By Irene Notias
The NPO, PROJECT CONNECT invited its membership and friends to celebrate together, the birth of love, that is Christmas, Monday evening, December 16, 2024, at Casta Diva, in Kolonaki, Athens, Greece.
“CONNECT loves to spread joy & hope to the next generation workforce providing them opportunities and entry level jobs”, said Irene Notias, Founder and Director of the NPO.
A “LoveShipping” themed, fun-raising Christmas Party to support the PROJECT CONNECT Annual Shipping Internship Awards, the members spoke to the guests about the value of the Adopt a Ship program for the sake of the entire Shipping industry’s sustainability. How this program’s holistic and interactive approach proves inspiring to captains and engineers waiting to be. Over 60 shipping companies have participated in the Adopt a Ship program and hire from the CONNECT CV-HR PLATFORM. The members know that children who learn about their maritime heritage from an early age, have more chances to become an integral part of it, someday, and they are there to help in partnership with Project Connect.
l to r: Connect’s Chairman, Nikos Tsalamanios, and Co-CEO Seaven & Mylaki Shipping Agency, Connect’s Founder Member, John Xylas, CEO, Ariston Navigation and recently appointed INTERCARGO Chairman, Irene Notias, Aikaterini Naslas and proud member John Naslas, CEO, Chronos Shipping
Casta Diva felt the glory of shipping personalities celebrating at their restaurant. Partner, Restauranteur and ONEX’s Marketing expert, Letta Fournistaki said “The place was jam packed and buzzing with excitement and a massive spirit of love, joy and giving! Project Connect selected this space to host the party for its excellent food and atmosphere but also to support its Member, part owner, Panos Xenokostas, ONEX Shipyard CEO.
Spirited staff from shipping, maritime cluster companies, other businesses and government officials that joined the festive jubilee were from Ariston Navigation, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Chronos Shipping, Columbia, J.G. Roussos, Euronav, GAC, Howe Robinson Partners, Kalichoron Hotels, Katradis, Lotus Shipping, Magic Cabinet, Marine Tours, who also provided the main surprise gift of a Hotel stay for two in central Greece. SteelShips, Next Maritime, Optima, Oriani, Ranger Marine, SDK, Seascope, Seaven Group, Steelships, Target, The American P&I Club, United Overseas Trading, Variety Cruises, Veson, Congresswomen, Katerina Monogiou and WHIA (World Hellenic Inter-Parliament Association).
Thanks to the Sponsors for their Surprise Christmas Gifts:
Marine Tours, the main gift of a Hotel stay for two in two places of central Greece
Tzelalis Furs mink fur hat and scarf set
Magic Cabinet Gift Basket of Cheer
JMK Business Consultants-How to Create a Convention Booth
Project Connect is a movement with a calling.
It started unofficially in 2010, offering hope, encouragement and tangible work experience for shipping students during the financial crisis that stunted the growth of that generation. Students and professors would reach out to Ms Notias the founder of the concept work while you study in Greece, for help in placing students. They informed her and her then HR partner, Angeliki Livanou, that they believed they were not able to find a job in Shipping because they didn’t have a connection. Both ladies looked at one another, and said, “we will be their connection, but with meritocracy and method.”
Hence the CV Platform was born and populated with over 190 students and graduates. This year the platform hosts more than 70 pre-screened candidates and has achieved over 100 placements in reputable companies since its beginning. The movement has achieved its goal to be an influencer in the shipping industry.
Project Connect extends their warmest gratitude and wishes to the Greek shipping workforce that came out on a Monday night to attend a Christmas party with a purpose — to give to a project that aims to help make young professionals in the making more employable and educate young pupils about their maritime heritage. It’s a truly MERRY CHRISTMAS!
