The Philo4Thought Hellenic Professional Mentoring Initiative is pleased to present our May 2015 “Young Professional of the Month” Feature Article! The goal of our publications is to provide positive, successful role models who will inspire the next generation of young professionals. A preliminary criterion for #YPM candidates is their active engagement in an entrepreneurial initiative or career path. Candidates are typically of Hellenic origin and part of a philanthropic, humanitarian or environmentally conscious field. The most essential qualification they have in common, however, is the spirit and compassion to persevere, and the heart to share their knowledge and experience with others.

We have had the pleasure to meet this month’s honoree, Andreas Christou, at an NHSA conference hosted at Drexel University, where he gave a talk about AHEPA and Sons of Pericles to a group of new recruits. As Sons of Pericles Supreme Vice President, he was also invited to speak to the assembly of young professionals at Philo4Thought’s 2015 Spring Conference (Columbia University, NYC) on the topics entitled “Youth, Education and Community” and “A Vision of Cyprus,” both of which were very well received and led to stimulating question and answer sessions. Though Andreas may be young in years, his passion and dedication towards the promotion of Hellenic values and traditions is clear in all that he does, as many would agree. We are honored to share his story with you today.

ARTICLE: Youth Empowerment & Leadership

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Many thanks to Andreas Christou for sharing his story with us. Special thanks to Konstantine Ouranitsas (NHSA President) for making the introduction at this year’s Convention and to Philip Vogis (Region 3 Supreme Governor, AHEPA) for his personal testimonial of our wonderful young professional.