On International Women’s Day, Hellenic Professional Women (HPW) hosted an inspiring evening at Deloitte in Manhattan, where two accomplished Hellenic women shared their stories of career growth, resilience, and the challenges of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment.
The evening was centered around and paid tribute to Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis’ book release, a book co-authored with Drs. Jenna LioGuidice and Kathryn Philips titled Reimagining Mothering and Career: Insights from a Time of Crisis. Part historical narrative, part self-help, and grounded in the science of positive psychology and resilience, this anthology uplifts the voices and wisdom of 33 career women across industries, age demographics, family composition, and culture and race, including several Greek-American contributors who maintained their careers while mothering during the COVID-19 pandemic, including panelist Irina Kapetanakis.
Dr. Bilias Lolis’ opening address highlighted the global status of women’s health and wellbeing and how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected women’s health and careers. She cited research from global health indexes that continue to indicate that women today suffer up to twice the rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress compared to men. She emphasized the need for women to come together in solidarity and in communities like Hellenic Professional Women Inc., which promote connectedness, deep dialogue about women’s successes and challenges, and nurture meaningful cross-generational relationships.
The event continued with a keynote by Dr. Bilias Lolis, Dean of the School of Education and Human Development at Fairfield University and Vice President of Hellenic Professional Women, who facilitated a dynamic conversation with Irina Kapetanakis, an entrepreneur, private investor, consultant, speaker, coach, and Rumble Boxing franchisee, and Iphigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York. Their thoughtful insights on success, work-life balance, and the power of networking offered valuable lessons for women navigating the complexities of modern professional life.
Redefining Success and Balance
Both speakers shared candid reflections on how their definitions of success have evolved over time, shaped by personal experiences, career challenges, and the realities of balancing work and family.
Kapetanakis described how her career path was anything but linear, starting as an electrical engineer before transitioning to sales and marketing in the financial services industry. After nearly two decades, she pivoted to the fitness industry, becoming a key player in the success of Rumble, a growing fitness brand.
She emphasized that success is not tied to a specific role or industry. The leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills gained throughout one’s career are often transferable. Letting go of self-doubt and embracing flexibility can open the door to unexpected opportunities.
Kanara, reflecting on her high-stakes career in diplomacy, spoke about managing a diplomatic crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean during the pandemic. Success in diplomacy, she explained, is not always about agreement but about building dialogue and understanding, even when the other party holds opposing views.
Both speakers acknowledged that achieving success while maintaining wellbeing is particularly complex for women who are often managing professional responsibilities along with caregiving roles. They emphasized setting priorities and adjusting them as needed.
The Power of Networking and Mentorship
Networking and mentorship emerged as key themes of the evening. Both speakers credited their growth to the relationships they had built over the years across various industries.
Kapetanakis encouraged women to seek out connections beyond their professional circles. She shared how discussions about business and franchising eventually led her to Rumble, even though she had no previous experience in the fitness world.
Kanara highlighted that relationship-building is essential in diplomacy—not necessarily to foster friendships but to maintain productive dialogue and understanding. Listening, compromise, and professional integrity are essential for successful negotiations and long-term partnerships.
Both women emphasized the importance of mentorship. They reflected on how the guidance of senior colleagues had shaped their careers and encouraged others to share their insights and experiences with younger women.
Resilience and the Mental Load
The conversation also acknowledged the mental and emotional burden many women carry while balancing work, caregiving, and personal growth.
Kapetanakis noted the unrealistic expectation to “do it all.” She stressed the importance of giving oneself grace and understanding that balance looks different from day to day.
Kanara echoed this sentiment, sharing that her career and parenting journey would not have been possible without the support of her family. Having a reliable support system and knowing when to ask for help is essential for maintaining stability and wellbeing.
Carrying the Torch Forward
Dr. Bilias Lolis closed the evening with a reminder that International Women’s Day is not only a time of celebration but a call to action.
The opportunities women have today were hard-earned, and the next generation has a responsibility to carry that legacy forward. Professional success and personal fulfillment are achievable with resilience, intentionality, and support from one another.
Attendees were encouraged to make a personal pledge to set boundaries, seek support, and prioritize their own growth.
Kapetanakis and Kanara’s stories reinforced a powerful truth—success is not linear, balance is a moving target, and the foundation for long-term growth lies in resilience, community, and confidence. This event was a testament to the strength and adaptability of women and their enduring impact on their careers, families, and communities.
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