Akouris Laura

Hi! My name is Laura Akouris and I’m from the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I am a rising junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and I’m currently majoring in Advertising and potentially minoring in Public Relations. At the University of Illinois, I’m active in Greek Life as the Director of Standards and Ethics of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a proud member of the Hellenic Student Association, as well as a content editor for the campus’ American Advertising Federation. I also serve as a morale captain for Illinithon, which is a dance marathon that raises money for St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. In my free time, I love watching Netflix, shopping, listening to music (especially 2000’s throwbacks), and hanging out with friends.

I’m so excited to experience my culture on another level, see the beautiful scenery of Greece, and most importantly, indulge in the cuisine I love so dearly! I’m looking forward to meeting new people who are as enthusiastic about their culture as I am, seeing new things, and becoming closer to my Greek Heritage.

Angelides Sophia Morfea

I have grown up in California surrounded by my Big Fat Greek Family and have been active in my church, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, throughout my life. I have participated in activities from Greek Dancing at FDF, to being a camp counselor, to working in booths at the Greek Festival. Though I have been surrounded by Greek culture my whole life the closest I have come to Greece was through following my two older brothers’ trips to Greece on social media and enviously listening to their stories when they returned home. I recently graduated from UCLA with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychobiology and I am starting graduate school in the fall, as the first step in my quest to attend medical school and become a physician. I cannot wait to finally go to Greece before this next stage of my life.

Anthony Melanie

My name is Melanie Anthony and I’ll be a junior next year at Indiana University. I was born in Chicago, moved to California, and then Weston, MA where I graduated high school. Also this summer my family is moving to Florida… but I still call Boston home. I am a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. I love sports and music and binge watching Netflix. I love to travel and meet new people and am so excited to be going to the Greece through the Heritage Greece program. I am 100% Greek and grew up learning the Greek language, Greek dancing and most importantly eating all Greek foods. Even though my parents were both born in the US, my grandparents are “off the boat” from Athens. Looking forward to start this new adventure!

Julia Banas

My name is Julia Banas and I’m from Harding, Pennsylvania. I’m a sophomore at Boston University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Health. I enjoy reading, ice skating, and spending time with friends. I’m excited to meet everyone and explore Greece!

Nick Crockett

My name is Nick Crockett, and I am from Akron, Ohio. I am currently finishing up my Junior year at The Ohio State University, majoring in History with an interest in ancient history, and minoring in Latin. My mother’s parents are from Crete and Piraeus and I am very excited to have the opportunity to visit the place of origin of my heritage that has so much historical significance within the world.

Cruz Athan

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Missouri pursuing a degree in Health Sciences. I am interested in the healthcare field and hope to become an Occupational Therapist or a Nurse.   I am a member of the Mizzou Alternative Breaks organization where we plan alternative spring break trips to help the homeless. This March we traveled to Philadelphia on one of these trips. In addition, I am part of the university’s STRIPES organization where I provide free confidential car rides to students on the weekends. I danced with the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and through many performances helped others enjoy Greek dance and culture. I have also achieved the Eagle Scout rank with the Boy Scouts of America.

Participating in the Heritage Greece program will provide the opportunity of a life time. I am excited to visit historical sites, like the Acropolis, that I have learned about in school. Greek food has always been a favorite of mine and I will enjoy trying some authentic restaurants. It will be a privilege to visit and explore firsthand the country where my grandparents were born and raised. I look forward to learning about Greek history, philosophy, art, and culture.

Dandolos Nikos

Hi, my name is Niko Dandolos. I live in Wilmington, Delaware and attend the University of Delaware. I am studying agri-business with a minor in Entrepreneurship. The US is my home but Greece is a part of who I am. I am very connected to my heritage. I am a HUGE Greek soccer fan – go Olympiacos ! I also work part time at the Odyssey Charter School, an English/Greek, dual language based, K-12 school in Delaware. Although I have traveled to Greece before with my family, experiencing it with fellow students at the American College of Greece will be truly special.

Demoleas Eleni

I’m Eleni Demoleas. I was born in New York and I moved to Nevada when I was 3. I’m 19 years old. I have an interest in psychology.

