Greek America’s Forty Under 40: Class of 2024
Katerina Alexopoulos serves as an Assistant Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She zealously advocates on behalf of the U.S. Government to uphold the integrity of the immigration system and protect our nation’s borders. She acts as a point of contact for Denaturalization and Human Rights Violators/War Criminal cases. As the current Homeland Security Investigations embedded attorney, she counsels Special Agents in their elaborate investigations. Attorney General Garland recently awarded her team the John Marshall Award for Interagency Cooperation for successfully securing the revocation of naturalization for a war criminal who helped perpetuate the Srebrenica Massacre in Bosnia.
Fueled by a desire to be the voice of victims, Katerina embarked on her public service career as an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County, where she handled complex criminal cases from investigation to appeal. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2013 with a Criminal Litigation Certificate and three CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Intensive Trial Advocacy, Criminal Litigation II, and Legal Writing II. She competed as a trial team member and served as the Hellenic Law Student Association president. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University in 2010.
As a daughter of Greek immigrants, Katerina takes immense pride in her commitment to the Chicago Greek-American community. In this year’s National Hellenic Museum’s “Trial of Pericles,” she took the stage as one of the prosecutors. She serves as an Officer of the Hellenic Bar Association and volunteers her time with the Hellenic Legal Assistance Clinic (Hel.LAS). She is a lifelong member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Palos Heights. When she is not lawyering, you can find her on the dance floor as a Greek dance instructor for the Neolea Hellenic Dancers or planning Disney vacations with her extended family.
Tria is passionate about paying it forward to those coming up behind her and has devoted her life and career to mentoring youth.
She has helped thousands of college students entering the workforce through her recruitment roles at Ernst & Young and Willis Towers Watson, and most recently through Onboarding and Development programs she built at Cognizant.
Tria has made significant impact through the AHEPA family, where she started a local Maids of Athena chapter and advanced to positions including District Governor, Grand Secretary, Grand Vice President, and most notably, Grand President. During her time as Grand President, Tria visited five countries, shook hands with three sitting Presidents of State, and made memories that would last a lifetime, including an audience with Patriarch Bartholomew and celebrating Anastasi service at the Patriarchate.
She made a lasting mark by launching Maid to Lead, a program that hones the natural abilities of young female leaders by giving them opportunities to impact change on national committees, with the intent of building a strong pipeline of capable leaders. The program continues today nearly eight years later and has identified top leaders including the most-recent Grand President.
A proud Kariotina, Tria was honored at the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood’s National Convention in 2017 for her exemplary dedication and resolute leadership during her time as Maids of Athena Grand President.
She continues to guide current Μaids members through advisor roles at the Chapter and District levels, and previously on the national level as a member of the Board of Advisors. She was recognized as Advisor of the Year in 2022 and received the President’s Recognition Award in 2020 for her guidance to the Grand Lodge.
Tria earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Humanities from Hiram College, and serves on the Alumni Executive Board as the Student Engagement Committee Chair.
Dimitri’s father fled Ikaria when the junta imprisoned Dimitri’s paternal grandfather. His maternal grandparents fled Ikaria during World War II. It’s these stories that inspire Dimitri in his professional and personal life.
Dimitri attended St. John’s University, Queens, NYC to play football but after they canceled the program, he transferred to SUNY Buffalo to continue his playing career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, magna cum laude, in Communications and English and then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Dimitri then joined the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Corps. His assignment history includes Group Judge Advocate for the 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne) and being selected as one of only a handful to ever serve as a Teaching Fellow for the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL) in Sanremo, Italy. He is currently only one of three assigned to a Multi-Domain Task Force. Dimitri has deployed to Afghanistan and to Africa in support of a Joint Special Forces Operation. Dimitri has also been published on a variety of topics to include Human Rights and Gender Based Violence. He also earned his Master of Laws from The United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.
Throughout his carrer, Dimitri continues to support his hometown Greek church and the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood of America while also volunteering at his duty location. He has volunteered for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program; to cook Thanksigiving dinner for 20 international personnel while serving as the only American Solider in IIHL; and to coach sports to include Italians playing American football. Additionally, he spoke at his hometown’s Memorial Day Program and remains active with his alma maters to include serving as a mentor to college students or as a panelist member for his law school. Lastly, Dimitri and his wife are self-publishing a children’s book to help military children overcome their anxiety caused by change.
Dimitri, Stefania, his wife, and their daughters Spyridoula and Sophia all aim to exemplify the Greek ideals!
Marina Floratos serves in her role as the Director of Ionian Village with a wealth of experience and passion. With a deep-rooted commitment to creating memorable and impactful experiences, Marina has carved a distinguished career in the events industry.
Marina holds a BA in Business Administration & Marketing from the University of Richmond and an MBA in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University. Her academic background laid the groundwork for a career defined by meticulous planning, innovative strategies, and a keen eye for detail.
At Event Strategy Group, Marina excelled as a Senior Events Manager, where she was responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio of events ranging from corporate conferences and trade shows to private gatherings and special occasions. Transitioning to her current role as Director of Ionian Village, the first woman to hold this position in its 54 year history, Marina brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the forefront of this esteemed ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, where campers and staff embark on a unique journey to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Culture while traveling Greece. Marina is committed to enhancing the program’s impact, fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for the Greek Orthodox youth and young adults of America, and upholding the high standards of excellence that Ionian Village is known for.
Marina is from Broomall, Pennsylvania and now resides in Naples, Florida. She is an active member of the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples and serves as GOYA advisor alongside her husband, Steven Calakos.
Michaelina has built a distinguished career in sales leadership spanning over a decade. A proud Pirate of East Carolina University, Michaelina holds a BA in Communications. Her passion for people and places led her to earn dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Sustainable Tourism.
Returning to her hometown, Michaelina embarked on applying her academic achievements to shaping the city she loves. Her professional development is marked by notable leadership roles, including chairing the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Board and President of the International Live Event Association (ILEA) Charlotte Chapter. She is an Emerging Business Leader (EBL) graduate and most recently has spearheaded an alumni group which fosters networking, professional growth, and business opportunities for past cohorts.
From a young age, Michaelina was taught to put her talents to work by getting involved and giving back. She has served as a GOYA advisor, and board member for the Young Adult Ministry and Philoptochos at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. Her ministry work has centered around the church’s core pillars: worship, service, witness, and fellowship.
Michaelina engages to make her community a better place through volunteerism and advocacy for key local organizations. She actively devotes her time, expertise, and resources to Beds for Kids, Hospitality House of Charlotte, Samaritans Feet, and Charlotte Rescue Mission which make an impact supporting families, patients, and individuals in need.
As a third generation Greek American, Michaelina is still deeply rooted in the faith, culture, and traditions of her ancestors. She embodies the ancient Greek concept of Xenia to all those around her. Guided by a servant leader heart she has a passion for developing and connecting others. She finds joy traveling with her husband Chris, cooking, spending time with her Godchildren, and a bit of thrill seeking.
Maritsa Georgiou is an evening anchor for Scripps News, hosting the first and only national television news show from Montana. She specializes in politics and wildfire coverage, and did extensive reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s most widely known for her reporting on the planned removal of USPS blue collection boxes before the 2020 election, which earned her the 2021 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Television Political Journalism.
