Overview of the Midwest Greek Community: An overview of Greek-American life, culture, and achievements

By Terry Poulos, Special to Hellenic News of America

At the crossroads of America (Chicago and Northwest Indiana and beyond), we have one of the largest concentrations of Greek Americans outside of the Motherland itself. With that, today I have the honor of introducing a new column offering succinct information on Greek-Americans and all things Hellenistic, with a focus on the Midwest. Hope you enjoy!

* It’s off to Paris 2024 for the NBC5 Chicago news presenter Alex Maragos. He was selected by the channel to cover the Olympic Games. His late grandfather was a prominent judge Sam Maragos and his uncle is a well-known lawyer/politician Dean Maragos.

* In October and for the second year in a row, Alex hosted the annual fundraiser for the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation, which provides laptops, Greek language software and other technology to Greek schools in the Chicago area. The non-profit association was founded by Leo Louchios, unfortunately passed away this summer. Leo was a top aide to the longtime Illinois Secretary of State. Jesse White, who retired after a famous career. Leo accompanied White on two excursions to Greece, where White served in the U.S. Army as a youth. Replace the blank as new SOS Alexi Giannoulias, former state treasurer. Leo was an advisor to Giannoulias and offered in-depth insight into the inner workings of the office.

* Calamos Investments in Naperville, Illinois recently opened an office in Chicago, including a suite designed specifically for the NBA star Giannis Antetokounpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. In early 2023, the rising financial powerhouse partnered with Giannis to open the world’s first exchange-traded fund led by a professional athlete. The Calamos Antetokounmpo Global Sustainable Equities ETF (SROI:NYSE ARCA) is an ESG fund. The initiative was born from a friendship between Giannis and the CEO of Calamos Jean Koudounis. Giannis’ brother Thanasis Antetokounpo, another Bucks player, is also on the SROI board of directors. Calamos was founded by Jean Calamos, a billionaire philanthropist who is also president and major benefactor of the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) in Chicago. Calamos Investments has grown at a rapid pace, entering new markets and also on the sponsorship front with its logo displayed on the court at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls.

* Calamos sponsored a radio show on WGN 720-AM with WGN radios Anna Davlantes interview Calamos executives about the economy and give investment advice. Speaking of WGN, the radio and television superstation has featured many Greek Americans on-air and in producing roles over the years. The most prominent of these at present is the entertainment critic Dean Richards. After a brilliant career, journalist Andrea Darlas recently made a buyout and joined the NHM board of directors. She also leads the University of Illinois Alumni Network.

* More Giannis: The two-time NBA regular season MVP and Finals MVP recently partnered as an investor in the growing Greek and Mediterranean restaurant franchise Avli, founded by Louie Alexakis. There are now five Avli locations – four in Chicago and one in Milwaukee. Giannis partnered on the Milwaukee location and another in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, near Greektown. This location also includes – among other investors –, Lou Canellisthe lead sports anchor for FOX32 Chicago.

* Actor, television personality and model #9 from “Deal Or No Deal” Patricia Kara, a Chicago native, recently released the ebook version of his upcoming print work “Dream On…Now Deliver: The Practical Guide to Succeeding in the Entertainment Industry.” Available on Amazon, among other platforms. She is married to a former NFL player Noel LaMontagne.

* Actor turned singer/songwriter Lisa Zanésister of Billy “Titanic” Zane, held a release party in Chicago in October for his latest CD of love songs with classic guitar ballads, called “Mysteries of Spain.” The slopes are spectacular!

* CEO Niko Drakoulis and Arlington Heights, Ill.-based Sure People made big waves this fall. The “people Analytics” company partnered with USA Diving, and one of its clients, the Texas Rangers, won the World Series! Of course, he gradually built up a list of blue-chip clients.

*As for diving, the Chicago area Greek community is home to a two-time U.S. Olympic diver. Christine Loukas among its ranks. Christina finished 8th in the world at the Beijing Games, then 7th in London. She recently earned a master’s degree in physical therapy.

* Originally from the Chicago area James Pappasnow in the greater Phoenix area, is making some moves with his basketball and football brand company Dime, and he also recently started as a director of development at a single charter school.

*There are two Greek-Americans on the Purdue University football roster this season – Fenwick HS Illinois product Jimmy Listonfreshman center and former all-stater in football and wrestling, and sophomore linebacker Yanni Karlaftisthe younger brother of the Kansas City Chiefs star defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion George Karlaftis.

* Addenda: Kathy Demos Kappos accepted a position at the Walt Disney Company where he worked in the advertising portfolios… Young actor Brenny well done played a speaking role in the hit television series “Chicago Fire.” She is the daughter of the president of the Hellenic Voters of America. Kiki Stamatiou Whitehead. Kiki is also an artist who illustrated the recently released book “How does my mom know”. Both Kiki and this columnist paint sculptures that appear on Halsted Street for the annual Greektown Outdoor Art Show)…Marketing and advertising veteran Tina Manikaslongtime Draft FCB executive, is now president of an entire agency, Tracy Locke… Two Chicago news veterans now hold leading roles at Politco.com, Shiite Kapos And Tina Sfondels… News veteran Andrea Hanis is now editor of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin… Let them want to. More next month…