For the ninth consecutive year, Greek American students and young professionals from across the United States met in Washington, D.C. to participate in a program that allows them to meet and receive professional guidance from distinguished members of the Greek American community. The annual program is run by the National Hellenic Society with the assistance of noted Greek American lobbyist, Mike Manatos.

In particular, the program was attended by current and former US government officials, business leaders and successful Greek American professionals in various fields , where they had the opportunity to meet and talk with the students. Among the prominent Greek-American leaders who participated in the program were George Tenet, former CIA Commander, former Assistant to President Clinton for Legislative Affairs, Lisa Kountoupes, and President Biden’s Senior Advisor for Clean Energy Innovation, John Podesta.

The speakers shared personal stories about their connection to their Greek heritage and explained how the Greek principles and values carried by their immigrant ancestors have survived and influenced their professional careers. According to the announcement, “values such as hard work, honor, humility, education, excellence, empathy, family, faith and philanthropy emerged as key success factors for many of the speakers.”

Meetings with the students took place at the White House complex, the Capitol, and the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C. In addition, the students had the opportunity to participate in a tour of the monuments of the American capital, where they learned about the architectural influence of ancient Greece.

The goal of this particular program is to inspire students and make them feel proud of their Greek ancestry, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to build relationships with influential figures in the Greek American community in order to gain advice and professional guidance that will help them in their future careers.