Ades Tatiana

Tatiana grew up between Long Island and Queens, NY and now calls Brooklyn home. For undergrad, she double majored in English literature and Women & Gender Studies at the City University of NY. She now works full time in an adult literacy program to support adult students working towards their High School Equivalency diplomas. Even in the throes and difficulties of grad school, she still believes that stories present viable ways of moving anti-racist, queer, and feminist futures forward. When she’s not working or reading, Tatiana tries to concoct the perfect gluten free phyllo dough, so she can once again feast on baklava and spanakopita.

Afendoulis Elena

Hi everyone! My name is Elena Afendoulis, and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am currently a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan. At Michigan, I am the music director of my A Cappella group and also just recently became a Pure Barre teacher! The Heritage Greece Program is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am so eager to learn more about our Greek culture and to create lifelong memories. I cannot wait to spend an amazing few weeks in Greece with you all!

Andricopulos Sophia

Sophia is a recent 2019 alumna of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she majored in Accountancy and minored in French. She was a Resident Advisor for 3 years, volunteered practically daily on campus through Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, and was a member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. She has also been involved with the Chicago chapter of the Maids of Athena since their rechartering in 2014. Sophia is a 2018 recipient of the PanHellenic Scholarship and currently serves as Secretary of the Alumni Board. She is excited to join us in Greece for her first time this summer before starting work at PricewaterhouseCoopers in their Chicago office.

Blackwood Stephanie

Hello! My name is Stephanie Blackwood and I am a rising junior at Carnegie Mellon University. I am from North Salem, NY, which is a suburb of New York City, and I study biology and psychology with a minor in biomedical engineering and chemistry. In school, I am also on the club volleyball team and spend a lot of time working as an undergraduate researcher on campus in a lab that studies the genes involved in starfish development. In my free time, I love exploring Pittsburgh with my friends. Growing up, I ate a lot of Greek food and always celebrated Easter later than my American friends. With the 2019 Heritage Greece Program, I am looking forward to learning some Greek, seeing beautiful landmarks, and learning more about my heritage!​

Bravos Anastasia

My name is Anastasia Bravos and I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago with my twin brother and younger sister. I am going into my senior year at University of Wisconsin-Madison where I study genetics and work in an Oncology lab. I plan to attend medical school after graduation. In my free time, I enjoy running with my dog Henry, cooking new foods, reading, and hanging out with my Yia Yia in her garden. I have never been to Greece before, and I am so excited to get in touch with my Greek heritage and meet other Greek-Americans!

Brenner Lindsay

My name is Lindsay and I am a freshman at the University of Central Florida. I am studying graphic design with a minor in marketing. In addition to art, I also love anything that has to do with music and culture. Since I was young, I have always felt a deep connection to my Greek heritage and I am excited to visit the country and learn more! This will be my first trip to Greece and I am looking forward to exploring all the history and culture the country has to offer.

Brewer Bart

Portland, OR born and raised. Enjoys going on hikes and being out in nature. Won’t pass up an opportunity to explore.

Broustis Paige

Hi everyone! My name is Paige and I’m a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying biology and human development, with hopes to attend PA school! Outside of studying, I’m really involved with my club tennis team and the OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship)! I was raised in a Greek household with all the amazing traditions, values, and nagging! I speak Greek with my grandparents, but am not fluent. I hope to become more proficient in the language (and Greek dancing) through the Heritage Greece program! I am very close with my family, extended family, those family members we call family that aren’t technically family… etc, and attribute so many aspects of my life to my Greek heritage. I’ve been to Greece once before with lots of family. So now, I am so excited to experience Greece with other college students! I can’t wait to meet you all!

Calimeres Georgia

Hi! My name is Georgia and I’m an Environmental Studies student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg FL. I was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in a bilingual household. My Greek culture has been a large part of my life, but don’t ask me anything about Greek Mythology because not all Greeks are mythology experts!

I’m very passionate about animal rights and our relationship as humans to farmed animals. I am also obsessed with cats and have 6 of them at home in Pennsylvania. I absolutely hate small talk so if you want to have a conversation with me, expect to be talking about your favorite conspiracy theory, your opinion on the purpose of life, or if you believe in paranormal activity.

