier Women’s Impact Award, the 2023 Forbes WomenInTech Award, the King’s College London Distinguished Alumni Award, the Cyprus National Young Researcher Award and the Madame Figaro Woman of the Year Award. In 2024, she returned to King’s College London to deliver the keynote graduation address at the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, celebrating the next generation of scientists.Her companies have achieved global reach, securing international patents, launching clinical trials across the UK, Germany, and Austria, expanding into 12 markets including Australia and Africa, and signing €33M in commercial contracts. She advocates for biotech as a driver of health equity and sustainable growth, creating one of Cyprus’s first biotech clusters with certified manufacturing infrastructure.A passionate mentor and ecosystem builder, Marianna supports young scientists and founders through Falling Walls Female Science Talent, Junior Achievement Europe and Cyprus and as Ambassador for King’s College London. Her mission is to redefine innovation as a force for dignity, collaboration, and lasting societal impact.

design

Psarra Sophia

Professor of Architecture and Spatial Design

An architect and Professor at The Bartlett School of Architecture (BSA), UCL, I hold a PhD (1997)/MSc (1986) from the BSA and Diploma from The National Technical University of Athens (1985). I am co-director of the History/Theory PhD programme (BSA), and have taught studios/seminars (BSA), University of Michigan (UoM) (Assoc. Professor 2005-11), Cardiff University (1997-2004) and University of Greenwich (1992-97). I have developed transdisciplinary internationally recognised innovative work, spanning architecture and urbanism, history/theory, political science and cultural studies. I have produced funded research (NSF-USA, Leverhulme Trust, The Onassis Foundation). My work focuses on spatial morphology and the histories of building/cities that have influenced their development alongside the social patterns of human activity. I am the author of two monographs, two edited volumes and over 60 research publications. I was the editor of The Journal of Space Syntax (2011-15) and associate editor of Architecture Research Quarterly (2004). I have served as external examiner of 20 PhD theses internationally; scientific reviewer of research/scholarship applications for The Swiss National Science Foundation (2024), The Onassis Foundation (2023), The London Arts and Humanities Partnership (2020-24), The Independent Social Research Foundation (2024); as scientific advisor for CiTUA, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisbon, and external evaluator of schools of architecture/courses in UK and internationally. My design work has been recognized through publications, catalogues and international exhibitions (Venice Biennale; The RIBA; NAI Rotterdam). I have collaborated with leading institutions and architects on exhibition layout and visitors’ experience (The MoMA-NY, The Natural History Museum, London, The Great Museum of Egypt). My co-edited volume Parliament Buildings (2023) was shortlisted for the Colvin Prize by the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain (SAHGB).

education and psychology

Cheirdari Eirini

sexologist

Eirini Cheirdari is a sexologist and a sex coach who organizes sex education seminars. She founded www.sexacademy.eu, a sex education platform where she and her partners offer webinars and online sessions. She served as the head of the sex coaching department at the Andrological Institute of Athens. Furthermore, she has collaborated with the renowned American sexologist Dr. Ruth, with whom she launched SEX EDUCATION, the first sex education seminar program in Greece.She pursued studies in journalism, counseling psychology, sexology, and sex coaching. She completed her studies in counseling psychology and life coaching at the University of the Aegean. Additionally, she undertook retraining in sex therapy through a post-graduate course on sexual dysfunctions at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens (EPIPSY, training of Aegineteio). She finished her life coaching studies at the Coaching Evolution International Academy and furthered her expertise in sex coaching. In this field, she was certified by Dr. Patti Britton of Sex Coach U and Sex Coaching University (LA), a leading figure in sex coaching. She earned a MIUR diploma from the Italian Ministry of Education and Science, focusing on rape issues ("In the Mind of the Rapist"), trained by the Italian forensic sexology training organization Promethes. She received training in G-spot orgasm and female ejaculation ("squirting") from Deborah Sundahl, a foremost expert on the G-spot. Additionally, she was trained in Gold Counselling by the prominent British counselor, hypnotherapist, and Neurolinguistic Programming teacher Georges Phillips, founder of the International College of Eclectic Therapies. She is the author of three books: "Five Seconds Before Love"; "69 Sex Lessons" and "Athens Bites," which addresses sex trafficking in Greece and won the Special Award of The European Year of Equal Opportunities for All.

