Aphrodite Kotrotsios received the title of “Greek Woman of the World” on July 27 at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens, Greece.
The awards ceremony took place as part of the 7th Global Meeting of the Greek Diaspora, honoring Greek women from around the world who have dared, succeeded and left their personal mark.
Dynamic and creative, Aphrodite Kotrotsios successfully continued her family’s important work with the Greek community in the United States. For the past six years, she has served as editor of the Greek-American newspaper “Hellenic News of America,” based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through the newspaper, the informative website and the Hermes Expo, the Kotrotsios family has played a central role in supporting the Greek diaspora and preserving Hellenism for decades.
Ms. Kotrotsios’ recognition is the result of her dedicated efforts to promote the Greek spirit, entrepreneurship and tradition.
In light of her award, Ms Kotrotsios was interviewed by the ERT radio show “Voice of Greece”. She spoke about her decision to take over as head of her father’s successful business, despite working in a pharmaceutical company. Her admiration for her father’s important work motivated her to become actively involved in the business. “I felt that the time had come for me to continue and continue the family tradition that my father started in 1987. Such an effort should not stop because it means a lot to the Greek community and Greece,” the editor pointed out.
Thanks for reading Hellenic News of America
“We still maintain the printed format of the newspaper, which is essential because there are not many Greek printed newspapers. Additionally, we provide daily updates on our website and are active on social media,” she said.
“We want to continue to bring Greece closer to us, preserve our culture and heritage, further spread the Greek spirit and empower Greeks in America, who have supported us in our work for so many years. This is the best reward,” noted Ms. Kotrotsios.
Hermes Expo: A “bridge” of entrepreneurship
Through the newspaper “Hellenic News of America”, Paul Kotrotsios managed to highlight entrepreneurial activities and efforts to promote Greek culture and tradition from the beginning of its establishment. Simultaneously, he recognized the needs of Greek entrepreneurs in the diaspora and several Greek-based companies seeking opportunities to enter the US market. In 1992, he created the Hermes Expo, an exhibition aimed at bringing the two sides together.
“I remember my father rushing to events and activities to promote the great things Greek-Americans were doing. Thus, thanks to the Hermès Expo, he managed to bring them closer together. He built a bridge that continues to this day, where every year Greeks in America come into contact with philhellenes and Greeks engaged in business in Greece, with the aim of expanding into the American market,” emphasized the editor.
“My father is a person who opens doors, provides opportunities and helps. He has supported Greek-American efforts to spread Greek tradition and promote entrepreneurship for 30 years. For me, it is essential to take responsibility to continue your work and contribute to the Greek community and to Greece,” added Ms. Kotrotsios.
The best gift
In her interview, Ms. Kotrotsios also shared memories of her childhood in Greece. “Every summer, my parents sent my sisters and me to our ancestral village, Parakalamos, Ioannina, for three months. There, we spent our summers with our grandparents. We created important memories. It was the greatest gift our parents could give us.
We learned what it means to be Greek, our traditions, our language, our gastronomy, our traditional dances. We went to church every Sunday. We had the best times of our lives in the village. I will never forget this beautiful gift our parents gave us. I hope I can do the same for my children,” described Ms. Kotrotsios.
