American Hellenic Institute Hosts 51st Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner
2025 AHI Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awardees. Accepting for the National Hellenic Society, Chair Lea Soupata, NHS Heritage Greece Alumni Jenna Temple and Francesca Rimbos, George M. Logothetis, and Kostantinos Alexakis.
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted its 51st Annual Hellenic Heritage Achievement and National Public Service Awards Dinner at the Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2025.
The evening’s program honored a distinguished set of awardees based upon their important career achievements and contributions to the Greek American community and to society. They were:
George M. Logothetis, Businessman and Philanthropist, who received the Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award for his exceptional business achievements, unwavering philanthropic efforts, and steadfast promotion of Hellenic values and culture.
Konstantinos Alexakis, Esq., Businessman, Engineer, Lawyer, and Community Leader, who received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award for his professional achievements and his distinguished record of service to his country and community through advocacy and leadership.
The National Hellenic Society, which received the Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award for its exemplary commitment to advancing and preserving Hellenic cultural heritage and education, fostering its continuity among future generations of Greek Americans.
AHI Executive Director Zac Cotronakis introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Emanuel, Chief Washington Correspondent for FOX News Channel. Sophia Pelekasis, a talented vocalist from The Juilliard School of Music, performed the Greek and American National Anthems. Reverend Father Dimitrios Lee, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, delivered the Invocation and Benediction. Apollonia provided musical entertainment.
AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos, Esq., and AHI Foundation Chairman Leon Andris offered greetings at the event. Lagos spoke with pride about his longstanding association with AHI and emphasized the organization's vital work in advocating for the rule of law.
AHI President Nick R. Larigakis conveyed appreciation to AHI’s benefactors and staff for their dedication to the Institute. He congratulated the honorees, noting their excellence, unwavering devotion to Hellenism, and serving others as reasons for their achieving Hellenic exceptionalism.
"The work of promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Med must, and will, continue, and we will never, ever rest until the founding premise of this organization finally comes to a successful resolution—a Cyprus that is whole, free, and at peace and a Greece that is free from all threat because in the end, this serves the interests of the United States.”
George Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group and Chairman of Libra Philanthropies, delivered a speech titled “Hellenism, America & the Power of Democracy” at our 51st Anniversary Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. There, he was honored with the 2025 Hellenic Heritage Achievement Award for his inspirational leadership and commitment to the enduring values of Hellenism. He accepted the award before an audience of 300, including Greek American dignitaries, business leaders, and students.
Logothetis thanked AHI President Nick Larigakis and AHI’s Board of Directors for the honor, commending the Institute as a “resolute force of resilience.”
“I am proud of the support we have given [to AHI], which will continue, and proud of the student trip as well that touches my heart,” he said. “Thank you for all that you do.”
Kostantinos Alexakis, who is a longtime member of Leadership 100, received the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award and delivered a speech titled “Hellenism is a Living Force” after he was honored with the 2025 Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award.
Highlighting the communities built across the United States, he reminded the audience, “Hellenism is more than history—it is a living force carried forward by every Greek who believes in the ideals of freedom, integrity, and excellence.” He spoke of heritage not as an object of the past, but as a driving force behind the progress of nations worldwide.
He noted, “This award is a tribute to the enduring power of Hellenism. It celebrates the values that define us as a people—a commitment to democracy and justice, and the rule of law.” He also reinforced that being Greek is not just a birthright but a calling, urging the audience to “continue together to build a future that honors our past.”
National Hellenic Society Chair Lea Soupata, accompanied by NHS Heritage Greece Alumni Jenna Temple and Francesca Rimbos, accepted the AHI Hellenic Heritage National Public Service Award on behalf of NHS.
In acceptance, Soupata shared how the Heritage Greece program itinerary includes a visit to the Greek history museum.
“So many young people know about ancient Greece, but they really don’t understand the fight for freedom and independence from Ottoman Rule which is depicted in that museum, and it makes me think of the work AHI is doing, even today, fighting for freedom for Cyprus,” she said.
In addition, Soupata commended AHI Executive Director Zac Cotronakis, also an NHS Heritage Greece alumnus, for his commitment to preserving and passing on our Greek heritage to the community.
Temple and Rimbos shared their Heritage Greece experiences and each thanked AHI for recognizing and acknowledging the contributions that programs such as Heritage Greece provides to young adult Greek Americans.
AHI was honored to welcome a distinguished group of special guests who graciously attended this momentous occasion.
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Ekaterini Nassika
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States Evangelos Savva
Art Dimopoulos, Executive Director, National Hellenic Society
Mike Manatos, Executive Director, Washington OXI Day Foundation
Theodora Hancock, President, Hellenic American Women’s Council
Vice Admiral (ret.) Vasileios Kyriazis, Hellenic Navy, AHI-Athens Chapter President
