Euro-American Women's Council Brings Leaders from Greece,Europe,Asia,Latin America and United States to U.S. Capitol for 19th Global Goddess Artemis Ceremony

Washington, DC, May 21, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The European American Women's Council (EAWC) held its 19th Annual Global Goddess Artemis Awards Ceremony Thursday, May 14, 2015. The ceremony took place in the U. S. Capitol Rayburn Building with an audience comprised of members of Congress and other distinguished leaders and celebrities from Greece, Europe, Latin America, Asia and the United States in attendance. The Global Business Roundtable was held the previous day, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the U.S. Capitol’s Longworth Building.

The Honorary Host for this prestigious event was Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, 12th District NY.  In her remarks introducing the Congresswoman, Ms. Edie Frasier, CEO of STEMconnector touched on the Congresswoman’s staunch support and action she has taken on behalf of her New York constituency and the 10 bills she has championed - soon to be 11 - signed by the President into law.  So far as her undeniable commitment of women’s movements, she was co-chair of the House Caucus on Women's Issues, authored and helped ensure the enactment into law which was hailed as "the most significant anti-rape legislation ever conceived by Congress" by the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network.  The Congresswoman also introduced the Child Care Affordability Act to increase access to child care by offering tax credits; she has been the chief house sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment, and along with her colleague Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced legislation to produce a National Women's History Museum.  She also sponsored the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, and is the co-chair and co-founder of the Human Trafficking Caucus.    

EAWC is an important organization. By mentoring and educating the next generation, it is preparing women to succeed in a changing world."

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, U.S. House of Representatives

Congresswoman Maloney then approached the podium. “It is a great honor to welcome the Euro- American Women’s Council to Capitol Hill for the 19th Annual Global Forum and Goddess Artemis Award Ceremony.  Before I begin, I want to recognize Ms. Loula Loi Alafoyiannis, EAWC’s Founder & Executive Global President.  Loula is someone I’ve known for many, many years.  She is a fierce advocate for women, a caring and passionate ally, a trusted advisor and confidant, and a dear personal friend.  I want to thank her for the great work she does, particularly with the Euro American Women’s Council.” She stated. “EAWC is an important organization.  By mentoring and educating the next generation, it is preparing women to succeed in a changing world.”  “We are here today to recognize a few individuals who share the EWAC mission.  They have made important advancements in their fields. These leaders in government, business and culture share a passion for improving the lives of others.  They are committed to creating opportunities for women across the globe.  And they work tirelessly to support their communities.” She concluded, “I congratulate these honorees and I thank the EAWC Board Members and Coalition Partners who have made it their mission to recognize the excellent contributions of these fine leaders.  I thank and admire all of those who have joined with us for this event.  For your important work, and for the work that lies ahead.   It is my privilege to be with you and to welcome you to Washington, DC.” 

Ms. Loula Loi Alafoyiannis, EAWC Founder & Executive Global President then approached the podium to welcome everyone. She praised the Congresswoman for her support of issues affecting women, children and families, her tireless dedication to her constituency and her long stance commitment to public service.  She then gave a special thank you to the EAWC Executive Board; Ms. Phyllis Hill Slater, cofounder & Global Chair of EAWC,  Ms. Judy K. Sheppard, President  & CEO Professional Services of America - EAWC Executive President of Global Business Relations and Ms. Daisy Gallagher, Founder & Chairman of Gallagher & Gallagher Worldwide,  Inc.-  EAWC Ambassador at Large and Government Affairs Liaison. She also recognized the coalition partners, supporters and media partners.  She then welcomed the Honorees and the distinguished guests from around the world.        

The awards program was moderated by Ms. Tanya Slater Lowe, Director, National Contact Center, US Department of Labor.  Ms. Lowe continued with the opening ceremonies, introducing Ms. Angelina Alexon an international singer who is exploding on to the music scene.  She possesses a 4 octave light lyric soprano vocal range. Her vocal range, tone and power have been compared to Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, she also sings in 7 different languages.  Ms. Alexon performed the National Anthems of the United States and Greece.  She then performed the “Parthenon “song with special meaning about her homeland, Greece and dedicated an original song she wrote to Congresswoman Maloney because of her strong support of women causes.

The following Honorees were recognized for their distinguished leadership in government, business, culture and humanitarian efforts, all Honorees share a dedication to excellence and a determination to achieve.

• The Honorable Katerina P. Panagopoulos National Ambassador of Greece to the Council of Europe for Sports, Tolerance and Fair Play, President of the Panhellenic Women’s Sport Association “KALLIPATEIRA”
• U. S. Congressman John Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) 3rd Congressional District,
• U. S Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), 6th Congressional District,
• U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, (R- FL) 12th Congressional District
• U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY), 4th Congressional District
• U. S. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY), 1st Congressional District
• Ms. Connie Lawn - Senior White House Correspondent,
• Ms. Diane McGraw - Former Exec. Dir. Office of Tourism & Film in Pennsylvania,
• Mr. Konstantinos Mastorakis-CEO KNOW-HOW Director, Communications Nazzionale Piloti F1,
• Ms. Virginia Gibson - Co-Principal SUSTAP LLC,
• Mr. Utku Yazan - GM Turkish Airlines from Thessaloniki,
• Mr. Mario DiNatale – President of Nazzionale Piloti Formula 1,
• Mr. Winston “Buzz” Willis – CEO/Pres All Access Entertainment Group,
• Ms. Susan Solovic – The Small Business Expert,
• Mr. Mohinder Singh Taneja – Founder & President of Ambassador of Diversity American Diversity Forum Inc.,
• Ms. Stamatia Trivoulides – Artist & Painter,
• Mr. & Mrs. Kosta & Maria Domenikos - International & Domestic Child Services,
• Mr. Zan-Song Qu – President Weihai New Youth Culture & Art School Shandong, China,
• Mr. Nick Nikolopoulos – Executive Pastry Chef & Business Owner,
• Mr. Vangelis Syrigos – Wellness Expert & Life Consultant, Owner of ANANDA Resort Thailand.
• (Their speeches may be found on the EAWC, Black Noise Media and Silke Endress Lifestyle of the Lady CEO YOU TUBE Channels).  