Efstathiades Anthony

My name is Anthony Efstathiades. I was born in Norwalk, Connecticut and moved to Florida when I was seven. I love participating in all types of sports, especially soccer. After getting injured and visiting physical therapy, I decided that was a field that interested me. I now attend the University of Central Florida in Orlando, majoring in sports and exercise science, on the track to become a physical therapist. I have been a part of the Greek Church my whole life and have done Greek dancing for the past 12 years. Having never been to Greece I am looking forward to finally seeing the country my family came from and learning all about it.

Efstathiou Demos

My name is Demos Efstathiou and I am a freshman at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where I am studying political science. I’ve lived in Albany, New York for my entire life, and I am excited to participate in Heritage Greece so I can experience my culture.

Fotos Sophia

Im sophia and I love to create art, discover music, meet new people.

Fuerst William

Billy is a junior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor studying Political Science and Modern Greek and is a native of Alhambra, California. He is a member of the Michigan Marching Band as well as the Michigan Basketball Band, Volleyball Band, and University Band. He has had a strong passion for music since the fifth grade when he first joined the band program and has never looked back. He is an avid language enthusiast and speaks Spanish and Greek along with English. He is also a tutor through the University of Michigan Spanish Department and works as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Modern Greek Program. Due to his deep connection and interest with his Greek heritage in his sophomore year of high school, Billy decided to teach himself Greek with the help of a teacher. Additionally, he has become an enthusiastic Greek folk dancer and active within in his Greek community at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena.   In the future, Billy hopes to shape his career through his language aptitude and studies in political science, perhaps as a congressman, lobbyist, or university professor.

Gardner Roxanne

Hi! I’m Roxanne and I’m from Los Angeles. I’m currently a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley. I love to take photos, garden, play soccer and hike. I also play jazz trumpet, classical piano, and a little guitar and ukulele. I am so excited to be a part of Heritage Greece and be immersed in Greek culture. Let’s go eat some souvlaki and swim a little.

Gardner Zoe

My name is Zoe Gardner and I am a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with degrees in Political Science and Media Studies. Originally from Los Angeles, I have spent all of my life in California and I am very excited and grateful to be going on this trip to explore my cultural heritage in Greece! My interests include: political media, journalism, and new media. I love television and I was part of UC Berkeley’s television station, CalTV. I also enjoy theater, dance, and all of the performing arts.

Gluszcz Julia

Julia Gluszcz from Baltimore, Maryland who is an honors student at the University of Maryland, College Park. She studies Family Science in the school of Public Health. Julia is very involved with her sorority, Sigma Kappa on campus. She has served on the philanthropy and recruitment committees. Julia has also served as the Vice President of the Greek Heritage Society at the University of Maryland where she has learned to strengthen her ties to her Hellenic heritage as well as support other Greek Americans on campus. She is very excited to be attending the Greek Heritage Trip and learning as much as she can about her Greek roots.

Gruban Angie

My name is Angie. I am a freshman at St. John’s University in New York. Joining a sorority awakened my desire to learn more about my Greek side. I am a Croatian-Greek-American. My mother has instilled her Croatian heritage in me by teaching me the language and encouraging me to visit Croatia and dance folklore. By being involved in the Croatian culture, I see how much I am missing from my Greek side. I can’t wait to connect to my Greek roots. This is my first time traveling to Greece, and I’m so excited!

Gumas Stephanie

I am from San Francisco. I attend Cal Poly Pomona and I am studying fashion merchandising. I enjoying spending time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting new friends and learning about my Greek roots.

Hanos Christina

I am currently a biology major on the premed track loving my new college life at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. When I’m not hitting the books, I spend my time outdoors playing varsity field hockey with my teammates. Athletics have always been a major part of my life and I am so grateful to pursue a sport at the collegiate level as it gives me an outlet to de-stress. Another aspect of who I am includes my involvement in my local community, whether I am participating in church events such as choir singing, festival fundraising, youth group involvement (GOYA), or even speech writing for the annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. My interest in the science field led me to a unique high school exploratory medical program in which I shadowed physicians and witnessed real surgeries, confirming that this profession would by my future goal. I have also volunteered for the Youth Ambulance Corp and have done research on mammalian Lyme disease. As the summer quickly approaches, I look forward to discovering all that this Heritage Greece journey has to offer!

