Throughout your weekend in New York City, please support the restaurants that contribute to our efforts throughout the year.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz is the founder and president of State and Federal Communications, Inc., a 32-year-old company that provides government compliance information and consulting to Fortune 500 companies, associations, law firms, and lobbyists across all 50 states and internationally.

She holds leadership roles in key government affairs organizations, including the State Government Affairs Council, Public Affairs Council, Council on Governmental Ethics Laws, and the National Institute on Lobbying and Ethics. She’s also a Platinum Foundation member of the National Conference of State Legislatures and a former president of the Washington (DC) Area State Relations Group.

In her local community, Bartz serves on the boards of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Summit County.

Her recognitions include Woman Philanthropist of the Year by United Way, the Leadership Award from the Washington Area State Relations Group, and being named among Ohio’s Top 100 Women-Owned Business Owners by Diversity Business. Her company has received the Excellence in Business Award and was named one of Northeast Ohio’s Weatherhead 100 fastest growing companies.

A proud Kent State University alumna, Bartz has served on several university boards and advisory councils and was honored with the William D. Taylor Journalism Alumnus of the Year Award in 2012.

Dr. Lori Chiampas is a nationally recognized clinical pharmacist with nearly 30 years of pediatric experience. She currently serves as the Medication Safety Coordinator at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, where she leads initiatives to improve patient safety and reduce adverse drug events. She has also held leadership roles in Pharmacy Operations and specializes in Critical Care and Hematology/Oncology.

Dr. Chiampas has presented at national forums such as the Children’s Hospital Association, Mayo Clinic’s Quest for Quality, and Solutions for Patient Safety. She co-authored the Lurie Children’s Formulary and contributed to the McGraw Hill textbook *Pediatric Patient Safety and Quality Improvement*. Her work earned her the Julia Porter Award and recognition as a Lurie Quality Innovator.

She is a member of several national professional organizations and contributed to the development of Qatar’s Sidra Medicine formulary.

Deeply committed to service, Dr. Chiampas has held leadership roles in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and currently serves on the boards of HOPE (Humanitarian Outreach Philanthropic Engagement), the Hellenic American Leadership Council, and the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.

A proud daughter of Greek immigrants, Dr. Chiampas is fluent in Greek and actively involved in the Hellenic community. She lives in Wilmette, Illinois, with her husband, Dr. George Chiampas, and their children, Katia and Athan. She considers faith, education, and community the cornerstones of her life and legacy.

Dr. Tammi Dice is Dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies and a Professor of Counseling and Human Services at Old Dominion University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education with a focus on family-school collaboration from the College of William and Mary, and holds an MSEd in school counseling and a BS in psychology from Old Dominion University.

As a transformative leader, Dr. Dice is a staunch advocate for equity, belonging, and social justice in both K-12 schools and higher education. She is committed to fostering the growth and success of students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Her work focuses on disrupting systemic barriers and creating an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment. From restructuring academic departments and ensuring fair distribution of funding to initiating equity-driven programs, her contributions have profoundly shaped the academic and professional landscape at ODU.

Dr. Dice’s legacy is rooted in inclusion and equity. She has spearheaded significant diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including the launch of the Holmes Scholar Program for underrepresented Ph.D. students, and the hosting of nationally recognized speakers such as Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Gabby Rivera, and Nikole Hannah-Jones. Additionally, she has created inclusive spaces through programs like "Critical Conversations in Education," which advance social justice and foster a sense of belonging.

Under her leadership, the college has secured over $11 million in external grants annually and established innovative programs such as teacher residencies, apprenticeships, military pathways, and lab schools—efforts that reflect her dedication to educational access, community engagement, and national impact. She is relentless in her pursuit of funding to support students, securing numerous endowed scholarships, creating a donor wall, and launching the "Give the Gift of Licensure" initiative to assist student teachers in financial need.

Dr. Dice has published over 50 journal articles, book chapters, op-eds, and encyclopedia entries, and has delivered professional presentations globally. Her academic contributions are matched by her profound and far-reaching community service. From serving on the United Way's United for Children Executive Committee to leading collaborative educational programs with school systems and cultural institutions, she exemplifies servant leadership.