Maritsa serves on the Board of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, an institution dedicated to upholding integrity, diplomacy and democracy in the name of the late Sen. Mike Mansfield. She has supported various causes, including animal welfare, childhood hunger, paying off school lunch debt and donating to help relief efforts in war torn countries, such as Ukraine. She believes one person can make a difference and everyone should try.
Her dad lives in Livadeia with her step-mother. She has three siblings in Greece, two of whom are studying at universities in Athens.
Steven is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer at Valley Forge Capital Management (a hedge fund that manages $4bn). As CFO and CCO, Steven’s responsibilities include managing and supervising the finance, accounting, and compliance departments.
Steven started off his career at Grant Thornton, one of the Big-5 accounting firms. Within 6 months of working at Grant Thronton (while traveling all over the country), he passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam. After a few years, Steven joined his first hedge fund, Trend Capital. Steven was at Trend for four years and served as the Controller. After Trend, Steven joined Bayview Asset Management, where he was the Assistant Vice President of Finance/Accounting/Operations.
Outside of his professional career, Steven loves his Greek Orthodox faith and is very close with the church. He is on the Parish Council and serves as Treasurer. He volunteers at each of their annual festivals, leading the Finance Committee, as well as rolling up his sleeves in the Gyro Booth. Additionally, from a young age he grew up Greek dancing at our Church, and that is where he met his beautiful wife, Marionna.
To honor the place where his mother grew up, Steven and his four siblings created a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) (Panagia Kaliviani Orphanage, “PKO”) Organization, where Steven serves as Treasurer. PKO organizes fundraisers throughout the year and donates all money raised to the monastery/orphanage.
Additionally, Steven is a Florida High School Athletic basketball official. The East Coast Basketball Officiating Association (“ECBOA”) is the organization that officiates all high school basketball games in Palm Beach County. Steven serves as a Board Member at Large for the ECBOA organization and was recently awarded with the “Most Improved Official” for the 2023- 2024 season. Steven is a devoted husband and father to his and his wife's one-year-old-son, Michael.
Nick Kassanis is a Sustainability Leader and Tech Founder specializing in providing sustainability and green building solutions to the real estate industry. As a globally recognized public speaker and industry expert, he has mentored and educated more than 10,000 professionals and students from California to Europe and beyond. Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Nick’s upbringing fueled his passion for sustainability and inspired his vision of harmonizing the built environment with human wellbeing.
As President of Sustainable Investment Group (SIG), Nick oversees daily operations, strategic planning, global growth and the firm's vision. SIG is focused on delivering Climate Investment Solutions, Engineering, ESG and Sustainability consulting services for the built environment. A key driver of the business is the design, construction, and operation of energy-efficient buildings (existing and new) that promote a healthy environment for people. During his 10+ years at SIG, he has played a crucial role in expanding the business by 8X and guiding it to a strategic acquisition in a rapidly growing industry. SIG’s clientele ranges from Fortune 500 companies to international real estate owners and developers.
Nick is also Co-Founder and Advisor at venture-backed Aetos, where he is pioneering cutting edge imaging technology to transform training and building operations in the digital age. Aetos is revolutionizing the built environment with the world's first Visual Maintenance Management System.
As a Georgia Tech graduate and licensed Professional Engineer, Nick has led over 350 LEED projects and 150 energy studies across 150M+ square feet. This earned him international recognition as one of only 300+ LEED Fellows. In his philanthropic efforts, he served as Past President of the ASHRAE Atlanta Chapter and is currently on the USGBC California Board of Directors. Additionally, he volunteers in California, New York, Miami, and Greece, impacting communities through education and mentorship in engineering and sustainability.
Elena Maria Kazas is the co-founder of Calithea Skincare. Calithea is known for its collection of clean and natural skincare products with formulations centered around a unique olive oil base. Calithea's products are crafted and manufactured in Greece. The line was inspired by the natural skincare teachings of Elena’s Yiayia Maria.
Handling key responsibilities within Calithea, Elena oversees Marketing, Social Media, Channel Distribution, Product Development, and actively participates in the company’s decision-making processes. In addition to her business commitments, Elena engages in community service through the HOPA Foundation to help raise money for their annual Turkey Drive. She mentors girls through the school’s Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program. Elena is a member of the Young Adult League at Kimisis Tis Theotokou, where she participates in helping at the local monastery and volunteering at the parish’s annual festival.
In addition to work, Elena is a marketing student at Robert Morris University, pursuing certificates in sales, logistics, and entrepreneurship to gain the necessary knowledge to expand her business. She has also simultaneously with her undergrad started the school's MBA program. Elena was recently invited to join Beta Gamma Sigma, the most exclusive international business honor society for the top 5% of business school programs. She is also involved in The Rockwell Fellowship at school, which catalyzes the spirit of entrepreneurship by transforming value-creating ideas into reality. This program allowed her to present Calithea to Pittsburgh’s Invest in Her Pitch Competition, where she was a top-four finalist. Elena is also a member of the school's Women In Business Chapter.
Elena was selected as the school’s 2023-2024 Outstanding Junior Marketing Student reflecting academic and professional excellence. With Calithea, Elena donates $1.00 of every purchase to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as it was important to her for Calithea to continuously give back.
Elena Kefalogianni holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in creative writing and political science and a Masters in journalism from Georgetown University, where she studied as an Onassis Foundation Scholar.
Elena works as a Teacher at Brandeis School, Accounting Coordinator for the National Hellenic Society, and Social Media Manager for AcousticSmart, a home theater company in Long Island. She has also published various articles at the National Herald and Neo Magazine as well as short stories for kids and adults alike in various outlets.
Elena has served her community since her high school years in Greece. She volunteered at her high school's summer camps and sponsored a child through Action Aid. While at Emory, she volunteered at her local church nursery on Sunday mornings and wrote stories of faith in the church’s newsletter. During the pandemic, she volunteered at CNN Greece and published 12 original articles on various topics, including the struggles of COVID-19. In 2022, Elena joined the National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) as a marketing volunteer. At NHSA, she organized one of the largest events, the Beach Clean up, which brought 30+ Greek-American students to Heraklion, Crete to clean a beach and experience Greek culture, cuisine, and history. She now runs a TikTok account (@doctoralexandfamily) with over 14 thousand followers and over 2 million views featuring mainly her partner Dr. Alexander Thomopulos, an internal medicine resident at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Their goal is to battle medical misinformation on social media.
Katherine Kelaidis is a historian and a writer with passion for making history accessible and relevant to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. She is currently the Director of Research and Content at the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago and a Research Associate of the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge. Dr. Kelaidis earned her B.A. in Classical Languages from the University of California, Berkeley and her Ph.D. in Classics from the University of London. She has also done post-graduate work in Biblical Studies at the Institut Catholique de Paris and Classical Philosophy at the Universitat de Barcelona.
Internationally recognized for her expertise in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, a subject on which she has written extensively, her work often examines the role of Orthodox Christianity in modern political and social contexts, offering a nuanced perspective on how ancient traditions influence contemporary life.