Harris Chris

Hi! My name is Chris Harris. I’m born and raised in Los Angeles and am just finishing up my degree in Kinesiology at Cal State Long Beach. In my free time I like to hike, play piano, watch baseball, and I’ve recently started to learn to speak Greek. I’ve been to Greece once before when I was 11 years old, and I couldn’t be more excited to go back. Thank you so much to the National Hellenic Society! Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Heretakis Andrew

My name is Andrew Heretakis, I am a civil engineering student at university at buffalo. All of my grandparents immigrated from Greece to the US to provide a better life for their families. They all met in the united states and got married. My parents met at the Greek orthodox church that I was baptized in, and I still attend to this day.

Being Greek has always defined me. Ever since I was a kid I went to Greek school every Saturday and Sunday school every Sunday. When I turned 13 I became very involved with GOYA. I formed a great group of friends at that age, my best friends still to this day.

This opportunity is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly experience the Greek culture, and know where I came from.

Hortatsos Elaine

My name is Elaine Hortatsos and I’m a University of Illinois student in Urbana/Champaign. I am beyond excited to experience my heritage and culture in Greece this summer! I am a guitarist, pianist, and singer. I love the spread music and how it unites people together. Exploration is my favorite activity and I can’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime. There is so much I know about my Greek heritage, yet I still have so much to learn. My family is beyond excited for me to finally find answers to all my questions about where my family is from. I’m hoping I will get to stop in Crete, Greece so I am able to see the exact place where my PaPou and YiaYia have spent their lives.

Hristakis Alexander

I am from Garden City, NY. My father was born in Greece and my mother was born in Italy. I am a freshman at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania majoring in Finance. I also have an interest in attending law school. I play for the University’s Ice Hockey Team. I have studied Italian and Spanish in school, as well as Greek in afternoon Greek School. I am interested in becoming proficient in reading, writing, and speaking Greek.

Ibrahim Karlie

My name is Karlie and I am graduating from Loyola University Maryland this May with a bachelor’s of science in Biology/Psychology. Being Greek is a huge part of my identity. I grew up in the Greek Orthodox church where I was involved in the youth group and Greek dancing. In college, I helped start the Hellenic Student Association at Loyola and I am now the president of the club. Although I was very involved with my Greek culture, I had not been to Greece as much as I wished and had not learned to speak Greek either. Participating in Heritage Greece is a dream come true. I’m so excited to spend time in Greece and learn all about my Heritage!

Kakares Paraskevi

Paraskevi (Vi) Kakares is a freshman at Illinois Wesleyan University majoring in English-Writing with a minor in Spanish. An avid writer with a love for language, Vi works for University Communications, is a content writer for the Odyssey, and will begin working as a writing tutor in the fall. She is also extremely excited to be a new member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority at Illinois Wesleyan! Vi especially loves traveling and hopes to study abroad. After graduation, she aspires to combine her love for travelling and learning about new languages and cultures, by earning a Fulbright scholarship to teach English abroad in a Latin American country. Vi’s love for learning about other cultures stems from her love for her own culture, which has always been an integral part of her life. She grew up in a Greek household where she spoke the language, was a part of the Orpheus Greek Dance troupe, and attended a Greek Orthodox Church. Vi embraces her Greek heritage and is beyond excited to participate in Heritage Greece!

Kalariotes Dena

Excited is an understatement!!

Kalemkeridis Ellie

Hi everyone! My name is Ellie Kalemkeridis and I’m from Walpole, Massachusetts. I’m a rising sophomore in the Boston College Carroll School of Management majoring in Marketing and International Studies. Outside of class, I love taking the T into Boston with friends, trying out new restaurants around town, and spending time with my cousins. Born and raised just 40 minutes outside of the city, I’m a proud Bostonian and can’t imagine growing up anywhere else. My Greek heritage has always been such a huge part of my life and I’m so excited to explore Greece with other Greek-American students.

