For the first time in the history of the Greek American community, an event has been conceived, led, and brought to life entirely by and honoring women. The 2025 Gabby Awards, hosted by the Greek America Foundation, will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the legendary Plaza Hotel in New York City, honoring 20 dynamic women, plus two— whose achievements span philanthropy, business, arts, education, science, and civic life.
Legendary chef, restaurateur and philanthropist Cat Cora and serial philanthropist and entrepreneur Danialle Karmanos will receive Lifetime Support Awards for their nearly two-decade support of the Greek America Foundation’s mission.
Themed “Goddesses in Our Midst,” the 2025 Gabby Awards marks a cultural milestone—not only in its focus on female honorees and how the event will unfold and be told to those in attendance, but also in the all-women team that developed, produced, and will perform throughout the evening. From the stage to the planning table, this event is a celebration of women’s impact, voice and leadership in every sense.
“These women aren’t just leaders in their fields—they are shaping our community’s future,” said Gregory C. Pappas, Founder and President of the Greek America Foundation. “This is more than an awards show. It’s a moment of truth and recognition—an opportunity to lift up stories that haven’t always been told loudly enough.”
Honorees include Emmy-winning journalists, groundbreaking scientists, entrepreneurs, public servants, educators, cultural icons, and emerging voices—each selected not only for their professional achievements but for their commitment to service, impact, and values rooted in the pursuit of excellence.
The honorees represent a new era of Greek America—bold, diverse, inclusive, and unafraid to challenge tradition. The event’s artistic direction will reflect this energy, with an immersive visual and musical experience created by Daniella Zelin and Marina Zitebsky, two of the world’s most acclaimed immersive event producers.
The stories of the honorees will be woven together into an immersive story, which will also include the illustrious lives and legacies of women whose impact has been felt from antiquity to the present day, who will be celebrated with theater and song.
Performing at the event will be acclaimed soprano Alexandra Loutsion, pop-star Evangelia, Erini, known globally for her dedication to traditional Greek sounds and the soulful, sultry Margarita Cox. Also adding their unique voices will be actors Anthoula Katsimatides and Christina Mavronas, and storyteller Amalia Kalogridakis.
The Gabby Awards serve as the Greek America Foundation’s premier fundraising gala, supporting its core programs in education, cultural preservation, philanthropy, and service. For event details, weekend schedule and honoree bios please visit the event website here.
The 2025 Gabby Awards Honorees
(Full bios of the honorees are here)
Cat Cora, Lifetime Supporter
Danialle Karmanos, Lifetime Supporter
Angelika Dimoka, Miami, FL
Renowned academic and researcher in neuroscience and business, she bridges science and strategy to drive innovation and decision-making excellence.
Dora Konomi, Toronto, Ont
Lawyer, journalist, and public speaker, she uses her voice to advocate for justice, civic engagement, and the Greek diaspora through her media and legal work.
Anthoula Katsimatides, New York, NY
Actor, activist, and 9/11 family advocate, she channels personal loss into national advocacy, supporting mental health and community resilience.
Stefanie Roumeliotes, San Francisco, CA
Political strategist and founder of SGR Consulting, she advises national campaigns and champions representation, equity, and civic empowerment.
Dr. Tammi Dice, Norfolk, VA
Dean and professor at Old Dominion University, she advances inclusive education and social justice through transformative leadership and scholarship.
Laura Evans Manatos, Washington DC
Emmy Award–winning journalist and founder of Laura Evans Media, she uses storytelling to amplify voices of impact and drive change through positive media.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz, Akron, OH
Founder of State and Federal Communications, Inc., she is a national leader in political compliance and transparency, serving Fortune 500 clients for over three decades.
Evellyn Leontarakis Tsiadis, South Plainfield, NJ
Dedicated to philanthropy and service, she embodies the belief that doing good can transform lives and communities, guided by values rooted in her heritage.
Dr. Lori Kotsonis Chiampas, Chicago, IL
With nearly 30 years in pediatric pharmacy, she leads in clinical and operational excellence, improving medication safety and mentoring healthcare professionals nationwide.
Christina Hioureas, New York, NY
Partner and Global Co-Chair at Foley Hoag LLP, she represents states and individuals in international arbitration and human rights cases before global tribunals.
Aliki Theofilopoulos, Los Angeles, CA
Acclaimed animator and producer who began at Disney on films like Hercules and Tarzan, now a creative force behind hit children’s television series worldwide.
Despina C. Kartson, Rye, NY
Author of Last Night’s Soup Run and long-time volunteer serving the homeless, she shares stories of dignity and compassion through faith-driven outreach.
Katherine Kallinis Berman
& Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, Washington DC
Sisters and co-founders of Georgetown Cupcake, stars of TLC’s DC Cupcakes, they turned a family recipe into a national brand and philanthropic platform.
Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis, Bridgewater, NJ
Fourth-generation matchmaker and founder of Agape Match, she blends tradition with modern relationship science and advocates for love, identity, and inclusion.
Diane Kounalakis, San Francisco, CA
Businesswoman and philanthropist from a proud Cretan immigrant family, she channels her heritage into community empowerment and cultural preservation.
Lena Philippou Korres, New York, NY
Co-founder of KORRES skincare, she leads innovation and sustainability in beauty, blending Greek botanicals with scientific research and global reach.
Marianthi Sofiakis Koritsaris, Chicago, IL
Educator and cultural advocate, she has devoted her career to preserving Greek language and values in the classroom and beyond.
Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis, Pittsburgh, PA
Cybersecurity and engineering education pioneer at Carnegie Mellon, she champions diversity and excellence while shaping future tech leaders.
Sofia Lingos Papaliodis, Boston, MA
Founder of Trident Legal and professor at Northeastern University, she empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs and leads with equity, law, and mentorship.
For more information, visit https://greekamerica.org/gabbyawards2025.