environment and sustainability

Ntasiou Zisoula

Vice President of CTIF – Chief of the Aerial Firefighting Operations ESKEDIK

Zisoula Ntasiou is a Fire Colonel in the Hellenic Fire Corps, under the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. A graduate of the Hellenic Fire Academy, she also holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Forestry from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. With over 20 years of field and leadership experience, she currently leads the Aerial Fire Fighting Coordination Center – Unit 2, working closely with national and international agencies to respond to wildfires in Greece’s most vulnerable regions.She has served as Duty Officer at the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management, coordinating high-risk missions with the Hellenic Army, Air Force, Police, and private operators. Her expertise in forest fire prevention and aerial firefighting has made her a frequent speaker at global conferences in Europe and the U.S., including roles as moderator and presenter at major events in Estonia, San Diego, and Athens.Since 2017, she has represented Greece in the Forest Fires Expert Group at the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre and currently serves as Secretary of the Forest Fires Commission of the CTIF. In June 2024, she was elected Vice President of the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF)—a role through which she advocates for international collaboration on sustainable fire management and climate resilience.Zisoula is married and she has a 17-year-old son. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, music, and photography. She is known for her optimistic spirit, strong leadership, and deep commitment to protecting people, forests, and the natural environment.

fashion

Karra Antonia

Jewelry designer

Antonia Karra holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, as well as an MBA - Master in BusinessAdministration. She worked in the financial industry for several years but along the way her love for jewelry"won" her over, turning her hobby into a profession! Applying a special technique she learned from her deargrandmother, Greek designer Antonia Karra began knitting the most intricate designs, taking us all on excitingadventures through her creations.Her line of unique jewelry was also enriched with new styles and materials - after also participating in a specialisedworkshop at the internationally renowned Saint Martins School in London - such as silver and semi-precious stones,which were quickly embraced by the public as well as international designers and fashion icons. She hascollaborated with world-renowned designers and brands such as Melissa Odabash, TOMS, Temptation Positano, Manebi,Zeus & Dione, Emmanuela Swimwear, and others. Her jewelry pieces have been featured in the book "GreekIsland" by Assouline Publications, and her creations have adorned Diane Von Furstenberg, Iris Apfel,Georgina Chapman, Elisa Sednaoui, Lynne Renee, Adriana Lima, and more.Selling points from 2013 until today - Greece Athens•Antiparos•Corfu•Crete•Halkidiki•Kefalonia•Kos•Mykonos•Naxos•Paros•Patmos•Paxos•Peloponnese• Porto Heli•Santorini•Serifos•Spetses•Thessaloniki Worldwide : Australia•Chile•Cyprus•France•Germany•Lebanon•Portugal•UK•USA InspirationThe source of inspiration for each of my creations is the unique imprint left in me with every person I meet and every place that I visit Her jewelry has been featured in international press such as •English Vogue• English Vanity Fair•Harpers Bazaar Arabia •interviewed for the French magazine Challenges Antonia received and award in 2019 by Irene Nikolopoulou at the 1st Greek Top Women Awards In 2022 Antonia became a brand ambassador for Greece for international fashion house Diane von Furstenberg In 2025 she participates in the Biennale for studio jewelry with the theme ‘Gates of Transition’ curated and hosted at Ilias Lalaounis Museum