In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Kelaidis has written for various non-specialist publications, including The Atlantic, The New Republic, Religion News Service, Religion Dispatches, and others, where she explores issues at the intersections of faith, identity, and power. Her first book Holy Russia? Holy War? was published by SPCK in 2023. Her next book, tentatively entitled The Fourth Reformation,is due out with Rowman and Littlefield next year.
She is a sought-after speaker and commentator, frequently appearing in media and at conferences to discuss the relevance of historical religious traditions in today's world. Her work continues to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and public discourse, making her a vital voice in contemporary discussions on religion and society.
Dr. Kelaidis attributes her love of history to the stories told around her grandparents’ dinner table, where she first learned the richness of Greek history and the way in which history intimately affects all of our lives.
Demetra Koris (Dimitra Korri) grew up in Chicago but spent her summers in Sparta and Distomo. At the age of six, she put on her first ice skates, stepped onto the ice and began her life's journey.
Through ice skating she has proudly combined her love of sport and her Greek heritage to become the 6x Greek national figure skating champion, a 5x international medalist and national record holder.
Her medals include the 2024 Oceania International (Bronze), 2021 Skate Helena (Bronze), 2018 Balkan Games (Bronze), 2018 EduSport Trophy (Silver), and the 2017 Coppa Europa (Silver). She performed at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and was featured on Greek National Television and KCAL News.
Demetra is not only an artist on ice but also holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a B.A. in International Film/Media Production. She associate produced The New Greek Americans (1960-2018) documentary and directed Harry's Gold Coast (Since 1907). Directing, singing and editing landed her awards in the U.S. and Europe for her remarkable “Heaven Everywhere” and “Quarantine Valentine” music videos. Demetra has released music under artist names “Dimitra Korri” and “Kitteh x Kitteh”.
Growing up with a strong Greek identity, Demetra has supported skaters in Greece by volunteer coaching to help push the sport of figure skating and hockey for Team Hellas. Demetra has performed in ice skating shows that donate to charity organizations and shows that fundraised for individuals in need of medical support. She also skated a virtual 5k roller race for “Project Hope” and raised funds for the Eliza Society. She wrote a children's book, "Dimitra Ice Skates", inspiring kids to dream big. She still skates to encourage the next generation of Greek winter sport athletes and loves combining philanthropic work with her passions.
Irene graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Spanish minor. Driven by a desire to bring ideas to life, she embarked on a career in product growth and technology. Today, she serves as a Software Quality Assurance Manager at Fetch, a unicorn tech company whose app has 18 million monthly active users.
As a first-generation Greek American, Irene’s deep connection to her heritage has inspired her active involvement in various organizations. In 2014, she joined the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation, a newly formed initiative dedicated to supporting Greek schools in need. As President of this volunteer-run nonprofit, Irene has been instrumental in leading efforts to modernize Greek language education by integrating technology into school curricula. Under her leadership, the Foundation has successfully implemented a program that provides Greek language schools with tablet devices, interactive white boards, and language learning software, ensuring that students have access to vital tools. Additionally, the Foundation offers merit and needs-based scholarships to students.
With roots in Greece and Cyprus, Irene has been engaged with issues affecting both countries, particularly the Cyprus issue. As a member of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), she participated in advocacy trips to Washington D.C., a trilateral conference in Greece, Israel and Cyprus and is a HALC Leadership 2030 Fellow. Irene served as the U.S. representative for NEPOMAK, an organization for young overseas Cypriots, and was an Executive Delegate of NEPOMAK Global, attending conferences in South Africa and Cyprus.
Irene’s connection to Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood runs deep, with her family’s businesses established there for three generations. Since joining the Greektown Chamber of Commerce in 2012, she has served as the Chamber’s Secretary. As the spokesperson for the Taste of Greektown, the Chamber’s flagship annual event, Irene takes pride in helping expand the event’s reach each year through media appearances broadcasted to millions in the Chicagoland area.
Elisseos Kyrillou, a Canadian citizen and Cypriot refugee, is a multifaceted creative professional and dedicated philanthropist. As the Co-Founder, Producer, and Director of Ten Tone Productions, Elisseos has championed Greek cultural expression and preserved Hellenic heritage through theatrical productions. His directorial debut with "Epaggelma: Porni" in 2022, an adaptation of Lili Zografou's socio-political memoir, highlights his commitment to impactful storytelling.
Elisseos has produced several successful theater productions, including "I Epilogi," "To Onoma mou Einai Eva," "Oi Erwsylies," and "Diplos Ellinikos," as well as the Greek Artist Expo in Toronto and the stand-up comedy event "LMGAO – Laugh My Greek A$$ Off." Through these projects, he has nurtured and coached new talent, fostering the Greek language and cultural heritage.
Beyond the arts, Elisseos is deeply involved in philanthropy. As a first-generation refugee, he spearheaded Ten Tone Profiles, a two-season YouTube series highlighting the stories of Greek immigrants (season 1) and Cypriots affected by the 1974 war (season 2). He also leads Ten Tone Cares, supporting various non-profit organizations by holding performances and organizing teams to run and raise funds for people in need.
Elisseos further engages the Greek diaspora as an Editorial Columnist for the Greek Press. He has contributed over twenty articles, including a recent editorial on the passing of the historic bill in the Greek parliament extending marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples.
Elisseos serves on the Next Generation Committee of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, promoting Hellenic education and culture. His contributions to the Greek Community of Toronto include raising over $40,000 through the Scotiabank Marathon Team. Recently, he transitioned to a career in fundraising as a Philanthropy and Events Associate with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, leveraging his skills to empower individuals and communities. His dedication to excellence and philanthropy makes him a standout leader in the Greek diaspora.
Petroula Lambrou-Kalognomas, or “Patty Pops,” is a businesswoman with a creative flair and a passion for baking.
After completing her studies at Fordham University, she launched her career as a CPA at Ernst & Young in NYC. Despite her successful business career, Patty couldn't shake her passion for baking. The idea for Patty Pops originated in her high school economics course in 2008. This idea blossomed when she started college in 2009, turning Patty Pops into a part-time side-hustle, and it quickly became a success. As demand grew, she expanded her product lines from cake pops to cakes and assorted treats. In December 2019, she opened her brick-and-mortar bakery, only a few months before COVID-19 hit. Patty adapted to the changing times, increasing her online presence, securing collaborations with influencers and brands, and incorporating kitchen automations.
Today, Patty is the proud owner of Patty Pops Inc., based in Westchester, NY. She and her team of eight female bakers/staff offer specialty cake pops and desserts nationwide for both retail and wholesale purposes. Patty is dedicated to empowering inner-city women through employment and mentors students from local high schools through internships, helping them begin careers in culinary.
Recently, Patty became the official cake pop distributor for the Malibu Barbie café in NYC, collaborating with them to provide custom Barbie-themed desserts. In the 2023 holiday season, Patty and her team won 1st place at the Gingerbread NYC Great Borough Bake-Off, representing her Bronx hometown and paying homage to the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. This win was featured in major news outlets. Patty was also featured on a podcast with Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank, discussing the Patty Pops journey and receiving valuable advice on scaling the business.
Patty has been deeply involved in the Greek-Cypriot community for over a decade. She is a founding member of the Cypriot Young Professionals, now 11 years old. Additionally, she has served as the Treasurer of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce for eight years, promoting trade and business between the U.S. and Cyprus.