Kamen-Rubio Rocky

Hi! My name is Rocky. I was born and raised in Berkeley, California, and currently attend the University of California Berkeley where I study physics and dance. I’m also involved in the Berkeley Student Cooperative, an affordable student housing alternative that keeps costs low by having members do all the work that would normally be done by staff in a dorm (such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance). I always make sure to prepare some kind of Greek dish when it’s my turn to cook, so I’m excited to get to learn a lot more about Greek food and how it’s made. In my free time, I also do Capoeira (an afro-brazilian dance-like martial art) and teach modern dance. After college, I hope to move to New York to train and perform in dance professionally, and eventually return to school to pursue a higher degree in physics. This will be my first time to Greece, and I’m really excited to learn about Greek language and culture, and experience my heritage first-hand!

Keahey Julia

Hi, I’m Julia! I was born and raised in Southeastern Michigan, and now I am a senior at Ithaca College in New York, majoring in Documentary Studies. I love filmmaking; most of the time you’ll find me with a camera in hand. I am very passionate about film, fashion, comfort food, and especially dogs- I have never seen a dog I didn’t think was cute. (Cats are nice too!) In my free time you’ll find me dancing around my room to music people would be embarrassed to admit they like.

Kontonis James

My name is James (Dimitri) Kontonis and I am from Millbrae, California. I am currently a freshman at Saint Mary’s College of California and I am majoring in Politics. I am looking forward to attending the Heritage Greece Program this summer.

Kotsis Elias

Hello! My name is Elias Kotsis and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Music and minoring in Theatre Arts and Political Science. I am from Middletown, New Jersey and attend Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Holmdel, New Jersey where I have served in both the altar and the choir.

My two primary interests are composing music and performing. Currently, I am on the executive board of Penn’s socially-relevant theater group and I am in the midst of composing for several short films and a musical.

I have always wanted to visit Greece and establish a deeper connection with my cultural roots. Throughout middle school and high school, I was an active member of GOYA and an active Greek dancer in GOYA as well as the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey. I was on the board of my GOYA for four years and served as our President in my senior year. I am grateful to be accepted to the Heritage Greece program and cannot wait for the trip.

Kuzin Katie

Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a fourth year at the University of Virginia and am very excited to study at the ACG. At school, I run a startup, non-profit music festival, the Corner Indie Fest, and am on the club snowboarding team.

Laurent Demetra

Hello! My name is Demetra Laurent and I am so excited to be a part of Heritage Greece 2017! I am from Seattle, Washington and am a current junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. I am studying mass communications with a focus on public relations and am a member of the women’s varsity swim team. Alongside school and swimming, I am a part-time swim coach for a local club team as well as an intern with NBCUniversal. I love meeting new people, exploring new places, and experiencing everything New York City has to offer.

I am half Greek (and half French) and am very proud of my Greek heritage. I grew up in the Greek community and have always felt so grateful that I am a part of such a deeply connected and loving culture. I am thrilled for the opportunity to explore Greece and to immerse myself in the country that has shaped who I am. I can’t wait to learn as much as I can about our heritage all while creating lasting memories and making new friendships!

Leser Erica

I’m a 20 year old college student currently studying Neuroscience at the Univeristy of California at Riverside under the Chancellor’s Scholarship. I’m a quarter Greek, a quarter German, and half Chinese, a second generation American.

Levantis Joanna

My name is Joanna Levantis, I am from Montgomery County, MD, and I will be a sophomore this fall at the University of Maryland College Park. I am 18 years old and a Communications-Public Relations major. I also plan to minor in Business Analytics and potentially work in the realm of the professional sports industry. I am a member of the Greek Heritage Society on campus and both my parents are of Greek decent. I love to go into D.C. on the weekends and try new restaurants with friends and enjoy all the city has to offer. I am a big hockey fan so I like to root for my team the Washington Capitals all I can! I look forward to participating in the Heritage Greece program and experiencing Greece in a completely different way. I am very excited to meet all my fellow participants and eat endless souvlakia with everyone!