finance

Leontiou Maria

Head of Eurobank Next - Digital Growth & Future Competitiveness

Engineer by degree, Financial Services expert by profession, Innovation enthusiast by nature, Maria Leontiou heads Eurobank Next – Digital Growth & Future Competitiveness within Eurobank with the aim to ensure the Bank’s future relevance. Maria holds a M.Eng. degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and has over 24 years of experience in the “Fin” part of FinTech. She joined Eurobank in 2002 and has over 17 years of managerial experience with a track record in corporate innovation, business development, project management and operations. Before that Maria was a stock broker in the Athens Stock Exchange Market and a certified Derivatives' Market Maker. Her curiosity for everything new makes her love and passionately seek innovation, a trait that grew through her participation in the organizing team of TEDxAthens and was then put in practice within her role as the head of Eurobank’s Innovation Center. She is very close to the startup community which she supports in her capacity as mentor or judge in various initiatives & programs. She firmly believes in the power of community, is actively pushing the gender equality agenda and is a strong advocate of "sharing means caring". Maria enjoys both creating and sharing content on digital media to engage with like-minded professionals and initiate meaningful conversations.

hospitality

Alpe Katilena

Communications Director

Katilena Alpe is a seasoned travel public relations expert and entrepreneur, specializing in luxury travel and lifestyle across Europe, Greece, and the Mediterranean region. As the Director of DK Associates, she leads a boutique PR agency that collaborates with high-end hotels, destinations, airlines, and restaurants. Her professional journey includes experience with the Greek National Tourism Organisation, and she is an alumna of the University of North London.Beyond her professional endeavors, Katilena is passionate about exploring Greece's boutique hotels and sharing her experiences through social media. She is also a mother of twins and an advocate for sustainable, design-led travel.

law and political sciences

Klimentidi Souzana

Managing Partner

Souzana is co-founder of the Law Firm "ALEXOPOULOS - ANDRIOTIS - KLEMENTIDI & PARTNERS" and has a wealth of professional experience in the fields of bankruptcy, banking, commercial, maritime, civil and criminal law. She has deep expertise in the Financial Sector as she has an excellent track record in bankruptcy and enforcement law. Souzana has gained expertise in investment banking, financing and claims litigation, including banking, capital markets, financial agreements and debt restructuring. In addition, she has handled cases of out-of-court resolution of indebted individuals and resolution of distressed companies, and provides advice and opinions to individuals and institutions of repute on corporate and investment law issues. She has particular expertise in strategic and large-scale investments. She has successfully represented the interests of several domestic and foreign companies, as well as private individuals and public law entities. She has also served as a speaker at numerous conferences and seminars. She regularly writes articles both in the printed and electronic informative and scientific press on crucial issues of legal topicality.Souzana is admitted before the Supreme Court and she is a member of the Kalamata Bar Association since 2010.EDUCATION• INSEAD, Executive/Post MBA, International Directors Programme, 2021-2022• University of Oxford (Executive Education, Bank Governance, Bank Governance Programme at Said Business School, 2021)• University of Piraeus (LL.M., Maritime Law, 2014)• National Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Law (LL.B., 2009)LANGUAGES• Greek• English• French• Chinese• Arabic

media and marketing communications

Kapi Kyra

Communications Director to the Prime Minister

I am an award-winning media and communication expert with extensive experience in journalism, broadcasting, and strategic communication. I was honored with an Ermis Award, Greece’s most prestigious recognition in advertising and communication, for leading the Prime Minister’s groundbreaking TikTok campaign, which went viral and played a pivotal role in securing electoral victory.Currently, I serve as the Communications Director for the Prime Minister of Greece, overseeing strategic messaging and public engagement at the highest level of government.Born in Athens, I am a graduate of Athens College and studied Communication and Media at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I hold a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and New Media from Columbia University and have trained at the London Academy of Media, Film & TV.Throughout my career, I have worked with leading Greek media outlets (STAR, ERT, SKAI – “Neoi Fakeloi”, ANT1 Radio, and Athens 9.84) and held positions in communication firms in Greece. I have also worked internationally, including in Paris for UNESCO and in the U.S.Fluent in English, German, French, and Spanish, I am passionate about shaping the media and communication landscape with innovative and impactful strategies.

science and technology

Drakaki Alexandra

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE,HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY AND UROLOGY

I received my medical degree from the University of Crete in Greece in 2006. Subsequently I underwent training in an Internal Medicine Residency Program at a Tufts University affiliate hospital followed by fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School. While in training I also served as a research fellow at the Dana Farber Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School during which I completed my PhD, and successfully defended my thesis at the University of Crete in Greece. Following, I joined the faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2013.Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Medicine,Hematology/Oncology and Urology, under evaluation for accelerated promotion to a Full Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA. I am the Medical Director of the Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Program, the Research Director for GU clinical trials in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, the co-Director at the Institute of Urologic Oncology’s Clinical Trials Program and the co-Leader of the GU Disease Specific Group for the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) at UCLA.I am a member and provide service on numerous committees, including the Institutional Review Board (IRB), reviewing all the cancer related clinical research at UCLA in order to protect human research subjects, the JCCC Internal Scientific Peer Review Committee(ISPRC), responsible for maintaining scientific excellence in the Cancer Center’s research portfolio,and member/co-Leader of the Disease Specific Group for GU cancers. In addition, I am a member of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Committee,the Institute of Urologic Oncology Fellowship Committee, the Department of Medicine Faculty Mentor for the Internal Medicine residents, and the clinical and / or research mentor for the Hematology/Oncology fellows. Lately, I have been interviewing medical students interested in our Internal Medicine Residency.

shipping

Pastra Aspasia

Assistant. Professor

Dr. Aspasia Pastra has been appointed as an Assistant Professor at the World Maritime University-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) in Malmö, Sweden. To date, she has been involved in a number of State-of-the-Art Regulatory Projects in maritime policy, ocean technology, robotics, environmental protection, port governance and corporate governance. She has published extensively in the field of maritime policy and governance, maritime robotics & techno-regulatory advancements and global environmental change. She has been a lecturer in UK institutions in the field of maritime administration and shipping management. Dr Pastra holds a B.Sc. degree in Public Administration from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Greece, an MBA from Cardiff University in the UK and an MSc in Maritime Administration from the World Maritime University. She was awarded her PhD in the area of corporate governance from Brunel University in London. She has also extensive experience in shipping as she worked for many years in large shipping companies. she has also been appointed as a postdoc fellow in the European Union Horizon2020 Programme funded project titled “Overcoming Regulatory Barriers for Service Robotics in an Ocean Industry Context”.Her work bridges science, policy, and industry, aiming to inspire collective action for a sustainable maritime and ocean future.

social responsibility

Kouvelaki Sofia

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project

I am the founder and CEO of The HOME Project, an NGO dedicated to eliminating the child protection gap for unaccompanied minors in Greece. The child protection model we have developed was recognized by the government and was voted into law, setting the standards that must be followed by all shelters housing lone refugee children.In 2020, I was selected as part of the Obama Foundation Leaders: Europe program, and have received the Child 10 and Hellenic Initiative awards in recognition of my work for the protection of the most vulnerable children. Previously, I was a Program Manager at the Bodossaki Foundation, and have worked at the UN and UNICEF in social policy and economic analysis.I studied at Brown University, Sciences Po, and LSE, and completed the Harvard University Program on Refugee Trauma and Recovery. I have given talks on child protection and the refugee crisis at the US Congress, Harvard, Brown, UCL and other institutions in Europe and the USA.

