Preparing for the Mentorship Fair. Focus is now on New York and Baltimore
On Saturday, February 18th, 2012 the Hermes Young Professionals Initiative hosted a very special night for all Young Professionals who chose to participate and make their way to Philadelphia’s Premier Mediterranean Restaurant, ESTIA, for a night of networking. According to HYPI’s Executive Director Aphrodite Kotrotsios the outcome was great and more than 50 young professionals attended. «I was very happy to see Young Greek-Americans Professionals and Students from different fields and areas come out, network, support our initiative and have a good time,» Kotrotsios said. People who embraced and welcome the Young Professional’s Initiative on Saturday night are Lawyers, Doctors, Scientists, young entrepreneurs and businessmen as well as students who attend Temple University, PCOM, Drexel University, University of Maryland, Georgetown University, Widener University, Villanova University, Upenn and many more.
Hermes Young Professionals Initiative is not just a socializing forum. Its a forum that has been created to unite and educate fellow Hellenes in the USA. «It is important that we stick together as Hellenes,» said Kotrotsios. «Then and only then, we can move forward and see the Greek-American community strive for even more excellence,» Hermes Young Professionals Initiative is unique, not only because it encompasses students and young professionals but because of its large network and unique conference that is held yearly for the past three years down at the Hermes Expo in Atlantic City NJ. «Hermes Expo is an exceptional opportunity for our fellow young Hellenes. Where else can they go in one day and meet several leaders of the Greek-American & Philhellenic community, speak with them and learn from them?» wonders Kotrotsios. This year, the HYPI board decided to incorporate a scholarship fund as a way of giving back to the community and helping students in paying for their education in these hard economics times. Funds are still trying to be raised, with the hope that the first scholarship can be awarded in 2013.
The successful event was reflected on everyone’ words. «The event was a huge success. Everyone was mingling and meeting fellow professionals. It was a big step for the Initiative and we hope to build on it,» Elias Degermentzidis, a student at Drexel University, said. Nicoleta Tzaferos, Esq., stated that the event at Estia was a great opportunity to network and get to know other young Greek professionals in the Philadelphia area, which is important for us to do, not only business-wise but also in order to strengthen our ties within the Greek American community.
Alexia Tsikouras, a pharmacist in the Philadelphia area, is looking forward to many more events hosted by the HYPI, while Costas Mitoulis a Banker affiliated with Temple University was a first time attendee. “It was great to meet so many new people and make some great connections. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next event,” he said.
Alll the people who have worked hard to make this event happen, have also invited us to the next two big events that will be hosted by the HYPI in New York and Baltimore. The first one will be in New York City on February 25th, 2012, Dr. Spiros Mezitis, President of the Federation of Hellenic Medical Societies of North America, will host HYPI and its members in New York at the Radisson Hotel at the Martinique Café 2nd fl, in Manhattan (32nd & Broadway) for a luncheon starting at 1 pm. The second one will take place on February 26th, 2012, HYPI will be hosting a networking luncheon in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Hellenic Student Association. Event will be begin at 2 pm at Hodson Hall Room 311, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Must be a registered HYPI member to attend, please visit www.hermesprofessionalsinitiative.org. Also check out HYPI’S “greekbook”
A special thank you to Anastasia Paschalis, Estia’s banquet coordinator .
Photos # 1: Christos Papagroas, Glyka Papspanos, Kostas Ouranitsas, Aphrodite Kotrotsios, John Papaspanos
