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OUR TEAM

Meet the people behind Ecogenia.

OUR FOUNDERS

“Igniting a cultural shift in Greece whereby social service is seen as a career prospect and an opportunity to retain young talent in the country, all the while driving sustainable development.”

Erika
Spagakou

co-founder

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about erika
"Working together to create opportunities for young Greeks to find meaningful work in Greece while also prioritising sustainable development."

Lia
Papazoglou

co-founder

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about lia

OUR TEAM

Eleni is a special education teacher who was advising Ecogenia on their education pilot program in Chania before moving into a part-time coordinator role with the organization. In this role, she will oversee the program execution of the education pilot program, which includes: developing the curriculum for the after-school program as well as training and managing the cohort team on the ground.

Eleni
Antoniadou

Education Program Coordinator
(Seasonal)

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Damianos has been part of Ecogenia since the very beginning. As a university student, he represents the generation we hope to serve. As the Program Coordinator, he supports various aspects of Ecogenia's program efforts. He is also Ecogenia's storyteller and videographer, by that he helps the co-founders pursue seed funding and key stakeholder engagement. As an economics student, he is also managing the budget and researching impact metrics.

Damianos
Chrysochoidis

Program Coordinator

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A Greek-American from San Francisco, Melina's background is in international affairs, human rights, and social impact. Since receiving her M.A. in International Public Management from SciencesPo Paris School of International Affairs, she has worked for UNDP, UNICEF, and a social impact consulting firm. Melina has been a part of non-profits in the U.S., Greece, and France, focusing on a variety of issues, but all towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She has a B.A. in Political Science from Barnard College of Columbia University. 
 
Melina is inspired by Ecogenia's mission and vision, and excited to be a part of a global team of incredible people committed to being a part of building a better future for Greece.

Melina
Dunham

Development Manager

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Angelos Orfanidis has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Social Administration, a Master's Degree in Digital Media, Communication, and Journalism, and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, investigating ESG, the Banking Sector, and Marketing. Angelos is the founder and general manager of Advertary PR, a Thessaloniki-based agency that provides communication and marketing solutions based on diligence, devotion, and creativity. In the business department of Mediterranean College (Thessaloniki), Angelos will be a lecturer teaching marketing this academic year. He is fluent in English, French, and Italian. He has participated in several seminars, conferences, and symposiums. He has worked in the private sector in marketing and public relations departments of organizations and businesses. Angelos is a very active individual who enjoys politics and helping. He can also be seen writing on local or national news websites, highlighting key social and political problems.

Angelos
Orfanidis

Communications Coordinator
(Part-time)

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Stefanos has been involved with Ecogenia since the very beginning, advising the co-founders on strategic partnerships and program development, as well as fundraising efforts. In his role as Program Development he oversees the coordination of priority projects, including Ecognenia's pilot program applications.

Stefanos
Papadosifos

Program Manager

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Ecogenia is the first NGO in Greece that promotes sustainability through civic engagement, training and employment opportunities for young people. Through a service year model, Ecogenia connects Greek youth with organisations dedicated to creating sustainable solutions to environmental and societal challenges.

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Erika Spagakou

Co-founder

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Erika Spagakou is the Co-founder, and Director of Outreach and Administration of Ecogenia. She holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, and an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development from the University College London. Following her graduation, Erika worked at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment in Brussels, where she supported the Commission’s consultations with third countries in preparation for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Her diverse portfolio in public affairs and strategic development allows Erika to grasp complex development-policy challenges across a variety of socio-cultural contexts. She is driven by her vision for social impact, human development, and sustainability. Recognizing the vast potential of Greece and her love for the homeland, Erika aspires to ignite a cultural shift in Greece whereby civic service presents an opportunity to retain young talent in the country, all the while driving sustainable development for Greece. 

Lia Papazoglou

Co-founder

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Lia Papazoglou is the Co-founder and Program Director of Ecogenia. She graduated with a BA in International Affairs and Environmental Studies from Wagner College in New York City. She served as an AmeriCorps member twice. She was first a member of the inaugural NYC Civic Corps working to build capacity in low-income communities through revitalization projects, adult and childhood education, and financial literacy with New York Cares. Then, Lia served as a Development Fellow at GRID Alternatives focusing on renewable energy access, education, and workforce development projects. After nearly 10 years in the social impact and renewable energy space, she received her MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey in the U.K., graduating with distinction. Lia now also serves as the Climate Programs Director for the Business Council on Climate Change in San Francisco, working to incubate and scale climate solutions in the Bay Area and beyond. She has been working in the nonprofit and social impact sectors for over 12 years, with expertise in programme design, development, and management. She has a demonstrated passion for civic engagement and its intersection with sustainability. Lia also brings her 20 years of experience working with youth. This includes managing youth-based volunteer projects, writing curriculum and trainings for youth and volunteers working with youth, and overseeing extra-curricular youth development in various capacities.