OPENING REMARKS TO THE SYMPOSIUM
Dr. Konstantinos Koutras (Ph.D., University of Bonn; Post-Graduate Diploma, Informatics, University of Athens; Bachelors, School of Humanities, University of Bonn) is the Consul General of Greece in New York (2016-Present). Prior to this appointment, Dr. Koutras served as spokesperson of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heading the Ministry’s Information and Public Diplomacy Department, duties initially entrusted to him by the then Foreign Minister (and current EU Home Affairs Commissioner), Dimitris Avramopoulos (2013-2016); Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during elections under Foreign Minister, Ambassador Petros Molyviatis (2015); Spokesperson and communication strategy coordinator for the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the EU, working under the then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos (2014) and concluding his term under Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias (2016). Earlier in his career, Dr. Koutras was Diplomatic Counsellor to the Minister at the newly-established Ministry for Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean (2012), Head of the Justice and Home Affairs Department of Greece’s Permanent Representation to the European Union (2007-2011), and served a four-year tour at the Greek Embassy in Ankara, Turkey (2003-2007). Dr. Koutras lives in New York with his wife Popita and their son Dionysios.

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FOREWORD TO THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Hon. Aristos Constantine is the Trade Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus for North America and Head of the Cyprus Embassy Trade Center in New York, the trade and economic arm of Cyprus’ diplomatic representation, spanning all of North America, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce & Industry of the Republic of Cyprus. Prior to his current position, Mr. Constantine served as Business Development Advisor for the United Nations Development Program in the Division of Western Asia, Arab States and Europe. He is an active member of several prominent councils, committees and associations, including the Foreign Trade Commissioners Association, the Global Association of Risk Professionals, the World Economic Roundtable and the European Rim Policy and Investment Council.

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CLOSING REMARKS 

Harry Koulos, Esq. (J.D., Cum Laude, Georgetown Law (2014); B.A., History, Cum Laude with distinction, Yale (2011)) is an Associate in Complex Litigation & Trials at Skadden, et.al., LLP. He is a member of the New York and California Bar Associations and a Nikos Mouyaris 2030 Leadership Fellow for the Hellenic American Leadership Council. Prior to joining Skadden, Harry was law clerk to Hon. Thomas A. Varlan (Chief Judge, Eastern District of Tennessee). At Georgetown, Harry interned for the FBI's National Security Law Branch, the Air Force's JAG Corps and the Department of Justice's Torts Branch. At Yale, he received several awards, including the Francis Gordon Brown Prize for Juniors upholding standards of excellence in intellect, character, leadership, and service. Harry was also on Yale’s Varsity Baseball Team and played for the Greek National Baseball team’s European Championships (2012).

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SYMPOSIUM MODERATOR
Prof. Chris Salboudis (M.A. English Language & Literature (2000) and M.A. Philosophy (1995), Columbia University; B.A., English/Philosophy, M.C.L. with honors, St. John’s Univ. (1994)) is the Founding CEO and Director of the Philo4Thought initiative. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy, English, Communications and Environmental Studies at several universities (1997-pres.), the Administrative Manager/Student Coordinator of the Center for Genome Technology & Biomolecular Engineering at Columbia University (2005-pres.), and has written for several American and Greek-American journals. In prior years, Chris served as Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences at St. John’s University (2001-2003) and mentored countless students/young professionals through her work with the NIH-funded Minority Action Plan (2005-2010) as well as various Christian/Career Missions (1992-Present). She is currently ABD at Columbia University Teachers College and has given several presentations on Pedagogical Communities & Resources, Educational Engineering and Ethical Research Compliance Regulations at major academic forums in New York, New Jersey, DC and neighboring areas. She has earned various academic and community service awards over the years and continues to advocate for women, young professionals, and minority/underrepresented communities for work and pro bono.

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CREDIT & RECOGNITION: Many thanks to the Consulate General of Greece in New York, the Consulate General of Cyprus in New York, the Cyprus Embassy Trade Center, Columbia University, St. John's University and to all those who contributed to the preparation of this event.

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