The Philo4Thought Hellenic Professional Mentoring Initiative is pleased to present our July 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 had the pleasure of communicating with this month’s young professional, Nikolaos Markakis, throughout the year to help other youth who were interested in dance and choreography connect with like-minded professionals. In the process we were delighted to find that he is an active member of the Hellenic who values the traditions and ethical standards that will make him a successful professional and a model mentor to youth everywhere.

ARTICLE: Leadership In Motion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Many thanks to Nikolaos Markakis for sharing his story with us, to Cynthia Fotiou Papadakis of Cynthia P. Photography for the superb photography and to Menios Georgopoulous of MG Design for the wonderful graphics. Special thanks to Professor Marie Rickard (Master of Winters College), Stavros Antonakakis (1st Vice President of the Pancretan Association of America, aka PAA), Christos Markakis (President of the Pancretan Youth Association, aka PYA), Katerina Makridakis (2013-2015 PYA President), Mary Papadakis (2013-2015 PYA Secretary), and the many others who were in contact with us to offer testimonial statements of our vibrant and respected young professional.

YPM FlashForward: Congratulations Niko and the class of 2016! For a sneak peek of what Niko has been working on this year, click here.