Lucas Emma

My name is Emma Lucas and I was born and raised right outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I am a rising junior at the University of Miami majoring in exercise physiology on the pre-med track and minoring in chemistry. I am very excited to participate in Heritage Greece and learn more about where my family is from.

Maroutsos Demetrios

Demetrios Maroutsos is a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pursing a dual degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Honors Concentration and Anthropology along with a Spanish language minor. He spends a lot of his time researching at Das Labs in the Department of Comparative Biosciences and Biochemistry aiming to elucidate the link between lipid metabolism and inflammation. He also plays the cello, and volunteers his time at Urbana High school mentoring students in the orchestra. Maroutsos is a devout member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and Hellenic American Student Organization at the university. He is a first generation Hellenic American, with one parent having roots in Kalamata and the other in Axladokambos. He feels a strong connection with his heritage and attributes much of his Greek identity to his family, friends, and the Hellenic American Academy.

Marquardt Quinn

I am Quinn Marquardt. I am from Cheyenne, Wyoming and I am a junior attending the University of Wyoming studying communication. In the summer, I spend a lot of my time outside hiking and fishing! I also love to cook on a daily basis and travel!

My family is very involved at our church, which has allowed me to meet many great people within the Greek Orthodox community. I am so excited to meet more new people through the Heritage Greece 2017 program, all while learning more about Greece and its unique culture!

Moshovitis Ianni

Hello!!! My name is Iannis Moshovitis and I live in Chicago (Go Cubs!!).   I am a freshman at Loyola University Chicago. At Loyola, I am on the pre-med track, majoring in Biology.   I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and I have 2 younger sisters and a dog named Lady.

Clubs I participate in at Loyola include the Medical Student Association, the Hellenic Club, and intramural soccer and volleyball.   I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, music concerts, having a good time, and staying connected with my culture. In addition to participating in the Heritage Greece program, I’ll be working as a research assistant this summer studying pesticides and insecticides, attending Lollapalooza in Chicago, and going to a bunch of Greek festivals.

I’m proud of my Greek heritage and look forward to the Heritage Greece trip, where I hope to gain more insight about modern way of life in Greece, as well as ancient history, Greek language and customs. I am interested in seeing ancient sites and ruins and enjoying the Greek cuisine. I also look forward to meeting Greek natives and other students from the U.S.

Nomicos Stephan

My name is Stephan Nomicos Adamson and I love being active in my local Greek community and church. I have been involved in Greek dance for many years representing Los Angeles at “FDF” and have made very meaningful friendships through the dance program. I have also been a camp counselor for the past 3 years at Saint Sophia Camp and I really enjoy working with kids. I’m very excited to be a part of the Heritage Greece program and I look forward to making lifetime friendships with many of the students from all over the US and Greece.

Ohara Natalia

My name is Natalia O’Hara I am from Lakeville, MN. I attend Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. I am majoring in Business and minoring in Photography. I am also apart of the Women’s Volleyball team here on campus. When I’m not playing volleyball and or studying I like to go to concerts, travel and shop! I am a very outgoing person who loves to meet new people. I am so excited to have the opportunity to go on this trip and widen my Greek knowledge!

Pantazis Gregory

Hi my name is Gregory Pantazis and I am a first year Business student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). I grew up in Burlingame, California and attended Holy Trinity Church in San Francisco. At Holy Trinity, I was involved in the dance group, played in the OYAA basketball league, and was an active member in GOYA. Now that I go to Cal Poly, I am apart of the Saint Andrew parish here in San Luis Obispo.

I am looking forward to seeing you guys in June!

Papoutsis Alexandra

I am thrilled to introduce myself. My name is Alexandra Papoutsis, but I prefer Alex. I come from a town in Pennsylvania called Sinking Spring where I reside with both of my parents and my younger sister. I come from a diverse ethnic background, as my father is Greek and my mother is Honduran. Learning about my culture and stepping outside of my comfort zone have always been strong passions of mine. I am a lively, determined, and bright individual and I cannot wait to bring my enthusiasm to the group, as I enjoy talking to and meeting new people. Alongside those characteristics, I enjoy playing soccer, writing, and playing flute. Also, I am currently an Accounting major at Albright College about to complete my second year of secondary education. I think this trip will be life changing. Not only that, I but I also expect to be challenged alongside my peers as we try to immerse ourselves in a new culture. Yet most of all, I am ready. I am ready to see what the world has to offer. Greece, here we come!

