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Four Speakers Added to FWA's 2024 International Business Conference Lineup

Mar 06, 2024

We're excited to announce even more additions to our impressive lineup for the FWA's 2024 International Business Conference (IBC) in Greece. Join us and learn from their unique insights into Greece’s economic reinvention and path to success.


Harry Theoharis

Harry Theoharis, with a background in software engineering, has significantly contributed to Greece's digital transformation and fiscal health through various public service roles, including Secretary General for Information Systems and Public Revenues, Minister of Tourism, and most recently, Deputy Minister of Finance for taxation matters.

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    Mr. Harry Theoharis was first elected in 2015 and on December 18, 2018, he joined the New Democracy party.



    Mr. Theoharis holds a MEng (Hon) in software engineering-first class from Imperial College, London, and has held high-ranking positions in companies of the private sector in Greece and abroad. He has also worked in start-up companies.



    During 2011-2012, Mr. Theoharis served as secretary general for information systems and he is known for introducing new digital services to assist the public, helping reduce bureaucracy and its resulting costs.



    He later (2013-14) served as a secretary general for public revenues at the Greek Finance Ministry. There, he succeeded in meeting budget revenues and producing a fiscal surplus. He is also known for launching the www.publicrevenue.gr platform to increase transparency in public administration.



    Mr. Theoharis was Minister of Tourism from 2019 to 2021 and the Parliamentary Spokesperson of New Democracy political party at the Hellenic Parliament from 2021 to 2023.



    In the national elections of May and June 2023, he was re-elected Member of Parliament with New Democracy political party and on June 27, 2023, Mr. Theoharis was appointed by the Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis as Deputy Minister of Finance of Greece for taxation matters.

Aphrodite Avramea

Aphrodite Avramea leads Strategy and Sustainable Development at ELLAKTOR Group, a leading international infrastructure company. Her career includes pivotal roles at Intrum Hellas, Piraeus Bank, and Marfin Investment Group.

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    Aphrodite Avramea serves as Head of Strategy and Sustainable Development of ELLAKTOR Group since July 2021. She has more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial sector, having served as Senior Director of Corporate and Shipping Restructuring at Intrum Hellas, Director of Corporate Restructuring, as well as Senior Manager in the Strategy and Task Force and Merchant Banking Divisions of Piraeus Bank, Head of Banking Relations at Marfin Investment Group, Head of Corporate Banking at Marfin Egnatia Bank and Manager at the Shipping Finance Division of Laiki Bank. She holds a Master's Degree in Finance from Harvard University, an MBA from the City University of New York and a Bachelor of Economics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.



    She is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Charterholder and member of the Hellenic CFA Society.

Dr. Maria-Oraiozili Koutsoupia

Dr. Maria-Oraiozili Koutsoupia is President and co-founder of Rythmisis, Greece's first National Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, and Digital Governance Law. She is a qualified lawyer in Greece and Belgium, specializing as an AI legal expert in Brussels, focused on healthcare and medical technologies. 

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    Dr. Maria-Oraiozili Koutsoupia is a qualified lawyer in Greece and in Belgium, working as an AI legal expert in Brussels, in top tier US law firms, focused on healthcare and medical technologies.



    Maria-Oraiozili holds a PhD in Information Law from the UoA Law School and three masters in law, one in public law, one in international legal studies and one in IP and Information, Communication and Technologies from the UOA and the KU Leuven Law Schools, respectively, while she has published numerous articles in the field of public law and digital healthcare. Maria-Oraiozili is the President and co-founder of Rythmisis, the first National Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection and Digital Governance Law in Greece combining law and technology towards regulatory compliance.

Spyridoula Boutou

Spyridoula Boutou is Chief Operating Officer of MIBS Group, a leading Greek real estate developer.  She has a background in civil engineering, real estate, and project management, having held key leadership positions across three systemic Greek Banks. 

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    Spyridoula Boutou is a highly accomplished and results-oriented executive with over 18 years of experience in civil engineering, real estate, and project management. Throughout her career she has held key leadership positions in the real estate sector across three systemic Greek Banks, gaining a comprehensive 360-degree view of the real estate market both in Greece and abroad. She has excelled in collaborating with professionals from various cultures and countries, providing valuable advice and successfully coordinating investments for diverse asset portfolios. She is noted for her ability to provide solutions in difficult situations, managing teams that operate efficiently, consistently and implementing and introducing innovative and sustainable policies. As COO at MIBS Group, she leverages her vast expertise and strategic mindset to drive MIBS Group's growth and operational efficiency with a focus on unity, trust, and quality.



    She holds an MEng in Civil Engineering, an MSc in Real Estate Finance from City University of London, and a Professional Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments from Cornell University.

The FWA's International Business Conference (IBC) is a week-long executive-level experience designed to raise your international business awareness while immersing your senses in a dynamic culture. This year, we are traveling to Greece May 11-18, 2024. Join us and learn about Reinvention as a Path to Success while socializing, networking and enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of Athens and Santorini.


Register now
 - expand your worldview and raise your professional profile!


