MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Our speakers are here to inspire you with their ideas, stories, and unique experiences. Get ready to explore new perspectives and ignite your curiosity!
THE SESSIONS
“Our TEDxDUTH sessions this year are designed to spark thought, inspire action, and explore the essence of being human in a world of constant change. From redefining our identity in Sapiens^2 to fostering sustainability in In the Loop, we’ll delve into the challenges and opportunities shaping our future. Unplugged invites us to reflect on the impact of technology and find balance, while Facing a New Chapter showcases powerful stories of resilience and transformation. Together, these sessions promise a journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration.”
Sapiens^2
Kosmidis Nikolaos, Author
Nikos Kosmidis is a PhD student at the Department of Architecture and Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of the DUTH. He has studied Graphic Arts, European Culture and Theology. He participated in missions, committees and events of ecumenical organizations, and worked at the World Council of Churches, Geneva. He is the Communications and Public Relations Officer of the Foundation for Thracian Art and Tradition. He is involved in the coordination of the History of Memory Culture Actions programme, which aims to highlight aspects of historical, social and material memory, with an intergenerational approach. For his contribution to issues of historical memory preservation, he was awarded the ‘Meritorious for the Treblinka Museum’ medal by the Treblinka Museum in Poland.
Efstratios Stratigakis - Carreer Counselor
Efstratios Stratigakis is a seasoned educator with 30 years of experience teaching mathematics in secondary education. For the past 16 years, he has been a dedicated Career Counselor, guiding individuals on their professional journeys. He has also contributed as a columnist in the print and electronic press for 18 years and has delivered Career Guidance seminars during the same period. Additionally, he is the creator of the Career Guide, an online platform providing comprehensive information on studies and career opportunities.
Peter D. Kapsakis - President, HICD
Peter D. Kapsaskis is the President and Founder of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy. Born in Athens with roots in Zakynthos, he studied at the prestigious Italian schools “Vittorio Alfieri” and “Maria Montessori” in Rome. He earned his degree in Political Science and History from Panteion University and pursued advanced studies in Geopolitics and Security at Royal Holloway University of London. He has completed internships at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Parliament, and the Greek Embassy in London.
In 2017, he founded the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy and later established the Soft Power Awards in 2018. He authored a chapter in a 2020 book on Cultural Diplomacy and completed his Ph.D. in 2024 in the same field. Fluent in Italian, English, and French, he has worked as a translator, writer, consultant, and researcher with various cultural organizations and institutions.
Kontouras Georgios - Research Associate, DUTH
George Kontouras is a Research Associate at the Department of Social Work at Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH). His expertise lies in clinical social work with a strong focus on mental health. He contributes to advancing knowledge in social work practices and their application in mental health care, supporting both academic and professional development in this field.
In the Loop
Danai Byzantakou - Founder and CEO, Navigator Shipping Consultants
Danae Bezantakou leads NAVIGATOR SHIPPING CONSULTANTS in the maritime industry and manages her family businesses, including KEFI S.A., a tourism company, and the MATILDA Hotel in Zakynthos. She is the founder of YES Forum, the first open dialogue platform connecting students, professionals, and executives in Shipping and Maritime Tourism, and the author of the book “Pros Thalassa Meria”, published by Dioptra.
She serves as First Vice President of the International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus), Director at Large of the International Propeller Club, and President of the Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association. Danae also presides over iforU – Greek Mentoring Network, empowering women entrepreneurs through mentoring and networking, and heads the Education Team at ICC Women Hellas.
Nicolaos Charalambides - General Director, Greenpeace Greece
Born in Athens, he studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Meteorology, Oceanography, and General Oceanography in Paris and Athens.
Since 1985, he has been actively involved in environmental protection and wildlife conservation. In 1992, he joined Greenpeace, leading marine ecology campaigns, and since 2002, he has served as General Director of Greenpeace Greece. He has played a key role in campaigns on GMOs, energy, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability.
He has also been a member of prominent organizations, including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the National Committee for Energy Strategy.
