GREAT NECK, NY–
The Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) of the Pancyprian Association of America hosted its Annual Gala on Sunday, March 8, at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, New York, honoring Eftihia Pylarinou – Piper, President of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce and Senior Vice President of Red Apple Group, as the 2026 Woman of the Year.
The event brought together prominent members of the Greek and Cypriot American communities, business leaders, and representatives of numerous organizations to celebrate Pylarinou -Piper’s remarkable career and her longstanding commitment to leadership, philanthropy, and the advancement of women.
The event was emceed by Nicole Petallides, journalist and financial analyst at the Schwab Network, who made special reference to International Women’s Day, celebrated on that day.
The opening prayer was offered by Fr. Panteleimon Papadopoulos, presiding priest of the Resurrection of Christ parish in Brookville, NY while baritone Konstantinos Tsourakis, director of the Choir of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, delivered a remarkable rendition of the national anthems.
In her welcoming remarks, WIN President Savvy Asprou thanked the sponsors and supporters of the event and emphasized that “today we honor an exceptional woman whose professional achievements, leadership, and service to the community have left a meaningful impact”.
Federation of Cypriot American Organizations President Kyriakos Papastylianou added that “the award reflects the values the honoree embodies — her leadership, her spirit of service to the community, and the generosity that defines her work”.
Pancyprian Association President Philip Christopher, who nominated Eftychia Pylarinou‑Piper for this year’s award, spoke about her journey and accomplishments, noting that she became the first woman to serve as president of a Greek bank, ETBA. He added that in honoring her, the community also honors all dynamic women who contribute to its progress.
Christopher also referred to the island of Cyprus, 36% of whose territory remains under Turkish occupation, calling for continued support in its struggle for freedom and justice.
Outgoing Executive Director of Leadership 100, Paulette Poulos, spoke about her long friendship with Eftychia Pylarinou‑Piper and conveyed a message from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to the honoree and the organizers. Cyprus’ Consul General Kyriakos Pogiatzis described her as a “role‑model woman,” while Greece’s Consul General Iphigenia Kanara highlighted her important role in strengthening Greek‑American economic and business relations.
Pylarinou‑Piper also received a proclamation from New York State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris.
In a deeply personal and inspiring acceptance speech, Pylarinou- Piper reflected on her journey from Athens to New York and the influences that shaped her life and career. She spoke of the lessons learned from her parents, her determination to pursue education and opportunity, and the challenges women faced in the financial industry when she began her career in the early 1970s.
Arriving in New York on a scholarship from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, she worked full-time while attending Queens College and Adelphi University at night, ultimately building a distinguished career in banking and finance in the United States while raising a family.
Her groundbreaking achievements continued when she was later appointed by the Greek government as the first woman to lead a bank in Greece, heading the country’s largest investment and development bank (ETBA Bank) during a critical period of economic restructuring. She later founded her own investment and asset management firm and moved back to the US where she has remained active in international business and philanthropy.
In her remarks, she emphasized that the recognition represented not only her own journey but the collective progress of women over the past several decades.
“When I look around this room tonight, I see remarkable women who lead businesses, raise families, support communities, and inspire others every day. In many ways, this recognition belongs to all of us”.
She also reflected on the progress women have made in professional fields while acknowledging that important challenges remain, including closing the wage gap and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles.
Closing her remarks, she encouraged the next generation of women to pursue their ambitions with courage and determination.
“The road to your dreams is never straight. It has many turns and obstacles. Each turn teaches you something and makes you stronger. Continue moving forward and the road will lead you to your destination”.
The evening continued with traditional dances performed by the Pancyprian Dance Group of New York, under the direction of Konstantinos Polydorou, and music by the Anemos Music Project, while the raffle offered a variety of generous prizes.