Georgios is the President and Co-founder of Deon Policy Institute - the first and only Hellenic Diaspora think tank. Since its founding less than 2 years ago, Deon has successfully recommended 6 policy proposals for Greece that are changing the lives of Greeks in the country and abroad. Before that Georgios was the Vice President of the National Hellenic Student Association of North America, the Vice President of the Hellenic Association of Stanford University, the President of the Graduate Student Organization of Duke University, and the President and Founder of the Duke Greek Students and Scholars Association.
Ιn parallel to his non-profit work, Georgios works full time as a software consultant at Ab Initio Software, an American multinational enterprise corporation based in Lexington, Massachusetts. Ab Initio is one of the world’s most disruptive technology companies that specializes in high-volume data processing applications, transforming the way the world manages data. Georgios helps Ab Initio’s customers, many of which are Fortune 100 companies, to design applications in order to extract, transform, and load data.
Georgios is a graduate of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece with a BSc in Applied Physics and he holds a PhD in Nuclear Physics from Duke University, NC. He performed his two postdocs at the neutrino lab of Stanford University, CA and at the Laboratory for Nuclear Science of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA.
Georgios is the author of multiple publications in major scientific journals including Nature, Science and has received several honors and awards for his work in nuclear physics. Georgios has published opinion pieces in international news outlets including WSJ and Politico and several articles in the daily press in Greece including “Kathimerini” and “Athens Voice” on matters related to the newly introduced vote-by- mail, the reforms on Greek tertiary education and other policy initiatives.
Athina serves as Press Secretary for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, where she manages strategic communications and media relations for one of the most prominent figures in American politics. Previously, she served as Deputy Communications Director for the House Appropriations Committee and shaped messaging on critical federal spending decisions.
Athina began her career working for the Ohio House of Representatives and NFIB Ohio. Her interest in boosting the number of women elected to office led her to join Winning For Women, an organization that supports women running for federal office. Before working in Congress, she was Director of Public Affairs at PLUS Communications and managed complex public affairs and media relations campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and industry coalitions.
She is deeply involved in her Greek Orthodox community, serving as YAL Vice President at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Washington, DC, where she helped establish Saint Stephen’s Table, a monthly service initiative providing meals and hygiene kits to a local homeless shelter.
Her media expertise also helped highlight the recent designation by the Ohio Historical Society of her home parish, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio, as a landmark historical site for Greek Christian refugees from Asia Minor.
Her involvement in the Hellenic American Leadership Council’s Leadership 2030 Program further demonstrates her commitment to shaping the future of the Greek American community.
In her professional capacity, Athina also coordinates with the Greek Embassy to enhance the visibility of Greek interests and extend warm welcomes to Greek officials visiting the US. She is currently spearheading the relaunch of Capitol Hill Hellenic Association to bring together staffers of Greek heritage.
Athina graduated from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University. She is Chair-elect of the College’s DC Steering Committee and mentors students in the Washington Academic Internship Program interested in public service.
Johnny Livanos, Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, is a trailblazer in the world of Greek wine and spirits. Raised in the heart of a bustling New York restaurant Greek-American family, Johnny goes beyond the restaurant scene to craft spirits that tell a unique story. Having worked in his family’s iconic spots like Molyvos and Oceana in NYC, as well as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya in Washington, DC, Johnny’s experience helped shape his passion and expertise in beverages with a focus in Greece.
Johnny graduated from Cornell University’s Hospitality School, where he returns as a guest speaker to teach about hospitality, Greek wine and spirits, and entrepreneurship. Also an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, he has always combined a passion for food and flavor and today applies that to the beverage world. Johnny is a two-time guest speaker at Bar Convent Brooklyn where he has lectured tasting seminars on the world of Greek spirits. The culmination of his life and experience in the hospitality and beverage industry is the launching of his own brand Stray Dog Wild Gin, the most award winning gin from Greece, made with wild foraged botanicals that donates back to animal shelters.
In addition to launching Stray Dog Wild Gin, Johnny also manages US sales for Diamond Wine Importers, bringing the most iconic wines from Greece to the US.
Michael Malis is a composer, pianist, and music educator based in Detroit, MI. Noted for his “jaw-dropping display of improvisational power” (All About Jazz), Malis has taught at the University of Michigan and Interlochen Arts Academy. He is now a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Michigan.
As a recording artist, he has released 13 albums. His music has been described as “downright transcendental” (Maggot Brain Magazine) and “uncommonly mature” (Detroit Free Press). He was noted as “among the most compelling Detroit jazz musicians of his generation” (Jazz From Detroit, University of Michigan Press). His compositions have been performed across the United States, including at Harvard University, the University of Maryland, The Owl (Brooklyn), and Orchestral Hall (Detroit).
In 2024, he was commissioned by ProMusica Detroit to compose a song cycle based on the poetry of seminal Greek diaspora poet C.P. Cavafy. It premiered in Detroit and will be presented by the Kombos Collective in Michigan and California in 2025-2026.
He is the founder of Other Tones, a concert series providing performance opportunities for local and national composer-performers. To date, Other Tones has presented 22 artists from 7 cities to Detroit audiences. All proceeds from concerts go to presenting artists. The series centers artists from underrepresented groups, presenting a majority of queer, BIPOC, and women or femme- identifying artists.
Other Tones has grown out of a decade of arts advocacy and volunteerism. Malis was a founding member of Polyfold Musical Arts Collective, has served on numerous panels and curatorial boards, has advised the Hellenic Museum of Michigan in developing their musical vision. He performs at benefit concerts, including for Focus Detroit, an Orthodox Christian service ministry. He is a board member of the Rosedale Park Improvement Association, which serves the Westside-Detroit neighborhood where he lives with his wife and four-year-old son.
Dr. Athanasios Konstandinos Manole MD was raised in a traditional Greek household which valued hard work, excellence in all endeavors, and philanthropy in his community. Athanasios attributes his hard-working mentality to his Greek immigrant mother and paternal immigrant grandparents. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work working in the family-owned diner. He started as a busboy at the age of 7 years old and used the proceeds to invest in his first real estate property at the age of 14.
He went on to attend medical school and during his residency he completed a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Research. While in residency he also started a medical legal consulting company which has grown to provide consulting services throughout the United States.
Dr. Manole holds four medical board certifications. He founded Modern Pain and Spine, which is a multi-physician practice specializing in orthopedic and spinal pathology. His group also provides medical services for the oil and gas industry and large construction and engineering companies in the Southwest. His group is one of the only independently owned companies contracted to provide medical services to Amazon and Facebook employees. He is one of the youngest physicians in the United States to be awarded a clinical assistant professorship in the Department of Neurosurgery.
Utilizing his background in clinical research, Athanasios became a partner in a French skincare company, Universkin. The company employs revolutionary technology based on proprietary algorithms to analyze skin and create a customized formula.
He has continued to exercise his entrepreneurial roots in real estate by developing medical real estate projects. Dr. Manole has been chosen to give talks at national conventions on healthcare real estate.
Athanasios is a volunteer physician with the Medical Reserve Corps. During the COVID- 19 pandemic he personally performed thousands of COVID-19 tests and volunteered at state run vaccination clinics. A large part of Dr. Manole’s clinical practice includes free medical care for disadvantaged patients. He is fluent in Greek and Spanish and conversational in French. He uses his language skills to treat patients from diverse backgrounds.