Unplugged
George Kaskarelis - CEO, Goodfairy
George Kaskarelis has worked in various positions of responsibility in the Banking and Insurance industry, such as Head of Marketing at Eurolife FFH and Product Manager at Alpha Bank. He has gained recognition through dozens of awards and conferences where he has been invited to speak. He holds a degree in Economics, with three Master’s degrees, in Finance, Information Technology and Marketing. He is certified by the Bank of Greece in insurance brokerage and by the Hellenic Institute of Insurance Studies in life insurance and in expert witnessing in traffic accidents.
Chrysoula Lazou - Lecturer, DUTH
Chrysoula (Chryssa) Lazou holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Aristotle University, an MA in Distance Education from Athabasca University, Canada, and an MSc in Immersive Technologies from Democritus University of Thrace. She is a researcher at the AETMA Lab and is pursuing a PhD in Technology-Enhanced Learning for Digital and Media Literacy.
Her research focuses on using AR/VR/xR and AI to enhance digital literacy in education. Chryssa is the Vice President of the International Association for Blended Learning and President of the English Language Teachers Association in Kavala. She has worked on Media Literacy projects in Southeastern Europe and received several awards, including the Governor General’s Gold Academic Award and the 2nd Prize in the UNESCO Global MIL Alliance Awards 2022.
Emmanoulopoulou Manuella, Youtuber with over 392.000 subscribers
Manuella Emmanoulopoulou, widely known as Manuella, is a prominent Greek influencer, YouTuber, and content creator. With a YouTube channel boasting over 390,000 subscribers, she creates engaging content, including challenges, personal stories, makeup tutorials, and comedy skits. Manuella initially began her YouTube journey in 2014 under the username “lovelymeforever.” She has also shared her experiences on sensitive topics such as eating disorders, providing a relatable voice for her audience. Frequently collaborating with her sister, her videos are well-loved for their authenticity and humor.
On Instagram, Manuella shares a mix of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle posts, establishing herself as a key figure in Greece’s influencer scene. Her ability to connect with her audience through relatable content and openness has made her a sought-after personality in the digital world.
Facing a New Chapter
Alexandros Chelmout Taxildaris - Paralympic Medalist
Born in Komotini, he graduated from high school in Thessaloniki, winning national and world school basketball championships. A Medical School graduate from D.U.Th. and a specialized Physiatrist, he became a quadriplegic wheelchair user after a sea accident at 21.
Following rehabilitation, he excelled in swimming, winning a bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships and a silver at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. Over the years, he earned numerous international medals and competed in three Paralympic Games.
As Head of Communications for the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, he led Greece’s teams at the 2022 and 2024 Paralympics. He is also the founding president of Perpato, advocating for accessibility and inclusion in Komotini and beyond.
Gavriilidis Efstathios - Architectural Engineer
Stathis Gavriilidis was born and raised in Ptolemaida and graduated from the Department of Architecture at Democritus University of Thrace in Xanthi. Guided by the concept of Homo Universalis, he pursued a multidisciplinary approach, driven by curiosity and a resistance to the era’s trend toward specialization. During his studies, he attended various workshops and seminars in Greece and abroad, focusing on natural building, traditional construction techniques, materiality, technology, and art.
In 2022, a pivotal architectural journey provided him with significant insights into construction technology and innovation. In May 2024, he completed his studies with a thesis titled “Biomaterials and Constructions – Mycelium as a Dynamic Medium Connecting Humans with Architecture and Nature.” Shortly afterward, in collaboration with his supervising professors, he published his first scientific paper based on his thesis.
Today, he seeks to create a vital space where the integration of diverse scientific disciplines can be applied to address contemporary challenges.
Negros tou Moria - Rap Artist
Black Morris (Kevin Zans Ansong) is a prominent Greek hip-hop artist signed with Stay Independent, a leading music label in Greece. His music blends traditional Greek folk sounds with hip-hop influences, reflecting his dual Greek and Ghanaian heritage.
Known for addressing themes of identity and belonging, his album THRASOS, produced with Grammy-winner Christopher King, received widespread acclaim. Black Morris is a cultural figure celebrated for his influence in underprivileged communities and his sold-out concerts across Greece. Beyond music, he starred in the award-winning film Black Stone and has appeared on TV shows, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Book your ticket now and be part of this unique experience!
experience a day full of ideas that will inspire you to move forward