Christopoulos Julianna

My name is Julianna Christopoulos and I am a rising sophomore at Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York. I am majoring in Atmospheric Science with minors in Climate Change and Environmental Science. I am involved with Epsilon Eta, a professional honors sustainability fraternity, and the Cornell Wind Symphony. Aside from school, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing tennis, and playing soccer. I am a first-generation Greek-American and very proud of my heritage. Growing up, I was told many stories about the villages from which my family came from. Now, I am so excited to travel to the country and experience Greece first-hand!

Ciulla Dina

Hi, my name is Dina Ciulla and I am from Las Vegas, NV. I will be a junior this year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in Finance and minoring in Global Entrepreneurship. On campus, I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and serve as Philanthropy Chair for my chapter.

In addition, I have a passion for philanthropy and love being involved with various organizations! I am currently the Youth Philanthropy Chair for One Drop, a global non-profit that brings safe and accessible water to women & children around the world.

On my free time, I enjoy spending time with family/friends, watching movies, and playing tennis! I recently started a tennis club on campus and am looking forward to competing. In addition, I am a foodie & love trying new restaurants!

I can’t wait to participate in Heritage Greece 2019! My Greek culture has always been an important part of my life and I am so thankful for this opportunity to watch it grow further. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone, learning, and exploring!

Coughlan Alexandra

Hi my name is Alexandra and I am from Toronto Ontario! I am going into my second year of Law at Carleton University in Ottawa. I am currently a competitive cheerleader at my university, as well as a lifeguard. My Greek heritage has been a major part of my life, ever since I was young in Greek school and Greek dancing classes. I am very proud of my culture, and cannot wait to be a part of this experience with many other Greek students like myself!

Cunningham Gavin

My name is Gavin Cunningham, and I am a sophomore at Boston College in the Carroll School of Management, studying finance and accounting for finance and consulting. I am a member of the Mens rowing team which placed 3rd at the ACRA National Championships in 2018. I am also the Vice President of the BC Finance Academy. When I’m not at school or rowing, I like to listen and play music (I play guitar), go fishing, spend time outside and travel. I currently live in Sudbury, Massachusetts with my two brothers Matthew and Daniel and my parents.

Davis Julianna

My name is Julianna Davis but you can call me Jules! I am originally from Los Angeles, California and I am currently in my first year studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. I am pursuing a BA in Political Science, a minor in Geography, and a certificate in Peace Studies. After college, I plan on going to law school and pursuing a career within human rights law. Back home in LA I have a twin brother and three pet parakeets. When I am not studying, you can most likely find me enjoying a swim in the Pacific at one of my favorite beaches, volunteering with the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, spending time with my friends, listening to music, or painting. Travel is a substantial part of my life and I hope to expose myself to as many places and cultures as I can within my lifetime! I am the first of my family to return to Greece since my great-grandparents immigrated to the U.S., and I could not be more excited to connect to my roots by exploring and immersing myself in Greek culture!

Dickinson Rebecca

Hi! I am Rebecca and I just graduated with a degree in Accounting from Coastal Carolina University. Next semester I plan on getting my Master’s of Accounting back in Florida. I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi and part of the Women’s Lacrosse team at Coastal. I love to travel and am so excited to learn more about my Greek heritage!

Dudunakis Caroline

My name is Caroline Dudunakis and I am from Seattle Washington. This will be my third time traveling to Greece and I am excited for the new adventures this time in Greece. I will be a sophomore at American University in Washington DC next year and I am studying Public Health. Both of my parents are Greek and my dad is from Crete while my moms parents are from Samos and Epiros. I am looking forward to meeting new people and learning more Greek and just more about my Greek heritage in general.

Econn Nikolas

My name is Niko Econn and I am currently a Sophomore student at the University of Southern California. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and have never been to Greece. I was baptized at and attend St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles.

Elsey Jame

My name is Jame Elsey. I was born and raised in Toronto, On. Canada. I am 18 years old and I have just finished my first year of university. I grew up with a big family on both sides of my parents. My father being the youngest of 5 and my mother’s big greek extended family. I love being with my cousins and am lucky to have strong relationships with not only my first cousins but my second and third too. I am currently at university completing my bachelor of business administration with a minor in financial math. I really enjoy sports, such as soccer and golf. I also love to travel and I am really excited to get to experience Greece for the first time!

Gerasoulis Athena

Hello! My name is Athena Gerasoulis, and I am ecstatic about joining the Heritage Greece community! My father was born and raised in Greece, and he met my mother, who is actually Chinese, in America! I currently attend NYU for film and television production, and am personally interested in documenting life through writing, photography, and media. My hobbies include exploration, culture, running, and drinking lots of coffee.

