During my PhD studies, I came across the Civil Society and Nonprofit Organizations. Since 2009, I am focusing on the NPO ecosystem, in particular through the research program “Thales-Evaluation of Greek Nonprofit Organizations”. In 2012, I started organizing a series of capacity-building seminars directed to organizations throughout Greece. Having met people from more than 200 Nonprofit Organizations, I can maintain my positive attitude and smile since all the elements for fascinating initiatives are out there. My aspiration is to support as much as possible the Greek ecosystem.
____________________
Sotiris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Shipping, an MA in International Political Economy and a PhD focusing on Regionalism in the Developing World.
E-mail: s.petropoulos@higgs3.org
The first contact with the NPO ecosystem starts with my participation in the high school environmental volunteer team. Upon completion of my academic studies, I worked in private and Nonprofit Organisations where I gained experience in conducting economic studies and mainly in the preparation, analysis and monitoring of programs funded by national and international donors. Since 2012, I have been a key lecturer in capacity building trainings and regularly I evaluate projects, since measuring social impact is a long standing goal. Being a HIGGS member I hope to put my knowledge and experience to the service of all those who try to make the world better.
____________________
Alexandra has studied Public Administration and holds an MSc in Health Care Policy and Management from University of Birmingham.
E-mail: a.emirza@higgs3.org
My involvement with volunteering started during my undergraduate studies, where I was initially interested in understanding more deeply Civil Society. My work experience in various NPOs, over recent years, as well as the daily contact with young people, full of vision and ideas, have been an inspiration to contribute to society, aiming at establishing a sustainable and prosperous future, without discrimination. At HIGGS, this inspiration turns into practice and I hope, from my end, to offer adequate support to joint efforts of NPOs’ empowerment and effectively address the increasing challenges.
____________________
Georgia studied International and European Studies at Panteion University and she holds a MA in Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development.
E-mail: g.pantiora@higgs3.org
During my studies, I came across the nonprofit organizations, as I had a strong interest in better understanding the social reality and the environmental challenges. The combination of my multifarious knowledge, as well as my dedication to the most vulnerable members of our society, were a unique asset which provided me the opportunity to work in remarkable organizations in Greece and abroad that their principles, values and activities have a positive impact on society, culture, environment and contribute to develop sustainability. HIGGS also works in this direction and a step beyond, as through its innovative educational activities it contributes to the empowerment and development of Civil Society and Nonprofit Organizations for a sustainable present and future. I am delighted to be part of HIGGS’ team so that through my knowledge and personal abilities I can contribute to its vision and initiatives.
____________________
Emilia studied Interior Architecture, Decorative Arts & Design at the Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) of Athens, with a Master’s degree in Strategic Design, Innovation and Design of the Product – Service System from Poli.Design-Politecnico di Milano, Italy. She attended the Social Value & SROI Practitioner Training from Social Value UK.
E-mail: e.douka@higgs3.org
My first contact with the NPO ecosystem was right after my undergraduate studies. I started working in non-profit organizations and after a short time I joined in volunteer teams. Over the years I have worked in environmental and humanitarian NGOs, focusing in public awareness projects. Through these projects, people learn more information about NGOs, they understand their goals, values and needs, they come one step closer to their work and learn ways to support them and be part of the solution. At HIGGS, I will have the opportunity to work with more organizations and I hope through my knowledge and experiences I will be able to help increase social impact.
____________________
Katerina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations in the University of Peloponnese and a Master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management at Open University of Greece.
E-mail: k.papagiannopoulou@higgs3.org
My inclusion in the HIGGS team started during my undergraduate studies, on the occasion of my internship, which was my first real contact with Civil Society. My return here was by no means accidental. Having been professionally involved in corporate volunteering, and project coordination and communication, I discovered both the willingness of people to give and the lack of knowledge regarding possible ways of giving. I also realised the importance of people engaging with organisations to learn about their work, as well as the importance of communicating the results of their actions and using the recorded impact to provide much-needed support to society. At HIGGS, I will have the opportunity to support organisations in their efforts to improve their work, thus contributing to the development and improvement of our society.
____________________
Christina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication & Mass Media from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master’s degree in Social Innovation & Development Strategies from the University of Peloponnese and the National Centre for Social Research.
E-mail: a.giota@higgs3.org
I joined HIGGS immediately after completing my studies at the University of Peloponnese. During my studies, I became involved in European projects that intrigued me. At the same time, while doing an internship and later continuing my work at a consulting firm, I focused on research and evaluation. Having acquired foundational knowledge and skills from both university and my previous job, I continue to work in the field of research while simultaneously exploring the realm of civil society organizations. My main focus at HIGGS is on charities and cross-border donations.
____________________
Voula has studied Political Science and International Relations at the University of Peloponnese .
Email: v.konstantopoulou@higgs3.org
My involvement with Civil Society began with my interest in social contribution, equality, and environmental sustainability, which grew through my early experiences during my studies. Subsequently, my engagement with CSOs led me to a deeper involvement with European programs, where I had the chance to work with multicultural teams and listen to the concerns and ideas of individuals from various backgrounds, building bridges of collaboration and understanding. This experience made me realize that even the smallest contribution can evolve into something much bigger.
Through my role at HIGGS, I am given the opportunity to get to know and meaningfully contribute to the empowerment of more CSOs, supporting their efforts toward a fairer and more inclusive future. As a member of this remarkable team, I hope to also contribute to driving change and creating positive societal impacts.
____________________
Stavroula studied at the Department of International and European Studies at University of Piraeus and attended “Project Management” and “Erasmus Accreditations” from EU Academy.
Email: s.panagiotopoulou@higgs3.org
My first contact with HIGGS and therefore with the ecosystem of CSOs, was during my internship, where I had the chance to work extensively with HIGGS’s spheres of activity and particularly with the European Programmes. HIGGS provide me the chance to understand the organizations of Civil Society as well as the larger European network better and to participate in my own manner to this social chain.
____________________
Anna studied Political Science and International Relations at the University of Peloponnese and Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
E-mail: a.tsekani@higgs3.org
My first contact with volunteering and the NGOs was during my early years as a student. Through my daily interactions with humanitarian organizations, as well as through my work, I have always wanted to be close to people. As part of my work at HIGGS, I would like to provide the necessary support in the joint effort to empower NGOs and effectively address the increasing challenges.
____________________
Angeliki has studied at the Department of French Language and Philology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Email: info@higgs3.org
My first contact with Civil Society was through HIGGS. Nevertheless, I have extensive experience and engagement in volunteering and solidarity, particularly concerning the more vulnerable segments of the population. I contribute to this field by organizing art groups and creating specialized posters. In addition to my work in applied arts, I also explore similar themes in the fields of comic storytelling, books, illustration, and political cartoons. Through HIGGS, a dialogue emerges between all these facets of my work, aimed at addressing these challenges.
____________________
Giorgos has studied Fine Arts and New Media in Akto – Art & Design.
Email: g.tsardanidis@higgs3.org
