The National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) of North America gathered with several of the Hellenic diaspora’s prominent leaders at its bi-annual Convention in San Francisco, California on March 18–20, 2022.

The three-day convention, whose theme was “Inspiring Innovation and Impact,” provided a series of talks from industry expert speakers, social events, and networking opportunities. Discussions explored various topics, including digital media and entrepreneurship, as well as team culture and brand consistency.

“From digital media and hospitality, to diverse entrepreneurial spirits, our speakers decorated the very core of our theme – inspiring impact and innovation,” said President of the National Hellenic Student Association, Georgios Araujo. “Participants engaged with speakers in the very heart of the utmost center for technology and innovation,” he adds.

The convention commenced with a welcome dinner hosted at Souvla, a modern Greek restaurant founded by conference speaker Charles Bililies, and continued on Saturday with a conference held at the University of San Francisco with opening remarks by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, Sokratis Sourvinos.

“People want to see growth. They want to witness progress. By inspiring innovation and impact you are nurturing those very important qualities that will not only set you apart in your personal and professional development but it will provide you with a tremendous opportunity to become agents of change for the greater good and the glory of God,” His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos said.

The conference’s panels topics included ‘Creating Value in our Community,’ and  ‘Leading with Passion,’ among others, featuring dynamic speakers such as Niki Leondakis and Frosene Philips, who took to the stage to discuss brand consistency, influence, and the impact of their Hellenic culture in their success. Participants further enjoyed a special performance by singer and songwriter Evangelia. Programming continued Saturday evening with NHSA’s signature Greek night and on Sunday, attendees participated in a wine tasting at Padis Vineyards in Napa Valley.

“Our speakers provided great insight on how to inspire innovation and how to make an impact in our Hellenic community,” NHSA Chairman Konstantine Ouranitsas said. “Attendees also participated in a Deloitte Business Chemistry workshop which helped them identify personality traits and how to work with others of different personality traits.”

The next NHSA Convention is scheduled to be held in Toronto on October 14-16, 2022.

The National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) of North America, Inc. serves as an umbrella for Hellenic student organizations of universities across the United States and Canada. Since its founding in 2004, NHSA has crafted an extraordinary environment that combines the Hellenic community’s interests with professional and academic disciplines. With over fifty university member chapters, NHSA is the largest nonprofit Hellenic student and young professional organization in North America.