Amongst all of his endeavors, Athanasios believes individual patient care to be his true passion. He considers himself blessed to be able to serve his patients on a daily basis.
Sophia Caceres leads the performance metrics and data analytics program at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Environment, Health and Safety Division in Berkeley, CA. Sophia is known for her strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and ability to communicate complex data in a clear and compelling way. Her commitment to driving continuous improvement is evident in her leadership of the Operations Analytics Community of Practice, a forum that brings together a group with diverse backgrounds to share knowledge and collaborate on all things data.
Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Sophia is the daughter of two loving Greek immigrant parents. Growing up, the Greek church and community were a large part of her and her sister’s lives. Sophia taught elementary-aged children Greek language and dance, coached the girls' GOYA volleyball team, and promoted Greek culture at her local parish of St John’s in Blue Point, NY.
Sophia attended Stony Brook University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Applied Mathematics and in Business Management. Upon graduation, she began her career as an analyst at Brookhaven National Laboratory where she spent the next five years. During that time she received a Master of Science degree in Statistics from Baruch College.
Today, Sophia is actively involved in her local communities in the Bay Area of California with her supportive husband, their son and their daughter. She led the Family Advisory Board at her children’s private school, organizing engaging events and fundraising efforts. Her initiatives resulted in a highly successful gala that raised funds for vital enrichment programs. She also participates in the many youth ministry activities at her local parish of Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Oakland.
Sophia's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service shines in both her personal achievements and philanthropic involvement and she could not have achieved her goals without the support and love from her family.
Lucas Metropulos is a dynamic leader and social entrepreneur. As the Founder and Managing Director of Chronos Strategies, Lucas has successfully raised over $150 million for more than 180 charities and schools worldwide. His firm specializes in fundraising and digital marketing services while also assisting many organizations and start-ups looking to create social ventures.
Lucas's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when, at 15, he founded the Marine Education Initiative in South Florida. This nonprofit has educated thousands of children about environmental stewardship and now provides tens of thousands of meals through its innovative aquaponics program. His commitment to societal betterment continued with the establishment of Lend a Hand Bahamas at the age of 21. This nonprofit organization in Nassau, Bahamas has raised millions and impacted tens of thousands of youth and their families in the country through emergency relief efforts and ongoing educational programs.
Throughout his career, Lucas has been recognized for his outstanding contributions. He received the prestigious USA Weekend National Make a Difference Day Award in 2010, and in 2013, he was one of ten to receive the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award by the United States Jaycees Foundation. In 2019, Lucas was also honored with the NonProfit PRO Fundraiser of the Year award, highlighting his innovative use of technology and social media in philanthropy.
Lucas's academic credentials include a BA in Public Policy and an MBA from Duke University, as well as a Blockchain Strategy Certificate from Oxford University. His leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference exemplify his remarkable journey.
Lucas is a proud Greek Orthodox Christian whose father and grandfather served the church for many years as priests. His family is from Lemnos, Sparta, Nafpaktos, and Thrace.
Born and raised in New York and based in Miami, Florida, Laura Neroulias Bisiotis is the founder of LΩRA PR, a full-service public relations agency dedicated to media relations, social media, influencer marketing, partnerships, and events. A goal-oriented individual with strong leadership capabilities, she has spent the last two decades successfully launching hotels, real estate developments, and food & beverage concepts, to working with global fashion and celebrity brands, to generating continuous awareness and press, to expanding her clients’ footprints through curated strategic partnerships and influential strategies. With a presence in Miami, NYC, Cyprus and Greece, Laura not only provides overall branding guidance and business direction, but is a trusted source, cheerleader, and problem solver.
From global corporations and small business operations to all things Hellenic, Cypriot and general lifestyle, Laura has worked with, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Kardashians, Paris Hilton, New Balance, 1 Hotels, NYFW, Forever 21, Vera Wang, Art Basel, The Surf Lodge, as well as several Cypriot and Greek established clients including, Costa Navarino, Chip City Cookies, Stray Dog Wild Gin, Marketing Greece, Bellita Pasta, and more.
Over the years, Laura has led fundraisers for Saint Basil Academy, Cyprus Children’s Fund, Greek Children's Fund, is an Archangel Michael Honoree, and has served on the Board of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where in 2013 was the Founding President of the Cypriot Young Professionals (CYP). She is the Founder of Greeks in South Florida and currently is the U.S. and Canada Country Manager for the Cyprus Diaspora Forum, an all-year round global initiative bringing awareness and connecting those across the world with the most reliable and recognized businesses and personalities in and from Cyprus.
Lastly, she is a devoted daughter and loving wife who in July of 2024, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Andonios Christos Bisiotis.
Akis Ntonos stands as a distinguished figure in the field of medical aesthetics. He is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the Founder and CEO of Aion Aesthetics. With a professional journey marked by excellence, Akis has been recognized as a top aesthetic injector for three consecutive years (2022-2024) by Aesthetic Everything. His skill and dedication were further highlighted during his 16-year tenure as a member of the Greek National Fencing Team, where he achieved national champion status in Greece for five consecutive years and won the U.S. North American Cup in 2016.
Akis's academic achievements include magna cum laude honors throughout his academia, multiple scholarship and fellowship awards. He is completing his second doctorate in nursing practice at Johns Hopkins University. His pioneering research in medical aesthetics includes the first global study on the efficacy of different exosome concentrations and their impact on skin recovery and an ongoing quality improvement study on pain reduction methods during injectable administration.
As the founder of Ideal Health and Aion Aesthetics, Akis has established himself as a key opinion leader in the industry. He is dedicated to elevating standards within the medical aesthetics community by training other injectors and sharing his expertise widely. Akis's expert advice has been featured on Vogue, The Daily Mail, New York Magazine, People Magazine, NPR, and more.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Akis is committed to philanthropy. He supports numerous organizations, including the Miss New York non-profit, the Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the Trevor Project, the Ali Forney Center and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His contributions have provided educational opportunities, supported LGBT+ youth, and aided the fight against leukemia.
Anthony is the founder of an apparel company called RARE CUT and was granted a US patent for inventing a pocket square using memory metal inside that helps retain its shape.
Anthony launched RARE CUT via Kickstarter in September 2020 during the heart of the pandemic and managed to far surpass his fundraising goal by raising more than $50,000 in 30 days. Since then, he has run many campaigns to help spread awareness and raise funds for different charitable causes and organizations.
During the pandemic Anthony made a custom “Shop Local” pocket square and t-shirt featuring stories of entrepreneurs and small business owners who were affected. Anthony’s intention was to show how these individuals were adjusting and continuing to persevere during those extremely difficult times. In the end, he donated a portion of all sales to “The Barstool Fund” which provided grants to small businesses during the pandemic.
Every October Anthony runs a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign where he features a breast cancer awareness pocket square and t-shirt on social media and shares the stories of women and their families who have gone through their individual breast cancer journeys. A portion of all sales go to Kat’s Ribbon of Hope, an organization run by Katerina Dinas Raptis, a Greek American woman who is fighting and beating breast cancer.
