WASHINGTON, DC – The Hellenic American Women’s Council held its 25th Annual Conference on November 2-3 in Washington, DC. At a time when bold and responsible leadership is key to addressing national and global challenges, the conference focused on what makes leaders effect a positive difference to the world. HAWC also honored one of its own inspiring members, the distinguished journalist and communications professional Thalia Assuras, with the Aristeon Award.

Ms. Assuras represents the best of the Hellenic spirit: hard work coupled with passion, resilience with flexibility, grit with humanity. As the President of Assuras Communications LLC, Assuras is a nationally recognized communications professional in media, presentation and speech training; executive coaching; crisis communications; and public relations. Drawing on more than 25 years of journalistic experience as an anchor, correspondent and writer with national broadcast networks, she appears as a broadcast commentator, analyst, moderator and master of ceremonies for a variety of functions and advises newcomers on communications careers. An award-winning national television news anchor and correspondent for ABC, CBS, Bloomberg, CTV and Global CanWest in the U.S. and Canada, Assuras has reported on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Kosovo refugee crisis, natural disasters, national and international politics and elections, U.S. presidential summits, and Olympic Games. She has interviewed Presidents, Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, leaders of foreign nations, corporate executives, scientists, authors and celebrities, among others. She has lectured on journalism and media at American University, George Washington University, and the University of Western Ontario. She is a member of the advisory boards of the Center for National Policy and the Next Generation Initiative.

Assuras was honored with the Aristeon Award and delivered the keynote speech on November 3 at a luncheon at the Capital Hilton. That morning, a panel discussion too place entitled “Leaders Who Make A Difference,” moderated by the editor of Washington Monthly magazine Paul Glastris. The presenters, Former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department Barbara Spyridon Pope, Former Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development Andrew Natsios, and Former Official of the Environmental Protection Agency Margot (Tsirigotis) Oge, explored the type of leaders who make a positive difference to the world, from their personal experiences.

Stella Kokolis, HAWC Founder and Federation of Hellenic-American Educators President, spoke with The National Herald about the event and how the organization was founded with Theodora Hancock for networking and promoting Hellenic culture. She told TNH that HAWC continues to connect professionals from various fields including education, politics, and public relations, and sponsors regional conferences, lectures, debates, and seminars by prominent scholars, government officials, and experts on various issues of interest to its membership. Kokolis noted that newly elected President Maria Stamoulas will undoubtedly carry on the mission of the organization and its Hellenic character.

More information about the Hellenic American Women’s Council is avialble online: hawcnet.org.

Thalia Assuras, recipient of the Aristeion Award, with HAWC Founder and Federation of Hellenic-American Educators President Stella Kokolis. Photo: Courtesy of Stella Kokolis

HAWC Founders Stella Kokolis and Theodora Hancock cutting the cake at the organization’s 25th Annual Conference. Photo: Courtesy of Stella Kokolis