The previous day, Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the U.S. Capitol Longworth Building, Ms. Daisy Gallagher, Founder & Chairman of Gallagher & Gallagher Worldwide, Inc. and EAWC Board Member chaired the Global Business Roundtable Discussions.  The Roundtable consisted of leadership from various countries and the United States.

Ms. Gallagher, who is also a longtime advocate of women’s rights and an author of a bestselling book on the subject, entitled “How to Succeed in a Testosterone World without Losing Estrogen,” opened up the discussions with introductions and proceeded to the first topic; “Women’s Leadership and their Role in the Global Economy.” In her presentation, Ms. Gallagher highlighted the advancements women have made and the challenges they still face. She tracked the timeline of women’s voting, the struggle for equal pay, and the status of the Equal Rights Amendment in the United States initiated in 1923 by Alice Paul.  She noted, it has been put forth in front of Congress, and passed in 1972 and every time since, however, there is a requirement for 38 states to ratify it into law and today the US is in its 114th Congress and the ERA is still shy of 3 states approval to pass.  She also touched on the role women play in the strength of the Nation’s economy, specifically highlighting Women as an Economic Force; quoting The Guardian Small Business Research Institute among others and projections that women-owned businesses will create 5.5 million new jobs by 2018, more than half the 9.7 million new small business jobs expected to be created, and about one-third of the 15.3 million total new jobs anticipated by the Bureau of Labor, yet she added that women still earn one-third less than their counterparts for equal titles and there are approximately only 19.4% of women serving in Congress or 104 out of 536 seats and only 24 Female CEO or only 4.8% are on the Fortune 500 list.  Discussions and exchange proceeded all noting there is still much work to be done for women’s equality and also touching on the importance of women's mentorship of other women. 

The next topic was support of women around the world, including the non-profit organization started by Ms. Alafoyiannis aptly titled “Save Grandmothers from Breast Cancer.” Loula's passion is focused on fund-raising to create and implement educational programs, awareness and recognition so that she can "save every woman from the disease." In addition, discussion ensued in acknowledgement of Ms. Virginia Gibson’s selfless act of kindness as an organ donor through the incompatible donor program which created a chain of eleven recipients and as co-founder of “Give to Get” foundation which focuses on providing online resource support to both donors and recipients.  Ms. Gallagher moved the discussion to “Analyzing Success in Business and the Environment,” discussion centered on how this 7 trillion dollar space is an economic implicator, job creator, and a vantage point for a healthier planet.

She then welcomed the next discussion to the roundtable by the experts centered on “Greece’s Geostrategic Place and its role in the security and stability of Europe.”  The discussion soon turned to return of The Parthenon Marbles to Greece.  The Marbles are famous sculptures and architecture depicting scenes from Greek mythology and once part of the Parthenon.  Built in 5th century BC to honor Athena, the temple is one of the most recognized symbols of western civilization and regarded as the highest architectural achievement of the Ancient Greeks.  For 40 years Athens has argued that the sculptures which were in the Parthenon until removed by Lord Elgin, England’s ambassador should be reunited with the other surviving pieces in Athens instead of being in the British Museum. In 2009, Greece unveiled the Acropolis Museum. The Museum was created not only to showcase to the world the priceless treasures from the Acropolis and Parthenon, but to reunite the Parthenon Marbles to their home City of Athens and there exists an empty space in the Acropolis Museum awaiting their return.  Ms. Alafoyiannis emphasized the high level importance of supporting this cause and all those present agreed.

EAWC Executive Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the 19th Annual Global Goddess Awards Coalition Partners, Supporters and Media Partners of this prestigious event.  Please visit EAWC website for the program listing of these individual organizations

The Roundtable Discussions at the U.S. Capitol Longworth Building and the 19th Global Goddess Artemis Awards Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rayburn Building video and photos by Ms. CeCe Cole, Founder/Editor-In-Chief Silke Endress Lifestyle of the Lady CEO, International Professional Women's Magazine PHOTOS & VIDEOS go to the silkeendress dot com website

The Global Goddess Artemis Awards Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rayburn Building filmed by Mr. Michael Pinckney, Managing Director & CEO Black Noise Media Boogievision.  Mr. Pinckney has more than a decade of experience as an assistant director on films and television series such as Chris Rock’s hit “Top Five”, “The 25th Hour”, “7th Heaven”, “Broad City”, “The Best Man”, “Law & Order”, “Inside Man” and the academy award nominated film "Precious" for which he was nominated for a DGA award along with the director Lee Daniels. For VIDEOS visit Black Noise Media YOU TUBE Channel

Official press coverage provided by the international award winning firm Gallagher & Gallagher Worldwide, Inc. of Washington DC

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About EAWC: EAWC’s Mission is to strengthen the status of women in the global marketplace by building strategies and alliances between women in business and prominent leaders across the United States, Europe, Mexico, Latin America, Asia and many places all over the world.  Through EAWC, women of diverse backgrounds and various accomplishments work together to advance women’s access to positions of leadership and responsibility.  The EAWC is helping to pave the way for the future generations of business leaders to come.   

Source: Gallagher & Gallagher Worldwide, Inc.

Washington, DC, USA

newsroom@gallagherworldwide.com
on behalf of EAWC