by Malena Fekka and Irene Notias
The Chios Society of the Greater Washington, DC area organized the 67th National Chian Convention on October 11th to 13th, 2024, at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. This event brought together Chians from across the Americas and Canada to celebrate their cultural heritage through a variety of activities, including educational discussions, social events, dinners, and dancing. A key highlight as per Project Connect’s opinion was the “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER’’ featuring notable guest speakers, youth summer program awards, scholarships, and acknowledgments. This convention bridged Chians and other Greeks of all ages by reminding them of their core values of family, tradition, and progress with an aim for excellence.
The convention encouraged future generations to stay connected to their Chian roots, emphasizing unity and cultural preservation. Project Connect’s representatives, Founder and Director, Irene Notias and Volunteer, Malena Fekka appreciated the wonderful tour and Grand Gala night where they met young accomplished Chian people like the Manufacturing Engineer, Anna Malachias, NASA’s Artemis Program and the Olympian in water polo, Ioannis Fountoulis, who were recognized and presented speeches at the Gala.
The evening highlight was an inspirational and anthropocentric speech from the first Supreme President of the United Chios Society of America and Canada, John Kellis, who depicted the traditional Chian role model of family honoring his parents in his speech.
Just like Chians are known to travel in twos (“Οι Χιώτες πάνε δύο, δύο”), these two authors find that this event was and will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to nurture and support the future of the Hellenic community, both in the U.S. and abroad.
The society honored two Senators at the Gala with the United Chios Societies of America Lifetime Achievement Award. One of the board directors from SisterCities International, Christine Warnke read U.S. Ben Cardin and U.S. John Sarbanes acceptance speeches.
As a young Greek woman studying shipping at ICS and a new volunteer and CV-Platform candidate at a unique and pioneering non-profit organization, Project Connect, which gave me the opportunity to attend this convention in America, I acknowledged the importance of leadership and service that upholds the values of our heritage.
By spending three days with Irene Notias and her Chian friends, I felt this so called “by heart-Chian feeling” which is about moving forward, hoping to inspire all who attended and the readers to embrace the spirit of “paying it forward,” ensuring that each generation plays a role in creating a stronger, more united Hellenic future.
Cannot wait for next year’s Convention!
