A decade ago a group of Greek-American business leaders met to discuss an idea about the establishment of a new model Greek-American organization unlike others: one shying away from Church, politics, and foreign policy, yet one that embraces Hellenism’s values, ideals, and culture with the hopes of perpetuating the same. The group recognized that there is a clear nexus between the inherited heritage and legacy and impact on individual and collective successes, happiness, balance, and well-being. Moreover, the group believed that it is imperative to pass on this heritage and legacy to future generations, albeit as a symbol of the recognition of the sacrifices and efforts their forebears faced to ensure their dreams for all of us came true. 

The envisioned organization would comprise accomplished individuals of the highest caliber in terms of integrity, character, and dedication. They would be invited to join and in doing so would find opportunities to meet with one another, to celebrate the hallmark joie de vivre of a collective Greek spirit and work towards developing programs that support efforts that really make a difference.

National Hellenic Society Chairman Drake Behrakis appears on the cover of the December issue of NEO Magazine.  The feature article inside the issue focuses on the NHS' Heritage Greece and Heritage America Programs and the impact they have on the students that participate in them.  Check out the full article here!

This year, the NHS placed two interns from Greece, Andreas Gkioumes and Fotis Prokopos in a marketing internship with ECOS and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO of Earth Friendly Products. They participated in a week long internship following the Heritage Weekend & Classic and gave a final presentation on ECOS Brand Positioning. Special thanks to ECOS, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, and the American College of Greece for helping us make this happen!

NHS Members and guests are invited to join the National Hellenic Society's New York Chapter for a special evening in support of our Heritage Greece Program at the Plandome Golf Country Club in Plandome, New York on Friday, November 1st at 7:00 p.m.

This past year, Summer 2019, marked the 10 Year Anniversary of the Heritage Greece Program.  Watching this program grow and evolve over this period of time has been inspiring and magical. The National Hellenic Society has sent over 400 young adults to Greece for a two week cultural immersion program in the past 10 years.  As much of an accomplishment as that is, there is room to grow.  This program has been described as "life changing" and "an experience they will never forget".  In order to expand and preserve this program we ask for your help.

Please join NHS members and guests to support our beloved Heritage Greece Program.  An evening of dining and entertainment.  Entry per person is $495 which includes food, beverage, and Poker Tournament entry (to the first 140 people who register), and a Grand Prize entry- Two Round Trip Business Class Tickets (NYC to Athens).  Those who register after the first 140 slots are filled, will be entered in Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette tournament.

Congratulations to NHS co-founders and members George Behrakis and & Dean Metropoulos on being honored on Greece's newest postage stamps!   Both Behrakis and Metropoulos received this honor in appreciation of their vast contributions to Greece and Hellenism over the year.

Axioi!

The National Hellenic Society is proud to announce the 10th Anniversary Heritage Weekend & Classic in Santa Monica, California on October 10-13, 2019. Guests will stay at the beautiful and luxurious Fairmont Miramar Hotel. For more information visit the Heritage Weekend & Classic page on our website!

The National Hellenic Society and Manatos & Manatos, a leading government relations and advocacy firm, collaborated to develop the NHS Heritage America Program -- an experiential odyssey connecting Greek American college students to their Hellenic roots, heritage and culture within the context and resources Washington, DC has to offer. Heritage America 2019 took place July 11-14th this year. Photos from the program as well as to see the who's who list of Greek American decision makers and business leaders that this year's program participants had the opportunity to meet are available on the website!

The National Hellenic Society's Heritage Greece Program at the American College of Greece is in full swing!  Yesterday, June 19th, our 80+ students got together with The Hellenic Initative’s Regeneration Program on campus to discuss ideas about how we can help rebuild Greece’s economy through entrepreneurship, and unleashing the vast creative energies of Greece’s next generation in tandem with input and guidance from the Greek diaspora!  The panel, officially titled Youth Initiatives: Bridging Social & Economic Impact for Greece was moderated by Dr. Matilda Chatzipanagiotou, and students listened to speakers Dr. Gregory Katsas and Mr. Michael Printzos.  After a brief coffee break, Heritage Greece Participants and other students in attendance participated in break-out sessions and presentations in a session called Youth Voice and Leadership: Building Bridges and moderated by Mr. Vasilis Vasileiadis.

This past Thursday, June 6, 2019, participants in the National Hellenic Society's 2019 Heritage Greece Program convened in Washington, DC before making their journey to Greece.  They attended a welcome reception on the roof of the Order of AHEPA National Headquarters and were welcomed by NHS Executive Director Art Dimopoulos, NHS Board of Directors member Mike Manatos, and NHS Board of Advisors member Lea Soupata.  Also welcoming the students were Heritage Greece Alumni Network Co-Chair Paul Markakis, Order of AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, and American Hellenic Institute Executive Director Nick Larigakis.  Following the night's reception, participants spent the next day touring Washington, DC before boarding a bus to catch their flight in Newark.  Check out our full album of pictures below, and follow our Heritage Greece Program participants by keeping up with their blog!