Anthony has also spent time visiting the students at A Philip Randolph High School in Harlem, New York, who volunteer their time to attend an after school program called “Mentoring Kings." He has given several talks to the students regarding entrepreneurship and achieving their goals. He teamed up with his friend who is a tailor and they were able to gift all the students their first custom suits along with pocket squares. He also ran a campaign with the students in which he created shirts and pocket squares and interviewed each student encouraging them to share their stories, what makes each of them “RARE,” and the impact that mentorship has had on their lives. A portion of all sales benefit the after school mentorship group. Anthony also finds way to pay tribute to his roots by using various Greek-inspired designs in RARE CUT’s products such as the pocket squares “All Eyes on Me,” “Ellada Mou,” “Mykonos Blue,” “Santorini Summer,” “Evzones,” and more.
When he’s not working on promoting and growing RARE CUT, Anthony works for Medtronic, the largest medical device company in the world for over 14 years. He started as an associate and helped shatter a company record of more than $1 million in devices sold — a record that still stands today. He won associate account manager of that year and has since been promoted four times to reach the top level of sales positions available. He is a multi-time recipient of the company’s most prestigious honor, the President’s Club award, honoring the top 10 sales representatives in the country.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Anthony has always had strong ties to the Greek community. His education at St. Nicholas day school helped mold him and teach him about his ancestry and roots. His grandfather Costas Parthenis was the Dean at St. Demetrios in Astoria for 40 years and was extremely passionate about teaching the Greek American youth. Anthony credits much of his involvement in the community to his grandfather and continues to regularly attend and support Greek sponsored events.
Konstantinos (Kostas) Ouranitsas is a Manager in the Engagement Financial Advisor Practice at Deloitte. In this role, he oversees some of the largest and most important Deloitte Tax and Audit clients. Partners rely on Kosta’s opinions and advice to make critical decisions which drive performance and financial results.
Philanthropy for Kosta means passionately giving of himself to worthy causes. Kosta’s love for Greece, the Hellenic culture, and its people is unmatched. This has led to his extensive involvement in the Hellenic community. He serves as the Chairman of the National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) of North America, Co-Chair of The Hellenic Initiative’s New Leaders, Past Chairman of the National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference, a HALC 2030 Fellow, and a member of the New York and Philadelphia Parade Committees.
Kosta is a highly successful and admirable leader in his professional career, in the field of philanthropy, and within the Hellenic community.
Nico Papafil is a distinguished leader in digital transformation within the U.S. federal government. As Co- Founder and Director of 10x, a federal venture studio in the U.S. General Services Administration, he has driven the development of innovative technology products and services. Nico designed the 10x program to solve the government’s hardest problems with and for the public, turning good-for-government ideas into good-for-people solutions.
Nico has evaluated over 1,700 ideas and overseen a portfolio of 230 projects, totaling nearly $40 million in investments. His most impactful investments include Login.gov, the U.S. Web Design System, Notify.gov, and USA.gov’s Benefits Finder, which collectively serve hundreds of agencies and millions of people. Under his leadership, he has fostered innovation, built cross-agency resources, and expanded the 10x team from two to 40 members, establishing strong support for cross-functional product development teams.
Nico and his 10x program have earned several accolades, including the Government Innovation Award and international recognition from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
In addition to delivering value to the public through technology investments, he is also the Co-Owner of Melted Wings Winery, an urban winery based in Cleveland, OH. As a winemaker, he values the traditions of Greek vinification and delights in enjoying wine the traditional Greek way: with joy, surrounded by family and friends.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nico is deeply involved in philanthropic activities. As a leader in his St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, he has served on the Parish Council, chaired the iconography committee, coached GOYA basketball and volleyball teams, and initiated a homeless outreach program. Recently, he participated in a mission trip to a Native American reservation in New Mexico, aiming to improve the quality of life for those in the Navajo Nation.
Nico’s commitment to both his professional and community roles underscores his dedication to public service and community enrichment.
Arianna Papalexopoulos is a Greek-American actress, writer, producer, and digital content creator. With an undergraduate theater degree from UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television and a masters degree in Digital Media from USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, Arianna has combined her academic knowledge with her natural skill to create rewarding content that brings joy to many.
Over the years Arianna has produced and starred in numerous short films that have premiered at various festivals around the globe, including the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival and the San Francisco Greek Film Festival. Her latest short film, Como, Ti Amo, continued in that tradition of excellence in filmmaking. Building on this success, this year she produced her first feature film, Jaunt, which took home the Audience Award at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival.
Arianna is currently fresh off a Canadian and Midwestern stand up comedy tour where she opened for fellow Greek comic, Angelo Tsarouchas. In addition, she performed her comedy set and hosted the 18 th Annueal Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Orpheus Awards. In 2022 she also emceed the National Young Adult League Night Comedy Show. The YAL is, of course, part of the Young Adult Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Arianna’s content highlights Greek culture on a daily basis, often incorporating the stories of other Greeks who don’t have the voice or platform to share those experiences on their own. Since a young age, Arianna has visited the elderly and and always loved hearing their stories. She sat with her best friend’s yiayia to discuss her traumatizing experience as a five-year-old surviving the war. Along with her brother Alexi, Arianna made a short film dedicated to the memory of those who were killed on the mountaintop of Kalavryta, her father’s village, as a part of the largest massacre in Greek history. Her pappou and many other ancestors were survivors of this massacre. No matter what she is doing, Arianna always keeps her Greek heritage in mind and allows it to inform the path ahead of her.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, with roots from Sparta and Kalamata, Aggeliki moved to the U.S. as a teenager. She studied at Boston University and obtained her Juris Doctor from CUNY Law School. After 5 years of law practice focused on real estate and business law, she has now trekked her path to partnership at a leading law firm based in Long Island and was named a “Rising Star” lawyer by Superlawyers. Before that, she worked on human rights and gender justice issues with the United Nations both in Switzerland and in Colombia.
When not lawyering, Aggeliki sings throughout the U.S. as well as in Greece, and often works with organizations such as the Hellenic Relief Foundation, to tie her concerts to important philanthropic causes. Even though her musical interests vary greatly, she most enjoys fusing elements of traditional Greek music with jazz, blues, funk and Latin music. She grew up studying classical piano, and this in part informs her songwriting and productions. She collaborated with renowned Greek poet, Lina Nikolakopoulou, to release her first single, Samba Griega, and she has sung with Dimitri Mpasi, Kosti Maraveya and Jon Secada. She is now working toward releasing her debut album, the first original song of which, Troublemaker, is out and about female empowerment. Before founding Nefeli Productions to dive deeper into her career as a performing and recording artist, she directed children’s choirs in Greek schools.
Finally, she is a volunteer radio producer at Cosmos FM, where she co-hosts “Counterpoint,” a bi-weekly program aiming to shed light on interesting legal and music topics as well as to provide a platform for young Greek American entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and other professionals.
She is proud to be joining the Greek America Foundation family and looks forward to being of service to humanity.
Marie Sarantakis is a prominent family law attorney, bestselling author, and nationally recognized divorce coach. She has appeared on the long-running daytime television program “Divorce Court”, Fox News Radio, and in Chicago Magazine.
