By Aphrodite Kotrotsios, Special to the Hellenic News of America
Shelley Berkley, former U.S. Representative and current candidate for Mayor of Las Vegas, has dedicated her career to advocating for the Greek American community and advancing its interests on both local and national levels. Despite the challenges she faced, Berkley’s unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact.
During her time in Congress, Berkley championed various initiatives and legislation that directly benefited the Greek American community. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she played a pivotal role in advocating for issues concerning Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Berkley’s advocacy helped elevate these issues to national prominence, ensuring they remained a priority in the U.S. Congress. Father Alexander Karloutsos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, shared, “Our community has never had a greater friend in Congress than Shelley Berkley. I admired her because she was so warm and approachable, yet she stood tall and boldly advocated for, as we often hear, ‘truth, justice, and the American way.’ Congresswoman Berkley totally supported religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and championed the concerns of both Cyprus and Greece. I believe she is one of the finest public servants I have ever met. Shelley is a servant/leader who always puts the people first.”
Berkley’s collaborative approach extended beyond legislative efforts, as she worked closely with Greek American organizations and leaders to address community concerns and advance shared goals. Her partnerships with organizations such as PSEKA, AHEPA, and the Greek Orthodox Church of America strengthened ties between the Greek American community and policymakers, amplifying their collective voice.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, Berkley attributes her commitment to supporting the Greek American community to her familial ties and cultural heritage. As the granddaughter of immigrants from Thessaloniki, Greece, Berkley’s upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of kinship and pride in her Greek heritage. Greek-American leader Peter Palivos stated, “I have been friends with Shelley for over 20 years. She’s proud of her Hellenic roots from Thessaloniki. When she served in the US Congress for 14 years, she was one of our community’s biggest supporters in the Congress. Significantly, Shelly supported all of our issues, especially our Mother Church and Patriarch in Constantinople.”
Looking ahead to her future aspirations for Las Vegas, Berkley remains steadfast in her dedication to public service. She envisions a vibrant and prosperous future for the city, characterized by economic growth, improved public safety, and an enhanced quality of life for its residents. Berkley’s platform prioritizes addressing key issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and economic development, underscoring her commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive Las Vegas.
As Berkley embarks on this new chapter in her career, her legacy as a champion for the Greek American community and Las Vegas continues to inspire aspiring leaders to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. With her leadership and vision, Berkley embodies the spirit of service and dedication that defines the Greek American ethos.
