I was raised in a small village called Nea Triglia, in North Greece. Growing up I would affiliate the word 'career' to jobs such as actors and singers. My move to Australia indicated how 'career' held further elements ... and applied on a plethora of jobs. It was then exhibited that one held the ability to 'work themselves up' in their chosen professional field. Upon arrival in Newcastle, Australia, in 2011, I was fascinated by and took a great interest in local politics and work conducted for the community that was part of Newcastle's revitalisation. I took an interest in the projects, the type of research conducted, and the type of leadership exhibited within government and councils. It is what has influenced my career and efforts towards the Newcastle community.

Why did your family migrate to Newcastle?

My mother was born in Newcastle, NSW, from Greek migrant parents. She met my father in Greece and stayed there for 20 years; my sister and I were born there. We visited Newcastle in 2009 and loved the life it provided. As my grandmother was getting fragile, my mother wished to return to Newcastle to take care of her.

How hard was it to start a new life as a teen here?

Excitement overpowered any fear or anxiety I held. The move provided me with the opportunity to explore a new lifestyle, different to that in Greece. Any challenge that I faced, I never questioned it twice; never questioned why things where the way they were in my life or why things happened, whether positive or negative. I overcame struggles because I came to realise that I hold the ability to steer my own life's path and had to make the best of what was provided to me. Even if that meant no internet at home and daily visits to the Civic Library to use the internet and source books for school assignments. I would not be who I am today if I did not learn to be resourceful and use resources accordingly.

You are deputy chair of Newcastle International INC. What is its mission?

International Newcastle Inc. (IN) is a not for profit introductory agency based in Newcastle, NSW, focusing on reviewing and sustaining international relational relations between Newcastle, NSW, and overseas interested parties. IN also engages in sustaining sister city relations and alliances, such as the alliance of Newcastles of the World. IN aims to assist and aid tourism and business interactions as well as social communications.

As Newcastle Young Citizen of the Year, in 2018 you went to a Newcastles of the World conference in Japan in 2018. What was the point of the conference and what is Newcastle, NSW, doing as part of this movement?

The Newcastles of the World Alliance caters for a biennial conference for like named members to the alliance, to gather and contribute towards existing and future activities as well as set targets for future years. The projects are divided in four categories; Business, Culture, Education, and Tourism. As International Newcastle Inc. (IN) we aim to continue our proactiveness to welcome the conference to our City and increase our city's tourism by encouraging further visitors to our city via tourism, conferences, and business. As IN, our involvement with the Newcastles of the World Alliance, we have created the Newcastles of the World, NSW, Australia Facebook Page and are currently engaging in the establishment of a tourism app, initiated through the Alliance. As Deputy Chair of IN, I also co-facilitate high school classes in Newcastle (Shinshiro), Japan, for the course of Product Marketing, when the chosen case study is the City of Newcastle. Through the Alliance, as IN, we work alongside staff members of the University of Newcastle to implement educational projects to our local high schools. Through the Alliance, as IN, we are engaging in talks to offer traineeships and internships to students at the University of Newcastle, in the faculty of business and law.

You work hard to promote Newcastle on a global scale. Why is this so important to you?

The circles I involve myself in exhibit how the Newcastle community is cultivated by a number of youth whose work elevates the City of Newcastle through a variety of means. There are numerous young people in the Hunter Region who are undergoing incredible movements and activities, both voluntarily and professionally, for the recognition of our communities. It is incredible to be identified and work alongside them.

You are studying development studies and law (honours) at UoN. What do you hope to do after?

My double degree allows me to apply for a variety of opportunities in the fields of development and law. It would be fantastic to connect both areas of study to cater for the community's positive social change whilst exhibiting our community on the international stage.

You've just won the Newcastle Business Club's youth award. What does it mean to you?

It's an incredible honour to be recognised by such a prestigious group of people. The award exhibited the support we receive as International Newcastle Inc from community. It has provided us with a further boost of confidence in the work we do.

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