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.
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.
Click for full bio
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 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.
Click for full bio
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 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.
Click for full bio
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 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.
Click for full bio
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
Something special is taking shape in Florida. Earlier this week, women from across the state gathered in Palm Beach Gardens as the FWA Florida Committee hosted its inaugural in-person event at DSM Capital Partners in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The program featured a forward-looking conversation on AI and technology in investing, followed by an interactive session on personal branding and executive presence led by FWA President Albana Theka and Florida Committee Co-Chair Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen. Connections began the evening before at a dinner that set the tone for a day filled with energy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. By the time sessions began, the room already felt like a community. That’s what the FWA does best. Special thanks to Florida Committee Co-Chairs Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen and Kari Desai, DSM Capital Partners for hosting, and all who joined. “Nothing beats the power of community and human connection. It was incredible to see women from across Florida come together for conversations that were insightful, energizing, and genuinely fun.” - Marie-Helene Kennedy-Payen
One of the things I value most about the Financial Women’s Association is the creativity of our members. I hear so many thoughtful ideas. New programs. Fresh perspectives. Ways we can continue to grow and evolve as an organization. That energy is a gift and it tells me people care. At the same time, one lesson I continue to learn as a leader is that ideas are only the beginning. What truly moves an organization forward is what happens next. Often, when an idea is shared, the natural follow-up is a simple question. Who would like to help take this forward? Sometimes there is immediate enthusiasm. Other times, there is hesitation. And that moment is important. It’s not about pressure. It’s about clarity. Many of us are balancing full careers, families, caregiving responsibilities, and personal goals. Capacity looks different for everyone and it changes over time. Being honest about what we can realistically commit to is part of good leadership. The most impactful ideas are the ones that come with a willingness to stay involved. That involvement doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means helping shape the vision, building momentum, and partnering with others to bring it to life. Organizations thrive when ideas are paired with ownership. When members feel empowered not just to contribute suggestions, but to help guide them toward execution. Even small steps of follow-through create momentum and trust. At FWA, we welcome ideas. We value curiosity and innovation. And we also believe that commitment, in whatever form is realistic for you, is what turns good ideas into meaningful impact. When vision and follow-through come together, everyone benefits. That’s how we continue to build a strong, supportive, and sustainable community.
As the UAE continues to grow as a global financial & investment hub, women are increasingly helping shape decisions at the highest levels of business and governance.
When people think about leadership in the UAE, the public sector is not always the first in mind - yet it's a powerful example of women shaping the nation’s future.