Godellas Nicole

Hi! My name is Nicole Godellas. I am originally from north of Chicago, but I just graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a degree in Biology. I am planning to continue my education at UIUC by pursuing a PhD in Biology. Outside of my education, I love to exercise and participate on the club gymnastics team. I am also involved in the campus’s OCF group and have found a great group of people to share my Greek culture with. I am so excited for this once in a lifetime experience in Greece!

Goodrich Manon

Manon Goodrich is from Los Angeles, California and will be graduating from Arizona State University on May 6th, 2019 with a BFA in dance. She has been dancing in diverse styles since the age of five, but she also greatly enjoys traveling, writing, photography, and working with fellow students as a success coach at her university. Upon graduation she is excited to take the year to travel and apply for graduate school to study counseling. Manon is incredibly excited to attend the Heritage Greece Program this summer and meet all of the incredible people also attending this trip!

Jenkins Dan

Born and raised in Central New Jersey and currently lives in Washington D.C. Excited to explore Greece!

Kahris Lillian

Lillian Kahris is a senior at Cornell University from Buffalo, New York. At school, she studies Industrial and Labor Relations, with minors in Law and Society and Inequality Studies. In her free time, she does research at Cornell’s Worker Institute, works at Cornell’s Public Service Center, and tutors high school students in English and History. She is excited to be part of the 2019 Heritage Greece program!

Katsoudas Evangelos

Hello, my name is Vangeli Katsoudas and I am a third year student at Georgia Tech studying Aerospace Engineering. I enjoy playing tennis and traveling. I also love watching all types of sports.

Kinney Sofia

Hi! My name is Sofia, I just finished my senior year at Wesleyan University double majoring in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. I was born and raised in Boston, and starting this Fall I will be working as an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group doing management consulting. During my Junior year at Wesleyan, I studied abroad in Madrid as part of my major to work on Spanish and I loved it! Because of this, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be on this program in order to practice my Greek and learn more about my culture. I am Greek on my mother’s side, who immigrated to the US from Cyprus. I enjoy going on walks, trying new foods, watching football (American football), traveling, and playing the drums. I’m excited to meet everyone and experience Greece!

Kleopoulos Nektaria

Hello, my name is Nektaria Kleopoulos. I am currently a student at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. I am majoring in Communications and Multi Media Studies and minoring in Hospitality. I have a deep passion for photography and meeting new people. A value that I hold in high regards, is the notion to never stop learning and shaping oneself in a more positive manner. As L. Frank Baum stated, “No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire.”

Kokolakis Paige

I am a rising Sophmore at Emory University in Atlanta Georgia. I am planning on majoring in Political Science and minoring in Film Studies. I am thrilled to meet everyone and look forward to new adventures through this program. People call me Paige but my Greek name is Pagona. Both of my parents are from the Island of Crete! When I was younger I took Greek lessons and participated in my local Greek Cretan dance group. I can’t wait to learn new things on this trip that will help me become more connected to my culture! I am planning on majoring in Political Science and minoring in Film studies. I’m on the Student Programming Council at my university and my hobbies include creative writing, singing, and running.

Kondoleon Christopher

My name is Christopher Kondoleon and I’m a rising sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m currently studying Finance, Investment, and Banking in the Wisconsin School of Business with an intended minor in Spanish language. I am originally from Troy, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, and grew up in a pretty large Greek community as a second-generation American. I enjoy traveling and sports—especially hockey and lacrosse. I can’t wait to continue exploring my roots through Heritage and visit the place my grandparents once called home.

Korkos Maria

Hi my name is Maria Korkos. i am a mechanical engineering student at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I can’t wait to learn more about my culture and language abroad.

Korkos Demetra

Demetra Korkos, after completing her BS in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will be attending the Medical College of Wisconsin as a PhD student in their department of Biomedical Science in the fall of 2019. She is a published author of several medical papers pertaining to cancer, specifically colorectal and pancreatic, and hopes to follow the Hippocratic Oath in doing no harm with her future medical research. Aside from her scientific pursuits, she also volunteers with her local Greek Church when home during the summers and also donates time and energy to raising money and awareness for persons with disabilities, specifically autism. She also educates on mental health, both in recognizing symptoms and finding proper treatment. While she dedicates much of her life to the pursuit of helping others, she also enjoys her personal time, dabbling in art and writing or just sitting down with a good book. She also practices kickboxing and enjoys water sports.