Marie is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. In 2023, the Illinois State Bar Association named Marie ‘Young Lawyer of the Year’. That same year, she was recognized as one of the Top Forty Young Attorneys in the United States by the American Bar Association. Marie has also been named a Rising Star by Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers for five consecutive years. She has earned numerous other recognitions in the legal industry, some of which include, being named one of the Ten Best Attorneys in Illinois by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and Top Ten Family Law Attorneys in Illinois by Attorney & Practice Magazine.
Marie is highly active in the legal community, having published over thirty articles in legal publications and taught over seventeen continuing education seminars. In addition to her own Amazon best-selling book, “How to Divorce a Narcissist and Win”, she has also authored a chapter on orders of protection for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s “Family Law: Dissolutions of Marriage Court Proceedings” instructional handbook for attorneys.
Prior to starting her firm, the Sarantakis Law Group, Ltd., she interned for Justice Thomas Kilbride of the Illinois Supreme Court, the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, and the Kenosha County Public Defender’s Office. During law school she received CALI Excellence for the Future Awards receiving the highest grades in her class for white collar crime, constitutional law, and evidence. In 2024, Marie was inducted into Wilmot Union High School’s Hall of Fame.
Outside of work, Marie enjoys automobiles, cooking, and traveling with her German Shepard, Athena.
Costa Sardelis was age nine when, instead of asking for birthday gifts, he encouraged his friends to donate to the Red Cross to aid Hurricane Katrina victims. His strong Orthodox faith is what drove this early act of kindness igniting a lifelong passion that resulted in the founding of Tidewater Disaster Response (TDR), a non-profit search and rescue team that responds to natural disasters. His commitment to helping others has strongly influenced his career and has led him to become an emergency management consultant for government clients at Deloitte.
As an active board member of TDR, Costa has deployed to nearly a dozen natural disasters in the last five years. He has led teams responding to some of the most devastating storms in recent history including Hurricanes Irma, Maria, Florence, Michael, and Ian. Additionally, Costa spearheads the organization’s annual Toys for Tots drive which has collected over 1,000 toys for communities around the National Capital Region in the last three years.
Beyond his non-profit endeavors, Costa is a part of Deloitte’s Crisis and Resilience practice, supporting emergency management programs for a diverse array of government clients. He excels in enhancing program effectiveness by developing trainings, exercises, and revitalizing plans and procedures. He also champions several initiatives aimed at fostering a thriving community of emergency management professionals within the firm.
Orthodoxy is a cornerstone in Costa’s life. As an active member of Washington D.C.’s Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, he has transitioned from serving as the president of GOYA to mentoring acolytes during Sunday Divine Liturgy. He passionately champions the GOYA program, instilling the values of community service and faith in future generations. Costa is also a key organizer of the church’s annual Greek festival, where he coordinates and manages dozens of volunteers for the three-day event.
Rena (Passas) Shak is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, although both sides of her family are from Kalymnos, Greece. Growing up, she and her family were active members of St. John the Forerunner and Archangel Michael churches in the Youngstown area. It was through GOYA, Greek dance and Greek school that her love for her culture flourished.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School. She resides in the Columbus, Ohio area with her husband Greg and two sons, Savva and Stefano.
Inspired by her family, Rena made it her mission to go to law school to serve others.
Rena has dedicated her legal career to working in criminal justice and justice policy, most notably as a tenured public defender, judicial candidate, as well as in-house counsel and executive director in the office of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.
As a public defender, Rena represented indigent individuals in over a thousand cases. She also worked to help victims of human trafficking and substance abuse to achieve sobriety and stability. Her career led her to be one of the youngest candidates to run for judge in Franklin County, Ohio.
As in-house Counsel, Rena was able to create a generous paid family leave policy that benefitted 8,000 city employees and their families.
In 2023, Rena was appointed as the Executive Director of the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention, the first of its kind in the State of Ohio. In this position, she coordinates all violence prevention efforts and leads criminal justice policy initiatives for the City of Columbus.
Rena and her family are active members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus. She is now reliving her youth by watching her sons enjoy Greek dance and Greek school.
Tommy won a foosball tournament at Greek Camp in the fourth grade, and yet it’s his work in the creative fields of advertising and PR that won him this honor. As Associate Creative Director at FINN Partners he has worked to rid the world of unnecessary, single-use plastics by helping his client Tru Earth tell the world the benefits of their laundry detergent Eco-Strips. The campaign he helped create featured Taye Diggs and others stripping off their clothes to inspire buyers to use the strips for their laundry. He is also a lead creative on the Pure Michigan social media accounts, showcasing small businesses, relaxing itineraries, and lots of sunsets.
Before his work at FINN, he was a force in the world of automotive advertising and PR, as the lead writer of the commercial and short film that introduced the world to Corvette Z06, which debuted as a :60 spot during the World Series. He also helped Cadillac unveil their hands-free driving technology with a campaign that showed Sofia Vergara using the feature. And by partnering with The LEGO Movie, he penned award-winning content that introduced the 2019 Chevy Silverado.
Outside of advertising, he is co-founder of the Detroit Can Film Festival, a yearly competition of high school students. The idea is to challenge the youth to create :15 films around the year’s impactful theme.
All his work has amounted to over 15 awards, but as a writer he is most proud of a book he co- authored with his six-year-old, Penelope, who attends St. Nicholas Troy Sunday School. The plot focuses on two blankets who own an ice cream store. The book was critically acclaimed by Papou and Yiayia and remains prominently featured on their coffee table. Beyond this, he enjoys exploring Detroit with his partner, Olivia, an art director.
Yianni Spondyl is a dedicated public-school educator and administrator with a profound commitment to both his profession and his community. Throughout his experience in education, Yianni has earned a reputation for his unwavering dedication to student success and his innovative approach to teaching and leadership. His role as an administrator allows him to shape educational policies and foster an environment where both students and teachers can thrive.
Beyond his professional achievements, Yianni is deeply involved in his church and local community. His faith is a cornerstone of his life, and he has been an active member of his church for many years. Yianni’s contributions extend beyond the church walls; he has served as a Sunday school teacher, imparting valuable lessons to the younger generation and guiding them in their spiritual growth. For the majority of his life he was also a member and instructor of the Pontain Dance Troupe in Canton, where he shares his cultural heritage and fosters a sense of community through traditional dance.
In addition to his educational and religious contributions, Yianni has a strong background in sports. He has coached various sports, including varsity football, where his leadership and strategic skills have positively impacted countless young athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and personal growth, resonating well with his students and players.
Yianni’s life is a testament to his belief in giving back and improving his community. Whether through his role in education, his involvement in his church, or his contributions to local sports, he consistently strives to make a meaningful difference. His dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to those around him, making him a cherished and respected figure in both his professional and personal spheres.
Louis Tartaglia is a proud first-generation Greek American on his mother's side, born in the United States and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. He returned to the U.S. for his undergraduate studies at the University of Toledo and went on to complete a master’s degree in Film Theory from the University of Edinburgh. Louis' dynamic career in broadcasting has seen him work for Fox News and CBS News, and he currently is a technical production manager for NBC, where he regularly works on shows like Meet the Press with Kristen Welker and Nightly News with Lester Holt.
Beyond his passion for broadcasting Louis is deeply committed to philanthropy. He dedicates his time and skills to St. George Orthodox Church and Preschool, supports the homeless population in Washington, D.C., and advocates for the Vasculitis Foundation after being diagnosed with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis at the age of 21.
