I am a Philanthropy and Civil Society Advisor with 20+ years of experience supporting foundations and nonprofit organizations across Greece and Europe. I work with organizations to strengthen strategy, grantmaking, programs, fundraising, advocacy, and impact evaluation—guided by a strong belief in civil society, collaboration, and long-term, systemic change.
BIO
I am a Philanthropy and Civil Society Advisor with over 20 years of experience working in Greece and across Europe. I work with philanthropic foundations to shape effective grantmaking strategies, strengthen programs and management systems, and design meaningful evaluation and impact frameworks. I also support nonprofit organizations in building strong governance, clear strategy, impactful programs, and sustainable fundraising and advocacy approaches.
Since 2007, I have collaborated with major foundations and leading civil society organizations, evaluating hundreds of NGOs and philanthropic institutions. Through this work, I have developed a strong track record in assessing impact, identifying organizational strengths and challenges, and working closely with leadership teams to support long-term, mission-driven change.
My expertise spans the full civil society landscape, with particular focus on grant strategy and management; democracy and human rights; humanitarian action, refugees and migration; child rights and deinstitutionalization; poverty and homelessness; environmental protection, climate action, and animal rights; as well as public–private initiatives.
I am deeply committed to civic engagement and participatory democracy and have served as a lead facilitator in major European citizens’ deliberation processes, including the European Commission’s Citizens’ Panels.
Beyond my advisory work, I am an active volunteer. I serve as a Board Member of WWF Hellas, am an animal rights activist with Stray.gr, and a mentor at Social Dynamo. I also act as an evaluator for several funding programs, advise Community Trust Spetses, and have contributed to national-level initiatives such as the Action Plan for Civil Society in Greece, coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation.
Earlier in my career, I worked in strategic financial consulting in London, business development in the pharmaceutical sector, and communications and public relations in Athens. This multidisciplinary background continues to inform my work across philanthropy and civil society.
I hold a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Management from the London School of Economics.
PROJECTS, INITIATIVES AND VOLUNTEER WORK
I have collaborated with a broad range of organizations, projects, and initiatives across Greece and Europe, combining professional leadership with long-standing volunteer engagement at both international and grassroots levels. Past and current partners and projects include:
Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a major philanthropic foundation in Greece, as a member of its Programs department and leading the Social Welfare team for more than 11 years.
Captain Vasilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation; a philanthropic Foundation in Greece with a focus on the development and support of Messinia, on projects related to the Foundation’s philanthropy strategy and the organization of an international conference.
The Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Greece’s leading think tank on politics and international relations, on a project advancing participatory democracy in Greece.
SOS Children’s Villages Greece, a leading organization in childcare and child rights, with emphasis on vulnerable children in alternative care, as the core advisor of the Advocacy team.
WWF Greece, the leading environmental and nature conservation organization, as Board member.
Democracy & Culture Foundation, an organisation focused on promoting and upholding democratic principles and addressing challenges and threats to democratic values and organizer of the Athens Democracy Forum, on projects related to fundraising, the Teens 4 Democracy project and Philanthropy roundtable discussions.
Caritas Austria, an international humanitarian organization, on a funding project, through local partners, focused on addressing the Greek refugee and migration crisis.
SolidarityNow, an organization supporting vulnerable groups in Greece and Open Society Foundations, a leading international Foundation with emphasis on the protection of human rights, on a strategy and programs evaluation project.
Shedia, an organization focusing on rehabilitation and empowerment programs for the homeless and those at risk of losing their home, on a strategy and fundraising project.
HIAS, a leading refugee support organization in the US and internationally, with presence in Greece, on fundraising.
SocialInnov, an organization focused on STEM education and digital upskilling, with a focus on children and vulnerable groups, on fundraising and as a member of their Advisory team.
InCommon, an organization focused on the promotion of the cyclical economy and active citizenship, on a project related to strategy and fundraising.