Petros Sophia

I’m from Miami, play soccer and and learning to live in winter!

Piliotis Eleni

Hi! My name is Eleni Piliotis and I am 18 years old and I live in the Bay Area in California. I currently attend Las Positas College, and I plan to transfer to a UC to earn my major in Political Science and minor in International Relations. After serving my local congressional office as an intern for almost a year, I became inspired to pursue a career that would help people on a much larger, international scale. I hope to have a government job as a foreign service officer where I can travel to promote peace and justice across the world. I love traveling to different places and meeting new people! I am really passionate about bodybuilding and I love lifting because I enjoy pushing myself and seeing my strength grow. I am excited to meet everyone and to embark on this amazing journey!

Plakas Stephanie

Hello! My name is Stephanie Plakas. I am a graduate student at IUPUI completing my Master’s in Applied Anthropology. I did my undergrad at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. My grandfather came to America when he was 13 and all I have ever wanted was to visit our family’s homeland and study the culture and history of Greece! I am very excited to be visiting Greece and spending more time with my family that I have there. I’m also excited to meet everyone involved and spend two weeks in Greece together!

Podias Joanna

I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Oceanside, New York in a family of seven. I am a rising sophomore at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, studying computer music and multimedia experiments. I love to sing and write music; I’ve played in a number of rock bands since high school, and I currently front my own band at Brown. I like art, languages, and meeting cool people.

Raschi Victoria

My name is Victoria Raschi and I am a freshman at Emerson College and I am pursuing a degree in Film Production. I am the philanthropy chair for the local Boston sorority, Xi Gamma Nu. I work on various Emerson College shows and I intern with Only in Boston. I love spending time with my family, friends, dog and playing the piano. I am really excited and fortunate to be able to take part in Heritage Greece 2017, and I cannot wait to learn more about my culture.

Rerra Gabrielle

My name is Gabrielle Rerra, and I am from Stamford Connecticut. I am a student at Syracuse University, studying Information Technology and Advertising. I enjoy reading, working out and meeting new people. I have never been to Greece before and I am very excited to be taking part in Heritage Greece this summer!

Schindele Madison

Hello, my name is Maddie Schindele and I am so excited to reconnect with my Greek heritage this summer! I am originally from New York but am living in Ohio while finishing up my senior year at Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin, I study music (I sing opera!) but am also interested in history and languages. Next year I will be pursuing my Masters in Historical Musicology at the University of London Goldsmiths! When not studying/ listening to music, I love photography, cooking (and eating) and antique shopping! I can’t wait to meet everyone and experience an unforgettable summer!

Sempeles Evania

Evania Sempeles, born in Winchester, Virginia, is majoring in Biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She is involved in Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women and her school’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship.

Sempeles Sophia

Hi, my name is Sophia Sempeles and I’m 21 years old. I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. My home parish is St. George’s in Bethesda Maryland. I am currently a rising senior at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts. My major is Literature and History. I am an aspiring screenplay writer and would like to go to grad school to study film. I’m an only child who loves creative writing, watching Super Hero movies, hanging out with friends, and eating Greek food. As a kid I took Tae Kwon Do and earned my first degree black belt. I was in Girl Scouts all through high school and earned the Gold Award (Girl Scout equivalent of the Eagle Scout). I’m very excited about Heritage Greece and can’t wait to make new friends and have adventures in such a beautiful country.

Simos Alexa

Hi! I am an Illustrator and Designer living in Brooklyn, NY. I moved there from a suburb of Chicago about 3 years ago when I turned 18. I love to paint realistically and draw, I also love running and am very athletic! During the school year I attend Pratt Institute full time and work part time at Nasdaq. This summer is my second year interning full time in their creative and digital strategy department. It’s super cool working there because everyone is incredibly good at their jobs and it’s very synergistic to be a part of that environment. I’m a sucker for really good food and tiny fluffy dogs. I believe that what you put out into the world is what you get back. You can learn something from everyone and take something away from every experience you have. I have a younger sister who is one of my best friends – and who is also on this trip(!!!) I am super excited to meet all of you and get to know you during this incredible experience.