sports

Gkolfinopoulou Tota

Deputy CEO, Chief of Strategic & Corporate Affairs

I hold a degree in Translation and Interpretation from Greece and have completed a Master’s course in Translation Studies in the United Kingdom.My journey into the world of sports began during the 1998 FIBA World Championship, where I worked as a Press Tribune Supervisor. Following this, I worked with the Hellenic Athletics Federation for two years, organizing International IAAF and EAA Permit Tournaments. In 2000, I joined the Sports Division of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee as International Federations and Officials Services Section Manager. This role provided me with a comprehensive understanding of all Olympic sports and allowed me to collaborate closely with International Federations. It offered me invaluable insights into event management, sports operations, and the intricacies of sports politics.In 2006, I took on the challenge of reviving the Athens Authentic Marathon as Event Services & Registrations Director. Overseeing a range of projects and initiatives, I worked with my team to elevate the event across multiple dimensions. Acting as the primary liaison for external partners and stakeholders, I contributed to transforming the Athens Marathon into a globally recognized event. In 2022, I joined the Hellenic Basketball Federation by taking charge of the 3x3 project. My primary role was to organize a series of 3x3 events across various levels, with the goal of increasing awareness and establishing a robust foundation for the development of our National Teams. In January 2024, I was entrusted with the role of Event Director for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024. The event was a resounding success, with the management team prioritizing the experience of all stakeholders, including athletes, VIPs, and spectators.Most recently, I was honored to be appointed Deputy CEO of the Hellenic Basketball Federation and Chief of Strategic and Corporate Affairs, a role I assumed four months ago.

young star award

Kyriazi Maria

Doctoral Researcher - PhD in Molecular and Cellular Medicine

I am a doctoral researcher in Molecular and Cellular Medicine at the University of Oxford. I investigate how cells change with age, and explore the mechanisms by which this occurs, to identify strategies to delay the onset of age-related diseases. Over the years, I have been committed to advancing our understanding of human ageing, aiming to provide people with a better quality of life throughout their lives. My research not only expands scientific knowledge but has real-world implications for improving global health and fostering healthy ageing. I am a member of the First UK Space Innovation Lab, and part of the pioneering team that has sent samples from the NASA headquarters to the International Space Station, to study the effects of microgravity on human ageing and use it as a platform to study ageing on Earth better. I am the third recipient of the Mellon Longevity Graduate Scholarship, and a scholar of the Alexander S. Onassis Foundation. I hold a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Genetics and a Master of Research degree in Ageing and Health awarded with Distinction. I graduated among the top 2.5% of students at Newcastle University, ranking first in my cohort. I have authored publications in scientific and science communication journals and have been invited to present my research at national and international scientific conferences (e.g., OARSI World Congress, Seoul, Korea, 2025). Throughout my academic career, I have received distinctions including the Laura Bassi Scholarship for junior academics, the NCL+ award, the Good Citizen Award and multiple Career Development funds in recognition of my contributions in mentoring, outreach and education. As a first-generation woman in science, I am deeply committed to fostering accessibility and inclusion in science and education. I have served as a Peer Mentor, Educator, and Ambassador, and a member of Greek Women In Stem (Greece), R.E.A.L. Science (Greece), and Oxplore (UK).

Honourable Awards

Τhe awards of Lifetime Achievement and International Recognition are excluded from the nomination, judging and public voting process.

Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

Litsa Panayotopoulos

President, INTALE S.A. Retail Solutions | Vice President, PAPAPOSTOLOU N. S.A. Healthcare Technologies | CEO, E.VI.A Intelligent Performance | Senior Advisor, Purdue University – Administration

Litsa Panayotopoulos is the Co-Founder & CEO of E.VI.A. Intelligent Performance, President of Intale Retail Solutions, Vice President of Papapostolou N. S.A. Healthcare Technologies, and Senior Advisor to the Administration of Purdue University. With a broad and distinguished leadership career, she actively advances innovation and entrepreneurship through her roles as an international speaker, business-plan judge, and strategic advisor to companies and startups. She serves as Chair of the Education – Innovation – Entrepreneurship Committee and as a Board Member of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, where she previously served as Secretary General—the only woman to have held this position in the Chamber’s 93-year history. She is also Vice President of the Citizens’ Movement for an Open Society, Treasurer of SAEE (Hellenic Association of S.A. & Entrepreneurship), and a member of the Business Advisory Council of the Athens University of Economics & Business International MBA.Her international career began at Control Data (USA–Silicon Valley, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) and continued in Greece, where she established and led ORACLE Greece, SE Europe & Cyprus as President and CEO, founding and overseeing subsidiaries in 16 countries. She has also headed major organizations including Geranos S.A. (with oversight of 20 subsidiaries of Commercial Bank of Greece), OTE Academy, and other companies in Greece and internationally.