Kosmakos Dimitrios

Gia Sas Patriotes!! My name is Dimitrios Christos Kosmakos. My grandmother originates from the island of Crete. My grandfather is from the horio of Vasilakion just south of Sparti, where the donkey I was aptly named after lives (just kidding, like every other good, first-born Greek boy I was named after my grandfather). I grew up in the very stereotypical Greek fashion, which obviously meant Greek school on Saturdays and the reciting of poems and kalanta at the annual Christmas pageant. I had my first taste of Greek coffee by the age of three and by five I was recruited to tying the ribbons of baggies for the individual portions of baklava my Yiayia made for the customers of my family’s fitness centers (we are talking by the thousands). Besides playing basketball with my GOYA friends, I was coerced into Greek dancing lessons with the girls (three cousins and three sisters). Needless to say my amazing zembekiko skills came from practicing at weddings, baptisms, and any other family celebration or gathering. A big family means lots and lots of practice over the years. ZHTW H ELLAS!!!!!

Koussoulis Labi

My name is Robert Koussoulis, but everyone calls me Labi. I’m from Toronto, Canada and I just finished my sophomore year at University of Toronto where I’m studying Neuroscience and Psychology. I’m a huge sports fan, but my favourite sport is hockey. I am a proud assistant captain of the Scarborough campus R hockey team and diehard Pittsburgh Penguins fan. I also love music, and have been playing the piano since I was 4 years old.

My family comes from Elika and Lefkada Greece and I’m excited to visit Greece for a second time, this time with students just like me!

Maggos Marika

Hi, my name is Marika Maggos! I am originally from a Northwest suburb of Chicago, and I just graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this year. I majored in biology and minored in sociology. This upcoming August, I will be starting medical school at Creighton University in Nebraska. Outside of school, I enjoy playing soccer, baking, spending time with family and friends, and learning/cooking family recipes with Yiayia. I also love to travel and spent the past two summers working in Nepal, so I’m excited to be in Greece this summer!

Maimonis Nicole

Nicole is a freshman, majoring in Civil Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Nicole also plays on the UMass Women’s Ice Hockey team. She is a member of Chi Omega women’s fraternity at Umass. During the summer Nicole works as the Student Manager at a local ice cream shop as well as volunteering with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Masoutis Irene

I’m from New York City! I currently attend the Ohio State University studying Animal Science. I love spending time with my friends and family! I also love traveling, so I’m extremely excited to take a trip to Greece with Heritage Greece!

Muller Maria

Hey guys! I’m Maria, a junior at Baruch College in Manhattan studying digital marketing and law. I grew up in a small town in the Catskill Mountains. Can’t wait to extend my big fat Greek family to include everyone on this trip.

Pandolfo Jordyn

My name is Jordyn Pandolfo and I am going to be a senior at California State University, Fresno. I am a Business Administration major with a concentration in Human Resources Management and plan to get my master’s after my undergrad to one day work in HR! I also am a division one athlete at Fresno State where I am a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team. Aside from lacrosse, I enjoy being active, doing fun crafts and painting, cooking new meals, and spending time with family and friends.

I am a third-generation Greek-American and am greatly looking forward to learning about my Greek identity through Heritage Greece. I get my Greek roots from my mother’s side and unfortunately a lot of my family had passed before I was born. Because of this, my heritage has been missing for most of my life. However, always being fascinated with this side of my heritage, I knew I could not pass up this opportunity. I am so excited to participate in Heritage Greece 2019 to explore my heritage and share amazing memories I experienced!

Papaioannou Ciara

My name is Ciara Papaioannou and I have just finished my 3rd year of Nursing school at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. I am 20 years old and from Oakville, ON where I live with my parents and two older sisters. I have played competitive fastpitch for almost my entire life and love baseball. At University, I play 3rd base on the varsity fastpitch team. My other hobbies include cooking, playing music, and playing squash. My grandparents came from Thana, Greece and I am very excited to see the country where my family came from!

Pappas Vlasi

My name is Vlasi Pappas, I am from Cleveland, Ohio and I am currently a first year student at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. I major in Physiological Health Sciences on a Pre-Med track, with the goal of one day becoming a doctor. I am looking forward to the experiences I will gain with Heritage Greece, the knowledge I will obtain and the people I will meet.