He is married to Molly Tartaglia and they have two children, Scotland (7) and Raphael (4). They reside in the Washington D.C. area.
Christina Tenedios is 1 st generation Greek-American, born from Greek immigrant parents. Born and raised in New Jersey, Christina’s first language was Greek until the age of 5. She has a BS in Hospitality Management, concentration in Restaurant Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University and the first in her family to have a college education. She was also the Events Coordinator in her sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi.
Christina has always been surrounded in the hospitality world learning early on at the age of 5 from her godfather and her father, often wanting to go to work and learn about the business. As she grew older she spent her summers working in different bakeries, concession stands, and even in her father’s business.
Once Christina graduated from college, she began working full time alongside with her father until she opened her own coffee roasting and wholesale business in Astoria, NY called Demarco Coffee. Once she developed the business she decided it was time to step away and go back to her true passion, in restaurants.
Today Christina works alongside with her father and brother as the EVP of Operations of ST Management. Christina has also started and co-founded Metro Marché with her father, which is an upscale version of their sister brands, Café Metro and Fresh & Co. Christina’s greatest success and achievement comes from the brands she works with for their catering division, such as Louis Vuitton, YSL, Esteé Lauder, Gucci and more.
Christina considers herself a philanthropist, often helping charities and organizations. Some of the organizations and charities she is involved in are Friends of Karen, Food & Finance HS, The Hospitality Alliance, The Hellenic Initiative, Leadership 100 and of course through her sorority Alpha Epsilon Phi - Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids and Sharsheret’s Breast Cancer Organization.
Katerina Hatzis Tribuzio is a Director of Regulatory Affairs at Merck, where she leads a team of professionals who liaise with the FDA to ensure that regulations pertaining to the advertising and promotion of oncology drug products are met. Katerina was the recipient of the Merck Research Laboratories Pipeline Award for her support of Merck’s mission to deliver innovative health solutions to save and improve lives. As a pharmacist, Katerina is dedicated to keeping patients at the forefront of the work she and her team do.
Katerina’s family was impacted by cancer, so she has always been passionate about working to help cancer patients. She began her career working in a breast cancer research lab at Drexel University while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. Katerina completed a dual degree program at Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a Master’s of Health Sciences in Regulatory Sciences along with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
While in pharmacy school, Katerina volunteered at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit for critically ill children that she continues to support. She is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of pharmacists and enjoys connecting with pharmacy students, as well as attending university events. Katerina is a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem, PA, where she has served as a volunteer Greek dance instructor for the GOYA age group for several years. Through the church, she began supporting the Orthodox Christian Mission Center.
Katerina is dedicated to keeping Greek traditions alive in America for the next generation of the Greek-American community. Katerina is a first-generation Greek-American, daughter of Chrysostomos and Anastasia Hatzis. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Gaetano, and they enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and cooking/baking traditional foods as another way of keeping culture alive while living in America.
Dr. Panagiote Tsolis is the Director of Business Programs and Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Hellenic American University / Hellenic American College in New Hampshire, USA, and Athens, Greece. As an educator in Greece, he utilizes his experience as an executive for Fortune 500 companies and multiple start-ups to give students real-world experience in the classroom and support them with guidance and mentorship in their own careers and business ventures. The B-Cube How-to series was launched to welcome executives and professionals to share their experiences and connect with students and the greater Athens community. Additionally, he welcomes students from top-tier universities to visit businesses and work on projects in Greece.
His professional experience began in hospitality and casino gaming, working for organizations such as MGM Resorts International, The Mirage Casino-Hotel, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. He has also worked for start-up software companies such as VizExplorer. Additionally, he is the vice president of business development for Goldratt Research Labs, which supports business development and customer support programs for the Theory of Constraints based research and innovation services.
He has served the Greek American community as a Parish Council Member and Folk Dance Board President for St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, and served multiple years on the management committee for the Metropolis of San Francisco’s Folk Dance Festival. He has also served his local community on volunteer boards such as the Southern Nevada Associate Board of Advisors for the American Cancer Society.
Panagiote holds a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change from Pepperdine University, with a dissertation titled Sustainable Tourism Development in Greece: A Phenomenological Study of Municipal Leaders. He also has an MBA from the Executive MBA program and a BSBA in Marketing from UNLV.
Georgia is a Civil and Environmental Engineer working in Roadway and Telecommunications industries. She was chosen as part of the technical design team for Utah’s largest design-build interstate highway improvement project to-date and was recognized as the department’s Young Emerging Professional for strength in technical knowledge and communication with residents of impacted areas. She was responsible for network design, bringing internet, for the first time to underdeveloped communities. Her plans were published by Utah Department of Transportation into their Standard Drawing Set and are currently being used as a reference by the entire state. Georgia is a founding member of the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee and was newly selected to lead the company’s Developing Professional Network.
She is a member of the World Council of Cretans and was a recent President of the Pancretan Youth Association of America (PYA). In this role she planned numerous national conventions/conferences, which had thousands of attendees, and hosted business meetings at each event. Georgia has established international relationships with entities in need of philanthropic assistance. Together with the PYA, she executed fundraisers that provided laptops for children’s use at the Library of Crete, assisted expenses for medical equipment for disabled youth, improved living quarters of a local orphanage. She was also responsible for re- introducing a Studies-in-Crete program with the PYA. She has contributed to KPHTH Magazine and KRHTAIEIS Publications in various forms, including a research paper detailing Sfakia, Crete’s effect on World War II’s outcome. She was honored to speak in Crete, at “Epistrofi Stis Rizes Mas”, and in Athens at the “Hellenic Youth in Action Forum” and participated in panels discussing Orthodoxy and the Christian Legacy, Greek Language and Culture, Economy and Development of Greece, Greek Relations of the Diaspora.
Georgia’s philanthropic initiatives, align with her professional goals of improving conditions.
Dr. Vasilia Vastis is a Canadian board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. She completed her medical education at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, obtaining her MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) degree, and was a recipient of the Medicine and Surgery Award 1 st Place Gold Medal.
Currently, she is completing her fellowship in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, on track to becoming one of the first female Greek Fertility doctors in Toronto.
Prior to her medical school endeavors, Vasilia exhibited outstanding academic prowess and dedication. She was awarded the Anton and Demetra Karigiannis Award, a scholarship recognizing her academic ability and potential. Additionally, her multifaceted talents are highlighted by her Grade 10 Piano Certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music and her Gold Level achievement in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and excellence beyond the realm of medicine.
Vasilia is also deeply committed to giving back to her community and supporting the next generation of medical professionals. As the President of the Hippocrates Hellenic Canadian Medical Association, she works to raise funds for scholarships, empowering Hellenic Canadian medical students in Ontario to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the field of medicine.
Furthermore, her active involvement in The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Canada underscores her dedication to fostering connections and driving positive change within the medical community and beyond.
Vasilia Vastis embodies the epitome of excellence, professionalism, and compassionate care in the field of medicine and philanthropy. Her unwavering commitment to advancing women's health, promoting Hellenism, and her exemplary leadership qualities make her an inspiration to her colleagues and a beacon of hope for her patients.