On November 12, 2025, the ACG Alumni community gathered at the Deree Campus Events Hall for Storytelling Night: Turning Points – Alumni on Stage, an evening of inspiration, reflection, and connection. Organized by the ACG Office of Advancement – Alumni and the ACG Greek Alumni Chapter, the event brought together graduates from different generations to share defining life and career moments that shaped who they are today.
Moderated by Nefeli Agkyridou (Pierce ’03) — Director of Star Channel’s online media and accomplished journalist — the program featured four distinguished alumni: Athena Polina Dova (Alba ’13), serial entrepreneur and founder of Owiwi; Fridoon Joinda (Deree ’24), award-winning multimedia producer and startup founder; Yiannis Vidras (Deree ’99), Coca-Cola HBC executive and mindset transformation coach; and Ioannis Volikakis (Alba ’24), former Special Forces officer and Amazon operations manager.
Each speaker shared personal stories of transformation — from entrepreneurship and professional reinvention to resilience, migration, and leadership — illustrating how the ACG experience continues to empower alumni to navigate change with purpose and courage.
Among the evening’s highlights, Yiannis Vidras inspired the audience to “wake up the Ironman within,” while Athena Polina Dova reflected on the importance of perseverance and movement even in difficult times. Fridoon Joinda spoke about the power of storytelling in building empathy and understanding, and Ioannis Volikakis concluded with five key reminders for personal growth: know your why, follow your own path, be courageous, focus on who you are becoming, and learn to ask for help.
The storytelling took place in both Greek and English, fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere that resonated deeply with the ACG spirit. The evening concluded with a networking reception, where alumni and guests continued the conversation — celebrating community, transformation, and the lasting bonds that connect ACG graduates around the world.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the students of the International Tourism and Hospitality Management program at Deree, whose support contributed meaningfully to the event’s smooth coordination.
You can watch the livestream here.