Internationally, Dr. Dice has worked with institutions and organizations such as Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, NGO Gen.Ukrainian, and the Mountain Seed Foundation to address the mental health and educational needs of Ukrainian children and injured soldiers impacted by the war. Her work includes volunteering at programs in Europe to support injured Ukrainian soldiers and their families, and conducting program evaluations and consulting for Ukrainian-based camps serving children affected by trauma. Additionally, she is working to enhance mental health interventions, prepare education systems for post-war recovery, and contribute to workforce development for children and injured soldiers in Lutsk and Kiev, Ukraine. Through these international collaborations, Dr. Dice is committed to supporting global communities with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Angelika Dimoka is a pioneering neuroscientist, visionary educator, and proud Greek whose journey from Larissa, Greece, to the forefront of global academia exemplifies resilience, intellect, and passion.

She earned two master’s degrees in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering and Computer Networks, as well as a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience from the University of Southern California. Her academic path led her to revolutionize how we understand decision-making by becoming the first neuroscientist to join a business school faculty.

Dr. Dimoka’s groundbreaking research integrates neuroscience, psychology, marketing, and economics. Using technologies such as fMRI, EEG, and eye tracking, she has explored the neural mechanisms behind trust, risk, and consumer behavior. Her work has transformed fields ranging from business and healthcare to marketing and public policy, helping organizations design strategies aligned with how people think and make decisions.

She currently serves as a professor at the Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami. She previously held faculty positions at the University of Houston, Temple University, and UC Riverside. With over 100 influential publications and 6,500+ citations, her research has been featured in top academic journals and outlets such as *Newsweek* and *Forbes*. From 2010 to 2012, she was ranked the second most published scholar worldwide in her field and has secured more than $4 million in research funding from national agencies.

Angelika lives in Miami with her husband, Paul A. Pavlou, Dean of the Miami Herbert Business School, and their daughter, Aurelia Nikka. She remains deeply connected to her Hellenic roots, championing Greek culture, education, and mentorship. Guided by the values of *philotimo* and *meraki*, Angelika continues to inspire others to lead with heart, purpose, and pride in their heritage.

Christina Hioureas is a Partner and Global Co-Chair of Foley Hoag LLP’s International Litigation & Arbitration Department, and Chair of the firm’s United Nations Practice Group. She also serves as Visiting Faculty at UCLA School of Law, where she teaches “Critical Issues in Human Rights Law.”

Christina represents States and State-owned entities in complex international disputes before global courts, arbitral tribunals, and the United Nations. Her work spans climate change, human rights, decolonization, anti-corruption, technology, and energy. She has argued before the International Court of Justice, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and all major arbitral bodies.

She has advised the Republic of Cyprus and represented Greece and its State-owned entities in high-profile international matters. Recently, she advocated for vulnerable countries before the ICJ regarding climate change obligations.

Christina was named one of the **Top 10 Most Innovative Lawyers** by the *Financial Times* in 2024 and is a three-time recipient of the Center for Justice and Accountability’s “Partners in Justice” award. She has been recognized by *Chambers & Partners*, *Who’s Who Legal*, and was honored as “Lawyer of the Year” by the Hellenic Lawyers Association in 2022.

Despina C. Kartson is the author of *Last Night’s Soup Run*, a moving account of the thousands of individuals who are homeless and hungry that she and fellow parishioners have served monthly on the streets of Manhattan for over 18 years.

She is the Founder and President of Philoxenia, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those in need through food, care, and community-based programming. “Philoxenia” is the Greek word for “friend to the stranger,” a value that defines her mission.

Despina serves on the Board of Lifting Up Westchester, helping people in crisis achieve stable housing and rebuild their lives. She has also served on the Parish Council of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, NY, taught Sunday School for 20 years, and holds board positions with FOCUS North America, Holy Trinity Philoptochos, the Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos (as Chair of the Social Services Committee), and the National Philoptochos Board.

Professionally, Despina is the Chief Marketing Officer at BakerHostetler, one of the largest law firms in the U.S., and has held senior leadership roles at several global firms. She is a respected voice in the legal marketing field, serving on numerous boards and committees in New York City and nationally.

A Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, Despina received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Legal Marketing Association’s New York chapter. She is a frequent speaker at legal marketing conferences and the author of one book, co-author of another, and contributor to numerous articles on legal marketing and technology.

Anthoula Katsimatides is an accomplished actor, writer, producer, and voice-over artist. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, she currently recurs on NBC’s *Law & Order: SVU* and Apple TV’s *Severance*, with past roles in *FBI*, *Jessica Jones*, *The Blacklist*, and more. Her film credits include appearances alongside Jane Fonda, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Demetri Martin, Jane Seymour, and Rose Byrne. She is proud to be an executive producer of the official documentary about Olympia Dukakis, titled *Olympia*.

Anthoula has performed Off-Broadway, bringing both classical and original works to life. She created and starred in an autobiographical solo show, which she is currently adapting for a national and international tour.

Deeply connected to her Greek heritage, she has volunteered her time and talents to the Greek community in numerous ways, most notably as longtime MC of New York’s Greek Independence Day Parade.

Outside the arts, Anthoula has held roles in education, advertising, and public service, including appointments under Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg. She serves on the board of the National September 11th Memorial & Museum, and on the parish council of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox National Shrine, honoring her brother, John, who died on 9/11/01. Her commitment to community and healing is also evident through her advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention, in memory of her brother Michael.

Dora Konomi is a dynamic lawyer, radio host, and community advocate known for her strategic mindset and passion for litigation. With a focus on civil and commercial litigation—including construction disputes, fraud, debt enforcement, and condominium law—Dora has earned a strong reputation as a trusted advocate in complex legal matters.

She is committed to education and professional development, regularly teaching young lawyers and presenting professional courses. Dora is also a sought-after media voice, offering legal commentary and insights on current issues.

A proud member of the Greek Canadian community, Dora emigrated from Greece at age 14 and remains deeply connected to her roots. She hosts the award-winning Doralicious Show, using her platform to engage audiences and spotlight important causes. Her community work includes involvement with the Hellenic Heritage Foundation and the Advocates’ Society.

Dora played a leading role in launching the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada, a cultural initiative that promotes Greek cinema and fosters cross-cultural understanding across 11 cities nationwide.

Her achievements include receiving the Greek America Foundation’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award and contributing to international arbitration and legal education. Dora’s dedication to excellence and community service continues to inspire and make an impact both in and beyond the courtroom.

Marianthi Sofiakis Koritsaris’s journey in education began as a student at Plato School at Assumption Church. From a young age, she believed in the power of education to shape compassionate, purpose-driven individuals—a belief that has guided her lifelong career rooted in innovation, perseverance, and a deep commitment to students.

In 1983, Marianthi was invited to manage Illinois’ first on-site corporate daycare through Podilsky and Associates. The center offered working parents high-quality early childhood education and continues today as KinderCare. This experience fueled her passion for educational reform.

In 1987, she joined the Plato Academy School Board, where she worked with fellow educators to modernize the curriculum. As a progressive educator and professor at DePaul University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, Marianthi also enrolled her own children, believing in the school’s potential for transformation.

When the church voted to close the school in 1998, Marianthi stepped in as principal. With two colleagues, she incorporated Plato Academy as a nonprofit and began rebuilding it from the ground up. Despite limited resources and significant challenges, she remained steadfast, and students began to excel—proving the success of her efforts.

While teaching at universities and raising her children—eventually as a single mother—Marianthi continued leading the school. Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, she stayed committed to Plato Academy, undergoing treatment while continuing to serve as principal.

By 2012, the school reached a turning point, allowing Marianthi to hire a co-director. Today, Plato Academy serves 120 students and owns its building. Under her leadership, the school has become a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development.

Marianthi takes pride in the school’s graduates, including her own children, who leave with a deep sense of “philotimo”—a love of honor—and a strong foundation to make a meaningful impact in the world. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and dedication to nurturing the whole child.

Lena Philippou, a Chemical Engineer and MBA graduate, is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of KORRES. Since 1996, she has led Strategic Innovation, R&D, and New Product Development, and since 2021, has supported the KORRES North America team through the challenges of the pandemic.

