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 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 Elena Saviolakis. Get to know her below!

Last Name, First Name

• Saviolakis, Elena

Alma mater?

• George Washington University – MBA

What city do you live in?

• Chevy Chase, Maryland

Where in Greece are you from?

• Thessaloniki, Athens, Chania

Occupation?

• Executive Director, Daughters of Penelope

What motivated you to get involved with THI?

• Its focus in providing Crisis Relief and Entrepreneurship & Economic Development for Greece specifically.

What do you hope to achieve through THI?

• The Daughters of Penelope, a preeminent international women’s organization, promoting Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence, has over 15 chapters in Greece. Together with THI I would love to develop additional programs tailored to investing in the future of women and children in Greece via our chapters in Greece.

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

• Macaronia me Kima/Freddo Cappuccino

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

• In addition to working for the Daughters of Penelope, I am also a member of the Daughters of Penelope Hermione Chapter in Washington, DC which strives to promote Hellenism by engaging in philanthropic, educational, and civic activities locally through community service and volunteerism. I am also President of the St. George Greek Orthodox Preschool Board in Bethesda, MD where my daughter Barbara attends.

 Favorite quote from a Greek philosopher?

• “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Socrates

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

• Name Day celebrations!

Life Motto?

• “Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service. Whatever form we are, able or disabled, rich or poor, it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing; a lifelong sharing of love with others.” Mother Teresa