Simos Nicole

Nicole Simos is from Chicago, Illinois. Currently, she is a student at the George Washington University, studying international affairs and economics.

Staviski Nicholas

Nicholas Staviski is a junior Honors Petroleum Engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin. This year I am External Vice President for Delta Tau Delta, President for the Society of Petroleum Engineers and an active Sunday school teacher. I closely identify with my Greek heritage and love traveling the world (have been to China, Dubai, Mexico, & various European countries).   My proudest accomplishment was being selected Most Eligible Bachelor Sophomore Year of High School.

Tingas Niki

My name is Niki Tingas, from Chicago, Illinois and have never been to Greece before finding out about this program! I am delighted to be accepted and cannot wait to be immersed in Greek culture in such a life changing experience!

Tsamouras Erin

Hi,
My name is Erin Tsamouras and I am so grateful to have this opportunity. I can’t wait to meet everyone and experience one of the most beautiful countries together. I am also excited to be able to take a language course during this 2 week program, because I don’t speak much Greek. Although, I do not speak the language I participated in my churches Greek dance group for about 8 years. So, to be able to go to Greece and learn more about the culture is truly amazing.

See everyone soon!

Tsolometes Anastasia

Anastasia Tsolometes is a senior at The Ohio State University from Springboro, OH. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and a minor in Leadership Studies. At OSU, she is the current president of Sigma Epsilon Phi Greek Orthodox Cultural Fraternity and works in Residence Life as a Resident Manager. She also teaches Sunday School at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus. She enjoys soccer, music, dancing, and being outside. She has an older brother, younger brother, younger sister, and two dogs. Fun Fact: Co-Founded a College Greek Dance group in Dayton Ohio!

I am excited for this trip beyond words! I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn more about our Greek Heritage while meeting wonderful people who share the same passion. Here’s to a life changing adventure in Greece!

Tzagournis Elizabeth

Hi! My name is Elizabeth and I am a recent journalism graduate from The Ohio State University. I plan to continue my passion for storytelling by pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. I love to travel and have studied abroad in both Barcelona, Spain and Australia. I am so excited for all the memories and experiences to gain on the Heritage Greece program!

Vergados Costas

My name is Costas Vergados and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am a student in the business school, a member of the university ballroom dance team, and have always taken immense pride in my Hellenic culture. I have been an active member in my Greek community since I was young and I am thrilled to participate in the Heritage Greece program!

Vourlitis Madeline

My name is Madeline (Maddee) Vourlitis. Im eighteen years old and just completed my first year at San Francisco State University with a major in Business marketing. I enjoy Greek Dancing and recently won Sweepstakes with my team at FDF. I was also GOYA president at my church Saints Constantine and Helen in Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego. I am very excited to experience Greece for the first time and learn more about my culture while I’m there.

Widen Michaela

I’m a rising junior at Villanova University obtaining a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Global Health. I enjoy being active, reading and traveling. I have three older brothers and two parents. My grandmother kept me close to my Greek heritage before she passed, who founded the Demetra Fund for the EOK.

Zourzoukis Christos

My name is Christos Zourzoukis, and I am half Greek and half Puerto Rican. I am currently studying Computer Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Georgia. I am a member of my university’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and I am involved at 90.5 WUOG, our university’s student run radio station. My other extracurricular activities include community outreach through my local Sons of Pericles chapter, and participating in various local “hackathons”. My hobbies include playing guitar, film photography, and reading. I am a bit of a music geek, and also a bit of a history buff. I am also a lover of language, and I am currently learning both Greek and Japanese. The last two summers I have interned at Picasso Brothers Printing in Atlanta doing small business accounting and learning about the different stages of production process. I look forward to spending this summer learning about my heritage, meeting all sorts of new people, and making new memories!