A pioneer in sustainable beauty, Lena developed the KORRES Full Circle™ process—an innovative, zero-waste system spanning six labs: Soil, Extraction, Molecular, Formulation, Design, and Recycle. The process involves partnering with over 1,000 Greek farming families, using green technologies to extract active ingredients, and recycling packaging through the brand’s Recycle Lab.

Her most notable breakthrough is the KORRES Yoghurt skincare line, the first to feature real edible Greek yoghurt, preserving live cultures and probiotic benefits—an industry first. Under her leadership, KORRES has introduced seven new natural ingredients to the global cosmetics registry (wINCI) and set new pharmaceutical-grade standards for product safety and efficacy.

Lena also launched the industry-leading Formula Facts transparency initiative in 2008, making KORRES the first beauty brand to openly share both included and excluded ingredients and real natural content.

She has been recognized globally, shortlisted for CEW UK's Achiever Awards and named one of Wallpaper* magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 global influencers. She is a member of Chief, a private network for women executives, and has served on the Executive Committee of Greece’s Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research since 2019.

Passionate about preserving Greece’s biodiversity, Lena champions women in science and mentors the next generation—all while advancing KORRES’ mission of sustainable, authentic, high-performance beauty.

Diane Kounalakis, a resident of Hillsborough, California, was born into an immigrant family from Chania, Crete. Raised by her parents, the late Antonios and Vasiliki Kounalakis, she was instilled with the values of community service, cultural pride, and giving back—living by the mantra, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”

Diane earned a BA in Communications from the University of San Francisco and a Master’s in Communications and Education from Emerson College. Her career began in advertising and later transitioned to higher education and the arts, where she served as Public Relations Director for the San Francisco Ballet—a role she called “the job of my dreams.”

For nearly 50 years, Diane has been a dedicated member of the Pancretan Association of America (PAA), making history in 2023 as the first woman elected National President. She has expanded cultural and philanthropic initiatives, launched programs in the U.S. and Crete, and created *PAATalks!*, a podcast promoting Hellenic heritage and engagement.

Her broader civic involvement includes serving as President of the Hillsborough Schools Foundation, where she helped raise over $3.5 million annually, as well as leadership roles with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Peninsula Family Service. In 2013, she was named Hillsborough Citizen of the Year for her exceptional local impact.

Diane has been married to her husband Jeff Baxter for 35 years, and they have two children, Antonios and Victoria. Her Cretan roots remain central to her identity, guiding her commitment to family, tradition, and service. She continues to honor her heritage by inspiring future generations to stay connected to their cultural legacy.

Sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne are the co-founders and co-owners of Georgetown Cupcake, stars of *DC Cupcakes* and *Cupcake Cam LIVE* on TLC (available on Discovery+, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video), and best-selling authors of the cookbooks *The Cupcake Diaries* and *Sweet Celebrations* (HarperCollins/HarperOne).

Inspired by their grandmother, Katherine and Sophie opened Georgetown Cupcake on Valentine’s Day 2008 in Washington, D.C. Over the past 15 years, they have transformed the DC flagship bakery into an international destination for cupcake lovers. With a menu of over 100 flavors, Georgetown Cupcake also offers nationwide shipping.

Their brand and story have been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including *The New York Times*, *The Wall Street Journal*, *USA Today*, *The Washington Post*, CNN, *Better Homes and Gardens*, *Food & Wine*, *People*, *InStyle*, *Town & Country*, *The Today Show*, *Good Morning America*, *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, and *The Martha Stewart Show*.

Katherine and Sophie are also committed philanthropists, actively supporting local and national charities focused on children’s health. Both sisters serve as Board Members of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.

Laura Evans Manatos is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and President & Founder of Laura Evans Media. With a mission to shift the narrative from negativity to solutions, Laura amplifies the voices of changemakers who are improving lives, strengthening communities, and making the world a kinder place. Through her firm, she develops strategic communications, provides media training, and guides media outreach for social impact organizations.

Before launching her company, Laura was a trusted news anchor for Fox5DC, where she led the top-rated 5 p.m. newscast. Over her nearly three-decade journalism career, including 18 years at Fox5, she earned two Emmy Awards, five nominations, and two Golden Mics. She has covered major breaking stories in Washington, D.C., and conducted exclusive interviews with some of the nation's most influential figures.