Registration Deadline: April 1, 2024

Learn More
18 Apr, 2024
The Financial Women's Association (FWA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Wall Street Exchange (WSE) Program. This prestigious program has been a cornerstone of professional development and leadership in the finance industry for over 40 years. The 2024 Wall Street Exchange Program is designed for rising senior undergraduate students who have secured paid internships for the Summer of 2024 with financial services or a finance role at a non-financial services company. The 2024 WSE will be primarily virtual with highly interactive and engaging workshops and webinars hosted by our partner firms. If circumstances permit, we will host one or more events in person in New York City. Apply Here: https://www.fwa.org/apply-for-wall-street-exchange Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their junior year but should not be graduating before December 2024. Deadline: June 1, 2024 Highlights: Engaging workshops hosted by FWA President Circle leading firms such as Bank of Montreal Capital Markets, BNP Paribas, Deloitte, and more. Enhance job search skills through workshops that help you create and leverage your unique professional brand Develop leadership techniques and other soft skills necessary to execute a successful job search and succeed in your career Build a professional network with fellow program participants and interns and employees from sponsor firms Access FWA members who can share professional and personal advice Join the FWA for even more networking, skill building, and professional development after the summer and as you embark on your new career FWA Members: We encourage you to share this incredible opportunity with your mentees and networks. Together, let's empower the next generation of finance professionals! For more information, visit https://www.fwa.org/wall-street-exchange . If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Kelsie Piersaint, FWA Next Gen Educational Programs Manager, at [email protected] .
04 Apr, 2024
On Tuesday, April 2, FWA members and International Business Conference delegates were hosted by the Greek Consulate and the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce for a high-level preview for what awaits us for our upcoming International Business Conference , happening May 11-18th in Athens and Santorini.  We're grateful to our distinguished speakers: HE Ambassador Konstantinos Konstantinou (Consul General of Greece to New York), Nikolaos Thomopoulous (Trade Commissioner, Greek Trade Office in NYC), Efthia Pylarinou-Piper (Sr. VP, Red Apple Group, Exec Board HACC, Moderator), George Gazonis (Chairman and Founder, NYATH Group), Fay Georgousis (Greek National Tourism Organization), James Christopoulos (Partner, CVC Capital Partners), and Annette Stewart (FWA President, 2023-2025). Speakers shared about investment success stories and opportunities; the role policy played in the revitalization of their markets, including the thriving tourism and real estate markets; and ways the turnaround in the Greek economy is a story of resilience, good governance, national pride, and commitment. Very special thanks to Chef Maria Loi and Loi Estiatorio for her support of the FWA and the conference, and for catering the delicious food at the event. We look forward to Chef Loi’s presence at the IBC in Greece. Registration closes at midnight on April 8th! We hope you will join us at the conference for this opportunity to nourish both your business acumen and your soul.
28 Mar, 2024
Paving the Way Forward for Women in Finance Throughout Women's History Month, we're highlighting a variety of women from FWA's history - awardees, past presidents, and more who forged a path for women in the financial community. In their honor, we ask that you make your own contribution toward paving the way forward for all women in finance this month! This week, we're highlighting Joan Farr, FWA Founder and President 1957-58, who worked on Wall Street for firms including Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Scudder, Stevens and Oppenheimer & Co. and Bank of New York. In 1956, she co-founded the Young Women’s Investment Association, which became the FWA in 1965. In 1972, Institutional Investor recognized her as a top Wall Street analyst.
27 Mar, 2024
The Financial Women's Association is assembling a team to plan and organize our Annual Summit happening in late October and we're calling for volunteers to be part of this marquis event. We will focus on themes related to AI and other related topics that are shaping the future of finance and the financial sector. From machine learning algorithms optimizing investment strategies to AI-driven risk management solutions, compliance and regulation, ethics, cyber-security, opportunities and pitfalls. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a finance professional with an interest in technology, or someone looking to broaden your horizons, this is your chance to make a difference on the organizing team. To volunteer, complete the signup form below! Volunteer opportunities include: Event Planning and Coordination Content Development and Speaker Outreach Audience Development Marketing and Promotion Fundraising Participant Engagement and Day-of Support By volunteering for the FWA AI Summit, you'll not only gain valuable experience and exposure in the dynamic intersection of finance and AI but also play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Financial Women's Association. For any inquiries or further information, please contact [email protected] .
21 Mar, 2024
Paving the Way Forward for Women in Finance Throughout Women's History Month, we're highlighting a variety of women from FWA's history - awardees, past presidents, and more who forged a path for women in the financial community. In their honor, we ask that you make your own contribution toward paving the way forward for all women in finance this month! This week, we're highlighting Alice Rivlin, who was awarded the FWA awarded Public/Non-Profit Sector Woman of the Year in 1998 recognition of her service as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. She also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare for Program Analysis and Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and she was the first female Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
19 Mar, 2024
We're thrilled to welcome Tobey Diller and Marcia Mayne as Co-Chairs of the High School Mentorship Program at the Financial Women's Association. Tobey brings over 35 years of professional experience as a leverage finance research analyst, recently retiring from Bank of Montreal’s Trading Desk. Marcia is a vice president in regulatory compliance, and manages a team that responds to regulatory examinations and audits that impact loan operations at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). Together, Tobey and Marcia will lead efforts on our mentorship and programming at the High School of Economics and Finance. Our focus is on exposing students to career opportunities in finance, college readiness and preparation, guiding through application, scholarship and financial aid process. We also teach financial literacy and we help to build the confidence and skills students need to be successful in college and on the job. Please join us in welcoming Tobey and Marcia to their new roles! Are you ready to make a difference? We are actively seeking mentors for this program. Contact Kelsie Piersaint at [email protected] to learn more!
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