Welcome to TNH’s Takeover! In collaboration with The Hellenic Initiative (THI), The National Herald and THI have begun a partnership to introduce the NEXTGEN of Greek/Cypriot ‘movers and shakers’ to the rest of our Diaspora community around the world. Established to inform its readers about all things related to our homeland and its respective communities throughout the world, TNH is now providing THI’s New Leaders (40-years-old and younger), with a new platform to showcase their ideas and to engage their communities in a deeper, more meaningful way while simultaneously building a bridge to Greece and Cyprus. Our next featured New Leader is Christina Tenedios. Get to know her below!

Last Name, First Name

• Tenedios, Christina

Alma mater?

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

What city do you live in?

• Cliffside Park

 Where in Greece/Cyprus are you from?

• Karditsa from Mom’s side; islands of Tenedos & Imvros, which is now Turkish-occupied from Dad’s side.

Occupation?

• Restaurateur, Owner & Operator

What motivated you to get involved with THI?

• Wanted to be more involved with my Greek Community & give back as much as I can

What do you hope to achieve through THI?

• Knowledge, experience, a giving hand

Favorite activity to take part in where you live?

• Getting involved in the Greek community

Favorite place to take your non-Greek friends when they visit you in Greece?

• I appreciate the smaller islands because of their preserved natural beauty. However, it’s hard to steer away from popular islands like Santorini & Mykonos.

Go-to Greek dish/drink when you’re missing the homeland?

• Gyro, Pastitchio

Favorite Greek product you can find outside of Greece?

• Sokofreta

Top three people of Greek/Cypriot descent you admire?

1. Nia Vardalos
2. Steve Tenedios (my father)
3. Rita Wilson

In addition to THI, how are you involved in/help the Greek/Cypriot community?

• Leadership 100, Hellenic Professional Women, The Association of Greek American Professional Women, Through my church (a member in 3 different churches)

What is the biggest crisis Greece/Cyprus faces today?

• Economy, poverty

One piece of advice an elder has given you that has proved invaluable?

• Patience is a virtue & those who are patient are fortunate

Favorite quote from a Greek philosopher?

• My favorite quote, which is an ancient Greek proverb is: ‘Ζησε Το Σημερα, Ξεχνα Το Χθες’

One Greek/Cypriot tradition you’ll never stop keeping?

• Doing my cross when I travel

How has your Hellenic background helped shape who you are today?

• Made me in touch with my roots, my heritage. I know exactly where my family origins began 100s of years ago & continue to learn more about it, which is truly special and unique.

Life Motto?

• Live today, forget the past, for tomorrow we never know what we will get.