Beyond her professional work, Laura is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Vital Voices, and USA for UNHCR, helping refugees access education. She co-founded and leads DC Newswomen, a network of TV journalists who host the annual NewsBash, raising funds for local breast cancer organizations since 2005. She also initiated a mindfulness program at a Bethesda elementary school to support student well-being.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Laura began her career in Santa Barbara as an anchor/reporter for ABC affiliate KEYT, covering high-profile events such as California wildfires, the Northridge earthquake, and the O.J. Simpson trial.

Sofia S. Lingos is the founding and managing attorney of Trident Legal, a Boston-based law firm providing innovative transactional legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups across diverse industries and growth stages.

In addition to her legal practice, Sofia teaches Law Practice Management and Access to Justice at Northeastern University School of Law and Law Practice Technology at Chase College of Law. She previously served as Director of the Community Business Clinic at Northeastern and is active in numerous professional and philanthropic organizations where she holds leadership roles.

A frequent speaker and widely published author, Sofia presents nationally on law practice management, entrepreneurship, innovation, access to justice, and business law. Her work has earned her numerous honors, including Best of Boston Business Lawyers (two years in a row), Mass Lawyers Weekly “Go-to” Business Lawyer (2022), and recognition by the American Bar Association as one of the Top 40 Young Lawyers.

She has been named a New England Super Lawyer Rising Star and a Top Woman in the Law consecutively since 2013, is a recipient of the Mass Lawyers Weekly Excellence in the Law award, Greek America’s Forty Under 40, and was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from her undergraduate alma mater.

Outside of her professional life, Sofia enjoys outdoor activities, staying active in the Hellenic community, cooking, and tackling DIY projects with power tools. Her most meaningful role, however, is being a mother to her two daughters, Alexandra and Marialena.

Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis is a fourth-generation matchmaker, global relationship expert, and the founder and CEO of Agape Match, a premier matchmaking service based in New York City. With over 15 years of experience, Maria blends her Greek heritage with modern relationship psychology to help singles date with purpose and authenticity.

Raised in a proud Greek American family, Maria’s upbringing across cultures fueled her passion for human connection. She earned her degree in International Business from the American College of Greece and completed graduate studies in Global Affairs at NYU, giving her a global perspective on relationships and communication.

Maria is the host of the *Ask a Matchmaker* podcast, a popular show featuring dating advice, expert interviews, and real-world insights. She has answered over 8,000 dating dilemmas and built a loyal community of listeners worldwide. Her book, *Ask a Matchmaker*, will be released by St. Martin’s Essentials in May 2025, offering candid advice and personal stories to help readers navigate modern love.

A frequent media contributor, Maria’s expertise has been featured on ABC News, CBS Mornings, *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *Bustle*, and the *Financial Times*. She also mentors new professionals in the dating industry and speaks at national conferences on relationships and connection.

Maria lives in Central Jersey with her husband, two children, and their senior dog, and is an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway. Passionate about her Hellenic roots, she brings philotimo and heart to everything she does—whether matchmaking, writing, or serving her community.

Stefanie G. Roumeliotes, founder and CEO of SGR Consulting, is a senior strategist, high-caliber fundraiser, and seasoned political operative. A San Francisco Bay Area native, she has built a distinguished career supporting political candidates, causes, and nonprofits through business development and strategic fundraising.

In 2004, Stefanie launched SGR Consulting to provide strategic fundraising and development services to political campaigns and nonprofit organizations. Under her leadership, the firm has raised nearly $2 billion for clients including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and others.

She most recently served as National Senior Advisor on Technology and Business Development for the Harris-Walz 2024 Presidential Campaign. Stefanie has also played a pivotal role in securing public funding through civic initiatives and statewide bond campaigns, with a client roster that includes the DSCC, DGA, UN Foundation, Clinton Foundation, amfAR, FWD.us, and the California Democratic Party.

Appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2010, Stefanie served as a commissioner for the Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority. From 2017 to 2023, she chaired the San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Association, a role appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee.