Pappas Themis

Hey everyone, I’m Themi Pappas from Port Washington, New York, on Long Island. I’ve lived there for 16 years, and now I go to Georgetown University in DC, where I’m studying something within the business field. I went to high school in Manhattan before coming to Georgetown, and played basketball and lacrosse. I love sneakers, and have sold plenty of them over the past few years. Now I take up most of my time playing basketball, listening to music, or watching sports. I follow way too many teams to list here, but if you’re interested enough I’m happy to drop them. I hope to one day work in the music or sports business, and hopefully stay in New York while doing so.

Pappas- Horii Jina

I grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island. I am a history major at Barnard College in NYC. I am interested in modern European history, classical mythology, and film studies. Outside of school I enjoy riding horses, ballroom and social dancing, and eating different cuisines.

Placencio Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia Placencio and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I am a freshman at California Lutheran University, majoring in criminal justice. I attend Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California where I am involved in GOYA, Sunday school, ​and Greek dance. I am so excited to be apart of the Heritage Greece Program and get to even closer to my Greek culture. I have grown up hearing all my Yiayia’s stories about her life in Greece and I am thrilled to be able to have the chance to see first hand where her stories took place. In my free time, you can find me at the beach, hiking or finding adventure with my friends! I can’t wait to meet you all in June and make unforgettable memories!

Polles Moxey

Hi! My name is Moxey Stamati Polles, and I am so excited to be a part of the 2019 Heritage Greece Program. I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I have lived in Mississippi for a while now. I am in my final year of the PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) curriculum with the University of Mississippi. When I am not studying, which is rare, I love to shop, play video games, and try new foods. I think Thai is one of my favorite food genres… and sushi. I also enjoy indulging my artistic side by experimenting with fashion, finding interesting music, and occasionally breaking out the sketchpad. In addition to having a great experience during my first time out of the country, I am hoping to learn more Greek and meet many new faces on this trip.

Pollos George

My name is George Pollos and I am an identical twin. I am excited about this opportunity to experience Greece first hand. I have strong ties to the Greek community in Houston and my church St. Basil the Great. I grew up serving in the altar, dancing in the festival, active in GOYA, and now serving as GOYA youth advisor. I am currently working as a waiter and finishing my last year at the University of Houston.

Poulos Amalea

Hi, my name is Amalea Poulos! I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska, but I’m going to school at Loyola University Chicago; I’m a sophomore with a major in English and minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and History. I love to spend time with my dog, Luna, watch movies, and listen to music. I’m passionate about the environment and am involved in the restoration club on campus. My favorite time of the year is fall, when the leaves change colors but the days are still long.

Scolinos Will

Will Scolinos is set to begin The George Washington Law School after concluding his undergraduate career at the University of Chicago. Will loves football and played cornerback for UChicago’s Maroons. Will is from Palos Verdes, California where he had been active his home parish of St. Katherine’s in Redondo Beach. In his spare time, Will enjoys hiking with friends in beautiful Southern California, and recently, Will has endeavored to catch up on Game of Thrones before its conclusion.

Shearer Kayla

Hi, I’m Kayla! I grew up in Goldens Bridge, NY and I am a rising sophomore at Boston University. I am majoring in math and education. I am a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and volunteer with various other organizations throughout Boston. I also work at the Intergenerational Literacy Program, helping bilingual children with language development. I am so excited to explore Greece for the first time this summer and learn more about the country’s history and culture. I am also really interested in learning the language and eating some authentic Greek food!

Shevlin Maxine

Hello everyone! My name is Maxine Shevlin. I was born and grew up in Newtown, PA. I currently go to Towson University in Maryland and I am graduating this May 2019. I am a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and I am graduating with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Planning. I love to travel/explore new places and cultures. I can’t wait to learn more about my Greek heritage and explore Greece!

Skaggs Rebecca

My name is Rebecca Skaggs. I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a sophomore studying Public Relations at Syracuse University. At Syracuse, I am a Newhouse Peer Advisor, a member of PRSSA, and the Music Director at WJPZ Radio. I’m so excited to be a part of this program because I will be visiting Greece for the first time, and I will be able to learn more about my culture than​ ever before.

Sotos Madison

My name is Madison Sotos and I’m from Potomac, Maryland. I’m currently a second year at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, where I study English and Comparative Literature. One factor that led me to choose to go to university abroad was my love for travel and exploring different parts of the world. I cannot wait to visit Greece and am thrilled at this opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of my ancestors! I’m especially looking forward to learning the language, trying Greek dancing, and of course, authentic Greek food. I’m confident that this time will strengthen my connection to the country of Greece and help me to understand what exactly it means to me to be a Greek American!

