The Food for Thought Network (FFTN) concluded a remarkable year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), drawing a significant global audience of financial members, supporters, and attendees from the widely acclaimed inaugural Global Women and Hellenism Conference held in Ioannina from September 2–6, 2024.
The AGM included comprehensive reports from FFTN Founder and Chair Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM and Treasurer Georgia Pernitzis, who reflected on the year’s milestones and achievements while expressing gratitude to fellow committee members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and media partners.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Maria Maikousis, followed by a heartfelt tribute from veteran educator Stella Kokolis from New York, who proposed that the Greek Government formally recognise FFTN’s Chair and Committee for their groundbreaking work in promoting Hellenism and women’s empowerment.
FFTN Chair Ms Athanasiou-Ioannou extended her thanks to her dedicated team for their support including Dr Maria Karidakis, Ms Maikousis, Maria Makris, Ms Pernitzis, Dorothy Hatzopoulou, Christina Roma, Maria Kampyli, and Patron Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, highlighting their invaluable support.
Special recognition was given to Pericleia Veremis from the USA and Penny Sahinis, along with the four FFTN members who travelled to Greece – all of whom contributed as volunteers, even paying for their own registration and expenses.
The AGM attracted notable women from the USA, Canada and Australia, with reflections from Criminal Court Judges Peggy and Pamela Stratigakis, who were keynote speakers at the conference.
Pamela remarked: “I’ve attended international women’s conferences across the US and the globe, but I dare say this was the best I’ve ever participated in. The experience was incredible – seeing Greek women from around the world who have accomplished so much while addressing shared issues, such as domestic violence, was truly inspiring. The conference offered unparalleled support and solidarity, and it’s an honour I will treasure forever.”
The meeting welcomed Shelley Papadopoulos from LA who introduced internationally acclaimed Greek Australian artist Vassy to the network. A multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and record producer, Vassy is also the first woman to win an Icon Award. Currently, she has submitted a song to represent Greece in Eurovision 2025. Vassy expressed her gratitude for being part of such a dynamic and empowering group, emphasising the importance of fostering global connections among Greek women.
Australian participants such as Dr Konstantina Dounis, Helen Karagiozakis, and Marilyn Tsolakis conveyed their deep appreciation for the conference. They shared their reflections and congratulated the organisers for creating such a profoundly stimulating and engaging event.
Ms Tsolakis proposed ideas for the next conference, while Dr Dounis suggested editing and publishing the conference papers to amplify its reach. The foundations have been laid, Ms Karagiozakis said, and all of us can contribute to have these amazing connections both personally and professionally. We are stronger together.
Ms Sahinis shared an exciting update: “The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, Maira Myrogianni highlighted FFTN and its conference during the strategic plan announcement to Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The fact that the conference was acknowledged before the Prime Minister’s speech underscores its significance. This achievement reflects the conference’s tangible outcomes, which have sparked conversations in Melbourne, Greece, and beyond. We now have a valuable global channel of connection, and the challenge is to expand these efforts and reach even more people.”
FFTN patron, Professor Apostolopoulos suggested regular monthly Zoom meetings to maintain connections and continue sharing ideas.
Looking ahead
Excitement is building as FFTN prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026—a significant milestone for an organisation devoted to empowering women and promoting Hellenism. Planned initiatives include:
- Sharing insights: Presentations from the Global Women and Hellenism Conference will be segmented and shared on YouTube, ensuring broader accessibility.
- Ongoing engagement: Regular Zoom meetings and local events will sustain momentum and strengthen FFTN’s vibrant global community.
- Celebrating legacy: FFTN will honour its 25-year history by documenting achievements and milestones, culminating in the next Global Women and Hellenism Conference in 2026.
- The AGM concluded with a 2-minute highlights video from the conference. You can find it here: https://youtu.be/uHFIOvjTbOE?si=e9X1RyyXd6ZucUcL
FFTN’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering women, and celebrating Hellenism continues to inspire and connect communities worldwide. The journey to 2026 promises to be a celebration of legacy, unity, and innovation.
Stay tuned for updates as FFTN marks this extraordinary milestone. Find out more here: https://www.fftn.org.au/
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