To Simeio, an organization countering right-wing extremism with research, publications, educational programs and awareness raising programs, on a project related to strategy, governance and fundraising.
Stray.gr, a leading animal rights volunteer based organization focused on the rescue of stray animals, as an active core volunteer and member of the Board.
Community Trust Spetses, an organization supporting social, environmental and cultural projects in the island of Spetses, as a member of the Advisory Committee.
VALUES AND EXPERTISE
I am deeply committed to the role of civil society as a driver of catalytic change, to the critical value of philanthropy, and to the vast potential of nonprofit organizations to create lasting, meaningful impact.
I believe that active and engaged citizenship is essential; that effective advocacy must address the root causes of social challenges rather than merely managing their consequences; and that sustainability, collaboration, quality impact, and effectiveness are more important than ever. Progress requires working together, confronting structural issues, investing in long-term solutions, and building a more just and sustainable future for the next generations.
My work with foundations and nonprofit organizations in Greece has allowed me to develop a holistic and in-depth understanding of the nonprofit ecosystem. I am closely familiar with the realities, constraints, and needs of civil society organizations, and I combine a pragmatic, strategic approach with creative, out-of-the-box thinking to deliver advice that is both realistic and transformative.
In parallel, I bring extensive hands-on experience in philanthropy and grantmaking. I am able to assess organizations and programs comprehensively, identify strengths and gaps, spot opportunities for growth, and support strategic development. I understand field dynamics, cultivate the right partnerships, and proactively design innovative programs that respond to real needs.
Civil society is a dynamic and evolving field with enormous untapped potential and a need for greater recognition. I work strategically and think creatively — but above all, I care deeply about the people, organizations, and causes at the heart of this work.
SERVICES
I advise philanthropic institutions, as well as established and emerging nonprofit organizations, across Greece and Europe. My work spans strategic design, grantmaking and CSR strategy, fundraising, advocacy, organizational restructuring, program planning, and evaluation.
Nonprofit Strategic Planning
Strategic planning grounded in an organization’s mission, values, and real-world context is essential for both nonprofits and funders. Drawing on more than a decade of experience working across the sector, I support organizations in defining clear strategic priorities and designing and implementing projects that deliver measurable and lasting value.
Grantmaking and CSR Strategy
During twelve years with one of the world’s leading philanthropic foundations, I led and managed hundreds of grants and initiatives, gaining deep expertise in grantmaking and an in-depth understanding of the civil society ecosystem. I support foundations and corporate entities in developing effective grantmaking and CSR strategies, identifying strong partners and projects, monitoring implementation, and evaluating impact, effectiveness, and social value.
Program Design and Project Evaluation
I bring extensive experience in designing innovative programs, strengthening or restructuring existing initiatives, and conducting rigorous project evaluations. My work focuses on impact, cost-effectiveness, learning, and maximizing the value of philanthropic investments.
Fundraising Strategy and Implementation
With hands-on experience from the funder’s perspective, I offer a clear understanding of donor motivations and expectations. I help nonprofit organizations navigate the funding landscape, develop realistic and effective fundraising strategies, and design the systems and processes needed for successful implementation.
Advocacy
I strongly believe in the power of advocacy to drive systemic change. I support organizations in defining clear and achievable advocacy goals and in developing strategies that address root causes and deliver tangible, long-term results.
Crisis Management
I support organizations in identifying and assessing risks, developing crisis management plans, and working closely with leadership teams to implement them. My approach emphasizes transparency, resilience, effectiveness, and building stronger organizational practices for the future.
OP EDS, INTERVIEWS & PODCASTS
Civil Society Is Our Precious Mirror, Inside Story
The Migration Debate Without Blinders, Kathimerini
The Role of Philanthropy in a Crisis, Kathimerini
Significant Gaps in Child Protection, Kathimerini
Solidarity in Crisis, Kathimerini
Redefining Solidarity, ELIAMEP Podcasts
Animal Welfare, Kathimerini