The new Board of WISTA Hellas, led by the new President, Ms. Vivi Kolliopoulou, welcomed over 300 guests to a festive Christmas-themed Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Athens Marriott Hotel. The
attendees included members, friends, representatives of organizations, and long-time supporters.
Over the past four years, WISTA Hellas has established the Leadership Award and the Hellenic Coast Guard Award, both of which are presented annually at the Gala. This event not only honors the award recipients but also celebrates the core values and dedication that inspire the work of WISTA Hellas members and their supporters.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award recognizes individuals who stand out for their exceptional leadership skills and commitment to inclusion, as highlighted by Ms. Kolliopoulou. The Hellenic Coast Guard Award, on the other hand, is presented to officers who demonstrate outstanding performance in their duties, particularly during challenging search and rescue operations at sea. This award is granted under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.
This year, the WISTA Hellas Leadership Award was presented to Ms. Semiramis Paliou, both in her capacity as CEO of Diana Shipping and for her environmental efforts as President of the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) and INTERMEPA. The award was presented by Ms. Koronaki, an active member of WISTA Hellas and a successful entrepreneur.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Paliou expressed gratitude and reflected on her journey, saying:
“I accept this award not only as an individual but as a member of a wider community that has inspired and supported me throughout my journey. I invite young women to recognize that there is a professional place for them in the maritime sector.”
Speaking about HELMEPA, she added:
“HELMEPA stands as a brilliant testament to what teamwork, shared goals, and passion can accomplish. I am particularly proud of our collective achievements. This award is not solely mine, as leadership is never a solitary endeavor. It stems from collaboration, trust, and a shared vision of something greater than ourselves. Leaders bear a responsibility because our actions impact not just us or our companies but future generations. By creating opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and investing in sustainability, we don’t just influence industries; we transform lives.”
Regarding WISTA Hellas, Ms. Paliou emphasized:
“WISTA Hellas is an organization that brings people together, building bridges between genders, generations, and borders. It shows that genuine leadership transcends gender and title and is defined by courage, integrity, and the legacy we leave behind.”
In her address, Ms. Vivi Kolliopoulou praised Ms. Paliou’s achievements, noting that she was unanimously selected by the committee and exemplifies leadership values in action. Ms. Kolliopoulou identified four key milestones in Ms. Paliou’s journey:
- Her engineering education, which set a pioneering example for women in STEM.
- Her successful career as CEO of Diana Shipping, where she supports the growth of both office employees and female seafarers.
- Her historic role as the first female President of HELMEPA, advancing marine environmental protection.
- Her advocacy at the Our Ocean conference, where she underscored her dedication to promoting equal opportunities for women in the shipping industry.
Recognition of the Hellenic Coast Guard
The Hellenic Coast Guard Awards were presented to Commander Rodianni Giagkidou, Head of Basic Training at the Directorate of Personnel Training within the Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters, and Commander Aikaterini Xanthou, Commander of the B’ Coast Guard Department of Keratsini, part of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus.
The awards were presented by the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Drosos Reizis.
In her speech, Ms. Vivi Kolliopoulou acknowledged the officers’ dedication: “The officers we honor tonight highlight, through their work and commitment, their invaluable contribution to this field. Their example inspires younger generations, encouraging more women to pursue careers in demanding and critical sectors such as the Coast Guard.”
The activities of the Hellenic Coast Guard are multifaceted, supporting not only the shipping industry but also the broader security of the country and its citizens.”
WISTA Hellas aspires to showcase the impactful contributions of women in the maritime industry through these awards. By recognizing their achievements, WISTA aims to inspire younger generations to pursue success, following the example set by diligent and determined women.
WISTA Hellas: Celebrating a Legacy
Throughout the evening, a brief overview of WISTA Hellas’ history and activities was shared to inform new members and honor the contributions of longstanding members, friends, and supporters.
WISTA Hellas, with over 31 years of history and more than 500 members, remains a cornerstone of WISTA International, which this year celebrates 50 years of global presence across 62 countries. The Greek chapter, one of the largest and most influential, continues to make notable contributions, including the participation of nearly 50 Greek members at the recent international conference in Cyprus. Notably, Ms. Elpi Petraki, the Greek President of WISTA International, continues to represent Greece at the global level.
“The recognition of our members’ value by the Greek shipping community reaffirms the importance of our work. Let’s not forget that this association exists because of its members, for its members.”
The evening concluded with music selected by a professional DJ, as members and guests enjoyed dancing and exchanging festive Christmas greetings.
Supporters
WISTA Hellas warmly thanks its supporters, whose representatives also attended the event:
- Platinum Sponsor: Hill Dickinson
- Gold Sponsors: Bureau Veritas and Seanergy
- Silver Sponsors: LATSCO, UK Defence Club, and UK P&I Club
- Supporters: Baseblue, Gard AS, Gulf Retail AS, Nereus Shipping S.A., and
Tototheo Global.
She added:
