SPRING 2026 BIANNUAL CONVENTION RECAP
The National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) of North America brought its signature energy, ambition, and community to New York City for its Spring 2026 Biannual Convention, held March 20-22, 2026. Centered around the theme “Empire State of Mind: Chasing Your Dream,” the weekend united 150+ students and young professional leaders from across North America for one of the largest turnouts in NHSA history, creating a dynamic experience rooted in growth and possibility.
The convention’s three-day itinerary kicked off Friday evening at Lithos Mediterranean Cuisine, where attendees gathered for a welcome reception featuring light bites, networking, and drinks sponsored by Stray Dog Gin. The evening set the tone for the weekend — bringing together familiar faces and new connections in a space defined by excitement and shared purpose.
Saturday’s conference programming was emceed by NHSA Director of Special Projects and Initiatives Adoni Vassilyadi and Recruitment Director Stylianos Gelis, who guided attendees through a full day of professional and personal development. The morning began with breakfast provided by Liberty Bagels and For Five Coffee Roasters, followed by opening remarks from President Francesca Rimbos as well as NYC Convention Chair, Advisory Council Member, and Past President Stephanie Papoutsakis, who reflected on the power and growth of the organization.
The conference featured remarks from the Honorable Iphigenia Kanara, Consul General of Greece in New York, who spoke to the importance of strengthening Hellenic identity and leadership across the diaspora.
The first panel, “Path to Success,” featured three powerhouses: Annie Kyprianou (Global Chief Financial Officer of L Catterton), Doretta Mistras (Chief Financial Officer of Viatris), and Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper (Senior Vice President of the Red Apple Group and President of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce). Moderated by NHSA Treasurer Dionysios Feradouros, the discussion explored diverse career journeys and the evolving definition of success.
The conversation continued with a Q&A session, “From Dream to Reality,” featuring George Karavias (Founder and CEO of Dream Hospitality Group), moderated by NHSA Chairman Konstantinos Ouranitsas, offering attendees candid insight into forging a career off the beaten path and embracing an entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Karavias said “I’ve been in this business for 21 years, but only in the last five years have I really seen it come to fruition and blow up the way it has. It taught me to be consistent with my projects to see success.”
During the lunch segment sponsored in part by GyroCity, attendees participated in a record-breaking mentorship networking session featuring 25 mentors from a wide range of industries — giving attendees the opportunity to directly connect, seek guidance, and engage in real, meaningful conversations that fostered professional growth. Mentors were provided by the Hellenic Lawyers Association, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, and Hellenic Professional Women among community members and past NHSA board members.
The afternoon continued with the second panel “Building the Future One Idea at a Time,” featuring Dr. Andrew Bazos, MD (Founder of CrowdRX and Sports Medicine Doctor), Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD (Dean of the School of Education & Human Development at Fairfield University & President of Hellenic Professional Women), and Dr. Elisa Konofagou, PhD (Professor of Biomedical Engineering & Radiology at Columbia University). Moderated by NHSA Logistics Director Labrini Bratsos, the panel highlighted innovation across medicine, education, and engineering, encouraging attendees to think boldly about their future impact. Dr. Bilias Lolis stated that we shouldn’t “let a crisis go to waste” so that we may learn from everything we encounter.
The conference concluded with an interactive workshop, “Building Your Empire With What You Have,” facilitated by NHSA Director of Communications Helena Syrianos and Consultant Sophia Angeletakis. Through hands-on collaboration and reflection, participants were challenged to rethink limitations and embrace resourcefulness — proving that success is not defined by what you lack, but by how you use what you already have. Ultimately, that is what builds an empire.
Concluding remarks were provided by NHSA Vice President Vana Servos who thanked our speakers, sponsors, supporters, and attendees. She also announced that our next convention will take place this fall in Toronto, Canada.
Saturday evening transitioned into a cocktail hour at 5th & Mad in partnership with the National Hellenic Society alongside Heritage Greece alumni, followed by Greek Night at Libera at the Ace Hotel. In collaboration with Ellines Out West and soundtracked by Deejay Serafim, the celebration carried late into the night — capturing the vibrant spirit of the NHSA community.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with a visit to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, followed by an NHSA-sponsored coffee hour. Attendees then enjoyed a scenic walking tour across the Brooklyn Bridge and through Dumbo — bridging new connections, chasing big-city dreams, and leaving with a little more “Empire State of Mind” for the journeys ahead.
The NHSA Spring Convention was made possible by the generosity of all our sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Republic Bank and the Hellenic Lawyers Association, as well as our supporters which included Chiotis Hall of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
From meaningful conversations to unforgettable moments, NHSA’s Spring 2026 Convention demonstrated that when ambition meets action, dreams don’t just take shape; they take off.
Photo Credits: National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA) of North America