Stavrianopoulos Stamatis

Hello, my name is Stamatis Stavrianopoulos. I am nineteen years old and live in New York City. I currently attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice, majoring in Fire Science. My hobbies include playing the guitar, snowboarding, weightlifting, and painting.

Steinberger Jenna

Hello! My name is Jenna Steinberger and I am from Cleveland Ohio. I am a third-year student at Ohio University and majoring in Psychology Pre-med. My goal is to become an Osteopathic Doctor and hopefully specialize in sports medicine. I grew up spending a lot of my time participating in GOYA basketball and Greek dance which I absolutely love! I love traveling, playing basketball, going to concerts, and exploring new places! I have never been to Greece so I am very excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to meet everyone!

Stieglitz Alexandros ( Alexander)

My name is Alexander Stieglitz. I am a second generation Greek from my mother’s side.

I like music, sports, Greek Dancing and traveling. I enjoy playing sports, particularly soccer and was a varsity track & field team member during high school. I am a supporter, volunteer & track & field coach for athletes of the Summer Special Olympics of NJ. I’m currently finishing up my freshman year at Rowan University in south NJ where I am studying Mechanical Engineering.

I’m really excited to participate in the Heritage Greece program and for the opportunity to immerse myself in Greek culture in a very unique way with young people who are as enthusiastic about their culture as I am.

Tattoli Steven

Hi! My name is Steven Tattoli from Montgomery, NJ (close to Princeton). I am currently a freshman at Michigan State University, majoring in Hospitality Business. I spent my school years playing on various soccer and lacrosse teams and enjoy playing the guitar. I am half Greek and half Italian but have always embraced my Greek roots with a greater sense of pride. My mom’s family is from Thessaloniki and Veria, Greece. I have visited Greece twice and am so excited to have the opportunity to go back and really immerse myself in the culture and history with fellow Greek American students. I’m sure this will be an experience of a lifetime. Can’t wait to meet everyone!

Theodoropoulos Christina

I look forward to this great opportunity. I am very excited to see my family in Greece.

Tjotjos Yiana

Hello, my name is Yiana Tjotjos and I’m currently a sophomore studying Integrated Media and Business at Ohio University. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio as were my parents. My father’s parents are from the island of Samos and my mother’s parents are from the islands of Chios and Ikaria. Amongst my American friends, I have always been “the Greek one.” Yet, when I am with my Greek friends I am “the American one.” That’s why I am excited to be participating in the Greek Heritage Program this Summer to learn more with my Greek ancestry, connect with fellow Greeks, and make me feel more like a Greek living in America than a American who is Greek.

Tragus Styliani

My name is Styliani Tragus and I am from Redondo Beach, California. I am a rising sophomore at Chapman University. I am majoring in business with an emphasis in management and a minor in Spanish. I am a member of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and absolutely love it! I am so excited and thankful to have been selected to have this opportunity to go back to Greece and learn about my heritage and culture. I can’t wait <3

Tzanis Deanna

Hi, I’m Deanna Tzanis! I have just finished my third year at the University of Toronto and I am studying architecture. When I’m not spending long hours in the studio building and drawing, you can find me playing with my little cousins, having karaoke nights with my friends or catching up on all the ‘Real Housewives’ with my parents and brother. I am so thrilled and honoured to have been given this opportunity, especially being a part of the first group of Canadians joining the program. I’m looking forward to broadening my cultural understanding of what it means to be Greek and I’m excited to learn alongside a network of others students of Greek descent from the Hellenic diaspora.

Vlahos Demetra

Hi! I’m Demetra and I’m from Long Island, New York. I’m a student-athlete on the women’s rowing team at the University of Miami and I’ve just completed my third year studying Media Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Sports Medicine. In my free time after class and practice you can catch me following NBA games while making Spotify playlists and iced coffee. Growing up I was super active in my church, playing on GOYA teams, dancing in the dance troop, and singing in the Byzantine youth choir, so I’m beyond excited to be included in this once in a lifetime experience in Greece learning more about my roots and cultural background. I can’t wait to get to know the group I’m traveling with come June!

Williams Cait

Cait is a current graduate student studying nonprofit management. She works fulltime in marketing for arts organizations. Her mother was adopted, and they recently connected with their biological Greek family. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and attending theatre.