Networking Was Theme of the 22nd
Hermes Expo International Young Professionals Initiative
By Catherine Tsounis
“It’s all about your Networking” was the theme of the Hermes Young Professionals Initiative of the 22nd Annual Hermes Expo International at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel, Atlantic City. The conference took place on Saturday afternoon, April 13th, from 2-4 p.m. Speakers Maggie Stavrianidis, Spiro Mantzavinos and Kostas Alexakis spoke on networking purposes. They gave valuable career advice in a broad range of industries. Art Demopoulos, publisher of Odyssey magazine added inspiring thoughts.
“Do research in the internet on the role of company you are interested in employment,” said speaker Spiros Mantzavinos. “Acquire names, emails. Communication is integrated. A person must be unconventional to succeed.” Spiros Mantzavinos owns the Mantzavinos Group, a public affairs and communications firm with experience in the energy, business, non-profit and health care sectors.
“When interviewed, one must dress conservatively, having knowledge of the Annual Report of the company,” said Maggie Stavrianidis, a Human Resources Executive at Johnson & Johnson. “Body language with eye contact all the time during interview gives a favorable impression.” Ms. Stavrianidis has experience creating sustainable success through the development of Compensation & HR and related strategies that provide clear, decisive paths to long-term growth.
“Make friends, not enemies,” explained speaker Kostas Alexakis. “Develop your skills. Have passion to succeed. Once you identify what you want, select a mentor. We are bringing people in and sharing a sense of community.” Mr. Alexakis is a businessman, engineer, lawyer, politician and community activist. He has a track record of more than 30 years of success in investing and managing businesses in Information Technology, Transportation, Retail and Real Estate.
“Interfaith marriage is a positive, spreading Greek culture,” said Art Demopoulos of ODYSSEY magazine. “It is a positive. Study in Greece in the summer cements an appreciation of Greek heritage. The Greek American experience is assimilation with retention of Greek identity. The third and fourth generation returns to their heritage.” ODYSSEY is highly respected for its high standards of journalism. Odyssey’s photography and its independent coverage of issues ranging from politics, current affairs, travel, business, society and culture in Greece and the diaspora is legendary.
Hermes Expo encouraged youth to attend the “Professional Growth & Mentor Conference”. They obtained valuable career advice from professionals attending from across the nation representing a broad range of sectors including: Business, Finance, International Trade and more. The “Professional Growth and Mentor Conference” is also a great social and networking platform offering peers the opportunity to exchange ideas and build friendships.
“Five years ago, the Hermes Young Professional Initiative (HYPI) was established by Stavroula and Aphrodite Kotrotsios with a mission to support young Greek-Americans in their professional development,” said Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas. “Since 2010, the Professionals Growth and Youth Mentor Fair have served to open a dialogue between students and professional leaders. Aphrodite Kotrotsios stated that ‘it is up to us to keep the flame alive and pass on the torch to the next generations.’ The HYPI is an integral part of the broader Queens community. Its contributions are deserving of recognition.”
The workshop was sponsored by the Honorable Aris Melissaratos, Senior Advisor to the President-Enterprise Development at John Hopkins University; Aris Institute and Hermes Expo. For more information, visit https://www.hermesprofessionalsinitiative.org/.
Photo 1 – The Hermes Young Professionals Initiative of the 22nd Annual Hermes Expo International at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel, Atlantic City.
Photo 2 – Speaker Spiros Mantzavinos.
Photo 3- Speaker Maggie Stavrianidis.
Photo 4- Speaker Kostas Alexakis.
Photo 5 – Art Demopoulos of ODYSSEY magazine.
Photo 6 – Stavroula Kotrotsios and Katina Doulis, Board Memers of HYPI
