An event marking International Women’s Day will take place at the Consulate General of Greece in New York on Friday, March 6, bringing together professionals from across the Greek and Greek-American community for an evening of discussion and networking.
Titled “International Women’s Day: Discussion & Reception – Celebrating Generations of Amazing Leaders,” the program will feature two panel conversations focusing on leadership, professional experience, and the evolving role of women in the Hellenic community.
The event is organized by the Consulate General of Greece in New York in collaboration with Philo4Thought Inc. and several Hellenic professional organizations. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Consulate, located at 69 East 79th Street in Manhattan, and will conclude with a reception.
Women in Leadership
The first panel will focus on established professionals in business, education, medicine, and finance who have played active roles in the Greek-American community.
Participants include Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, President of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and an executive with the Red Apple Group, where she works on strengthening business ties between Greece and the United States.
Also participating is Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis, an educational psychologist whose work centers on school climate, social-emotional learning, and leadership in education.
Dr. Lorraine Chrisomalis-Valasiadis, a physician and advisory board member of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York, will also take part in the discussion. She has been involved in several professional and community initiatives connected to the Hellenic medical community.
The panel will also include Nancy Papaioannou, a senior banking executive and lifetime member of the Hellenic American Bankers Association with long-standing involvement in New York’s Hellenic banking community.
The discussion will be moderated by Nomiki Kastanas, a journalist and media host with extensive experience in Greek-American broadcasting and community programming.
NextGen Leadership
A second panel will focus on younger professionals and emerging leaders active in media, medicine, business, and community initiatives.
Participants include Vanessa Diamataris, Co-Editor and Co-Publisher of The National Herald, where she also serves as Online Features Editor and Marketing Strategist. She holds a degree in Global and International Studies and a law degree from Fordham University.
Also joining the panel is Dr. Theofano Orfanelli, a physician who serves on the advisory board of the Hellenic Medical Society of New York and participates in a number of community health initiatives.
Maria Christodoulou, President of Cypriot Young Professionals at the Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce, will also participate. In that role, she helps organize networking and professional programs for members of the Cypriot diaspora.
The panel will also feature Anastasia Aktipis, Events Manager at Kellari Hospitality Group, where she helps coordinate professional and cultural events connected to the Hellenic community in New York.
The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Christina Salboudis, the founding CEO and educational director of Philo4Thought. With more than three decades of experience in mentoring and education, she has worked extensively with students and young professionals through coaching, training programs, and leadership initiatives.
The program brings together established professionals and younger voices from across the Hellenic community for a conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the experiences shaping the next generation.
The event is free and open to members of the community with advance registration and focuses on leadership and professional development. Following the discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to meet speakers and continue the conversation during a reception at the Consulate.
Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending, as dates, times, locations, and registration information may change.