In recognition of International Women's History Month, the last few weeks have been spent commemorating the contributions extraordinary and trailblazing women have made to society past and present internationally.
We would like to close out March by celebrating some of the brilliant young women in our FAITH Scholars program. Their leadership in a diverse range of professional and scholarly fields—from education to medicine—combined with their commitment to outreach and philanthropy have an immeasurable impact within our community and beyond. We are delighted to share below how, in addition to their university studies, they are using their skills and talents to ensure a brighter future for all.
Kendall Defelippi, FAITH Scholar '18
Bioengineering, Santa Clara University
As the Society of Women Engineers’ professional development officer, Kendall organizes resume workshops, networking events and panels highlighting women in the industry. Additionally she works with STEM Girls to mentor and encourage middle school girls to get involved in engineering. Kendall currently interns at a bioengineering firm.
Vivian Karamitros, FAITH Scholar ‘18
Statistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Vivian is the director of “Paving Your Path to College,” a nonprofit she founded that has helped over 500 first generation and low-income students apply to college. Vivian interned at a cybersecurity and financial consulting firm, proposed a social mobility program to Ally Financial, participated in exploratory programs with companies includinig Google and JP Morgan, and headed market research for a start-up.
Kalliope Zervas, FAITH Scholar ‘18
Chemical Biology, University of California, Berkeley
Kalliope is developing a program with her university's healthcare system that provides more easy-to-read resources for students with disabilities. She successfully lobbied her university to increase funds for mental health services, sexual assault prevention and programs supporting low-income students. Additionally, she started Project M.E.R.C.I., in which she collaborates with parishes to distribute medical supplies and masks to developing countries. Kalliope was lead researcher in the Pines lab and has interned in the Oakland Children’s Hospital.
Sophia Delis, FAITH Scholar ‘19
Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley
In collaboration with Peer Health Exchange, Sophia teaches low-income high school students how to make informed decisions about their health. She is the outreach director for the Mental Health Commission and volunteers as a medic at the United Nations Refugee camp in Katerini in the summer. She leads her university’s service club, coaches the special Olympics, is editor of Berkeley’s Journal of Psychology and is active in the NeuroTech club.
Maria Tangalos, FAITH Scholar ‘19
Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California
Maria leads weekly science experiments for underprivileged students in the LA school district. During the lockdown, she developed a virtual, faith-based educational program and wrote and distributed curricula and activities to over 50 Greek Orthodox youth. Following the program’s success, she expanded it into a Metropolis-wide mentorship program for over 250 participants. Maria’s experience researching pharmaceutical developments inspired her aspirations to work in biomedical research.
Anastasia Zygouras, FAITH Scholar ‘19
Nursing, Simmons University
Anastasia advocates for healthcare access and education for women across the globe as a representative and secretary of her university’s Girls Up chapter. She recently began her clinical career with her first rotation in the medical surgical unit at Bringham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Alexandra Conley, FAITH Scholar ‘20
Political Science, University of Notre Dame
Alexandra worked with the League of Women’s voters to organize an educational initiative teaching young women the importance of civic engagement. This experience led to an internship on a U.S. representative's campaign. She aspires to attend law school to continue her social advocacy work.
Penelope Kovakas, FAITH Scholar ‘20
Chemical Engineering, Auburn University
Penelope works with Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional association for women in STEM, to provide philanthropy and professional development opportunities for women in STEM fields. She is a mentor at the Girls Ranch, chairs the American Institute of Chemical Engineers board and works in her university’s Makerspace.
Joanna Papaioannou, FAITH Scholar ‘20
Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania
In collaboration with the women’s health service, TealMD, Joanna researched Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and learned firsthand the challenges women face with diagnosis and treatment. An aspiring physician, she has interned in the pediatric oncology lab at the National Institute of Health and the immunogenetics lab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Despina Anastasiou, FAITH Scholar ‘21
International Relations, Colgate University
Despina was named “Future Woman of Distinction” by the Leadership Institute of NYC for her work in community outreach. She developed two service-based nonprofits and interned on a New York congresswoman’s campaign. She aspires to work in advocacy and community organizing.
Elli Gurguliatos, FAITH Scholar ‘21
Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania
Elli led fundraising efforts with Girls Up to ensure equal access to education for women and girls across the globe. She taught peers social responsibility as a coordinator for Equity Collaborative and interned with Boston College’s “Women in Science and Technology” program. Elli aspires to use her career in STEM to reduce food insecurity.