In 2021, Stefanie was honored as the Success Honoree by Dress for Success, recognizing her commitment to helping women achieve economic independence. She remains a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in the professional world.

A UCLA graduate and proud Greek-American, Stefanie is married to Dr. John Costouros and is the devoted mother of ten-year-old twins.

Aliki Theofilopoulos began her career animating on iconic Disney films including “Hercules” and “Tarzan” before moving into television as a Story Artist, Writer, Director, and Executive Producer. Her credits include hit series such as “Descendants Wicked World” and “Phineas and Ferb,” where she was nominated for Emmys as both a writer and songwriter.

Aliki also received an esteemed Annecy International nomination for her work on Disney’s “Mickey Mouse” as well as for the animated short, “Doctor Lollipop.” She later joined DreamWorks as an Executive Producer on Apple TV+'s “Doug Unplugs” and the Netflix series “Dew Drop Diaries.”

She has since returned to Disney as an Executive Producer on “Zombies: The Re-Animated Series,” while also developing other exciting projects with the studio.

Aliki has shared her creative journey as a speaker at universities including DePaul, USC, and CalArts, and gave a TEDx Talk in Athens, Greece. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, songwriter and music producer Eman Kiriakou, and their five children—her favorite characters of them all.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Dena Haritos Tsamitis has used her role as an influential educator, mentor and strategic leader to transform the field of engineering education. Her role as Director of the College of Engineering’s Information Networking Institute (INI) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) places Dena at the intersection of innovative education, workforce development and cultural exchange. She has built interdisciplinary engineering programs and global communities, all while passionately advocating for an inclusive and diverse engineering field.

Dena joined Carnegie Mellon in 2000, bringing her unique, innovative perspective to a storied institution that has helped shape the modern world. As Director of the INI since 2004, Dena has led a trajectory of growth that includes establishing the first CMU degree to be offered entirely at a global location in Athens, Greece. She built on this success by expanding Carnegie Mellon programs in Japan, Portugal and Rwanda, and developing the university’s first bicoastal degree programs, which bridge the Pittsburgh campus with CMU in Silicon Valley.

Today, the INI offers five interdisciplinary degree programs that prepare graduates to build, innovate and advance the connected technologies and systems that support every aspect of contemporary society. These programs span information networking, information security, AI engineering and mobile and IoT engineering, and include the INI’s trailblazing MS in Information Security, which is ranked the #1 U.S. cybersecurity graduate program.

Informed by her experiences as the child of Greek-American immigrants, as well as a woman leader within engineering in the early 2000s, Dena immediately began investing in the INI’s culture by establishing programs and practices to provide a supportive environment and foster a sense of community. Her contributions were recognized in 2017, when Dena was the first recipient of the CMU Barbara Lazarus Professorship in Information Networking, created to celebrate the legacy of a pioneering mentor of women in STEM.

Under Dena’s leadership, CMU has earned three federal designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence for cybersecurity defense, research and operations. Since 2002, Dena has served as principal investigator (PI) on the National Science Foundation (NSF)

Evellyn Leontarakis Tsiadis is a lifelong servant leader whose commitment to philanthropy and community is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her parents. From her early role as GOYA president at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, NJ, to leadership positions in the Maids of Athena and Daughters of Penelope, Evellyn has embraced service with purpose and passion.

A trusted organizer and advocate, she leads fundraising efforts, supports scholarships for students of Hellenic descent, and uplifts causes close to her heart. As International Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope, she led the organization to unprecedented success by inspiring members through example.

For over 20 years, Evellyn has served on the Board of Saint Basil Academy—including 11 years as President—guiding the only Greek Orthodox licensed residential childcare facility in the U.S. Her additional leadership includes service on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council, NJ Metropolis Council, and all levels of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

She has also held key roles with the Daughters of Penelope Educational Foundation and the 5th District AHEPA Family Cancer Research Foundation, and was appointed to the NJ Hellenic American Heritage Commission by Governor Murphy.

In recognition of her service, Evellyn received the Medal of Saint Paul in 2018—the highest honor bestowed upon a layperson by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Her unwavering dedication, humility, and compassion continue to inspire others, leaving a legacy of meaningful impact. She lives by the principle: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12).