NEW YORK, NY –
Three distinguished members of the Cypriot and Greek American community will be honored by the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations (FCAO) for their professional achievements, leadership and dedicated service, at its 2026 Testimonial Dinner on Friday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park, New York.
John Josephakis, Global Vice President of Sales and Business Development, HPC/Supercomputing at NVIDIA, will receive the FCAO Lifetime Achievement Award, Stavros Kamilaris, President of the Lampousa Cypriot American Association, will be awarded the Community Service Award as will Despina Axiotakis, Past General Secretary of the Cyprus Federation of America.
The FCAO Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose exceptional accomplishments, professional excellence and integrity have made contributions of lasting significance and brought honor to Cyprus. The Community Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service through their dedication to promoting the ideals and values of Hellenism.
Serving as Honorary Chairpersons of the Testimonial Dinner are His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Cocktails will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.
The Honorees
John Josephakis, Global Vice President of Sales and Business Development, HPC/Supercomputing at NVIDIA, will receive the Federation’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Famagusta, Cyprus, Josephakis and his family were forced to leave their home following the events of 1974. After settling in Athens, he came to the United States in 1982 to attend the University of Texas at Austin. He went on to build a distinguished career in technology and supercomputing, including leadership roles with Cray Inc. and NVIDIA. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply connected to his Cypriot roots and the values of family, perseverance, education and service.
Stavros A. Kamilaris, President of the Lampousa Cypriot American Association, will receive the Community Service Award in recognition of his many years of service to the Cypriot American community.
Born and raised in Agios Georgios in the District of Kyrenia, Kamilaris served in the Cyprus Army and fought during the Turkish invasion of 1974 before coming to the United States as a refugee in 1977. He later built a distinguished 46-year career in civil engineering. Since 2003, he has served as President of Lampousa, where he has played an important role in strengthening cultural programs for younger generations and promoting Cypriot dance, history and geography. He has also served on the Cyprus Federation Executive Board and as one of its Vice Presidents.
Despina Axiotakis, Past General Secretary of the Cyprus Federation of America, will also receive the Community Service Award for her extensive record of community leadership and volunteer service.
Born in Asgata, Limassol, Cyprus, Axiotakis immigrated to the United States with her family in 1956. For more than four decades, she has been active in the Cyprus Federation and numerous Cypriot, Greek American and philanthropic organizations. Her service has included leadership with the Asgata Association of America “Cyprus,” the Cyprus U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Greek Cypriots of New Jersey and the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey. She has also received numerous recognitions for her contributions to the Greek and Cypriot American communities.
The FCAO
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations represents 28 Greek Cypriot American associations throughout the United States. Its mission includes strengthening relations among its member organizations and supporting social, educational, philanthropic and cultural activities while preserving and promoting Greek and Cypriot history, language and cultural heritage in the United States.
For additional information, please contact the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations at (516) 399-2295 or [email protected].
