NEW YORK – The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) of New York honored Nitzia Logothetis, Founder and Executive Chairwoman of the Seleni Institute with the “Person of the Year” award during its 68th Annual Dinner Dance which was held on October 21 at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.
The Seleni Institute is an advanced treatment center based in Manhattan that aims to transform mental health and wellness for women.
It was founded in 2011 by Nitzia and her husband, George and fully maintains the character of a nonprofit organization.
The dinner was attended by the Consul Generals of Greece and Cyprus, Konstantinos Koutras and Vasilios Philippou respectively, as well as representatives of other Greek-American institutions.
HACC president Brian Devine referred to the organization’s activities and focused his attention on the most important events that are organized together with other professional bodies of New York.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that next year marks the 70th anniversary of HACC’s founding, for which they are planning various events.
He said Nitzia Logothetis’ charitable work is as important as that of Seleni. He also talked about the cooperation with other institutions for children with disabilities in Great Britain, Panama and Peru, and with the Hellenic Society for Disabled Children (ELEPAP) in Greece.
HACC Chair Nancy Papaioannou, who is also the President of Atlantic Bank, spoke about the Chamber’s achievements and noted that it made history two years ago by electing a woman as chairperson for the first time.
She then spoke about the honoree and her husband , who is Chairman and CEO of the Libra Group, and invited him to present his wife. George Logothetis spoke about the decision that was made six years ago to found Seleni.
He said it was her initiative and aimed not only to treat women, but to also awaken public opinion in order to stop the cycle of silence on the mental health issues women face during the prenatal period, as well as during childbirth and postpartum.
He also spoke about the honoree’s collaboration with the motherland, and noted that during the difficult times Greece is going through, we must embolden the people and restore their confidence, hope and inspiration.
Nitzia Logothetis expressed her gratitude for the honor and focused on Seleni’s role in treating women’s problems, including anxiety and depression which are exacerbated by poverty, starvation, and climate change.
She also noted the cooperation with the Hellenic Society for Disabled Children (ELEPAP) and told the story of little Epaminondas, emphasizing that each person is entitled to treatment and to the provision of developmental opportunities.
Logothetis thanked the Chamber for the award, as well as her partners at ELEPAP and the Seleni.
Papaioannou referred to the success of the 10th annual New York City Greek Film Festival and awarded an honorary plaque to the leader and director of the festival James Demetro.
(By DEMETRIS TSAKAS)
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