TEDxKomotini

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Agapi Kandylaki

  Agapi Kandylaki is a professor in the Department of Social Work at the Democritus University of Thrace. She is a member of the Committee under the Prime Minister that prepared the study and proposed the National Strategy for the Prevention and Combating of Violence and Delinquency among Minors, and has extensive experience in the field and in research, as well as in interventions with minorities and refugees.

• Christos Daskalakis

  Christos Daskalakis is a children’s literature author, poet, and theater creator known for his sensitivity and humanity. Born in Athens and raised on Hydra, he studied Counseling, Psychology, and Creative Writing. His works highlight themes of acceptance, diversity, and empathy, and he continues to inspire both children and adults through his stories.

• Dimitris Kouloumasis

  Dimitris Kouloumasis is a graduate of Chemistry from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a master's degree in Polymers. Since 2009, he has been teaching at the Leontios School of Nea Smyrni, where he has been a high school supervisor since 2022. He is an author, a member of the Union of Greek Chemists, and has been a mentor to the Greek team at the International Chemistry Olympiad. Through his Mr. Chem account on social media, he promotes chemistry in an educational and entertaining way.

• Eleni Poulimenou

  I was born in Athens and studied at the School of Philosophy of the University of Athens. I work in Secondary Education and have been teaching at a school for the past 19 years. My favorite subject, without a doubt, is Modern Greek, Language and Literature. Beyond the classroom, a magnetic force in my life is writing. Since 2015, I have written and published three novels and one theatrical play. I am also the mother of two children.

• Emmanouela Kouroudi

  Born in 1990 in Komotini, she studied Physics at the University of Crete and has been working for the past ten years at Thracian Cotton Ginning Mills S.A., where she is responsible in the Finance Department, focusing on foreign exchange policies. Since 2015, she has served as Sustainability Manager, integrating Sustainability principles into all company operations. That same year, she founded the brand Emmanuellesilk, specializing in silk accessories. In 2023, she participated in a discussion at the United Nations on cotton, and in 2024, she founded Thread and Vyssos, promoting ethical and sustainable fashion.

• Julie Ioannidou

  Ioannidou Julie is a choreographer, dancer, and dance teacher. A graduate of Sociology from Panteion University and the State School of Orchestral Art in Athens, she combines physical expression with a deeper understanding of society and humanity. She is the Artistic Director of the Choreotaxio Center for Art, Dance, and Movement. She has been teaching and creating in Komotini since 2011.

• Kiki Kaseri

  I am Kiki Kasseris, Content Creator & Copywriter. Of course, things weren't always like this! I studied Accounting & Finance at PA.M.A.K. and worked for years in the banking sector, until I discovered blogging and decided that what I really wanted to do was take my laptop with me and work from anywhere, anytime. Today, I have my own family & travel blog and work as a freelancer in digital marketing. I have also completed the Department of Language, Literature & Culture of the Black Sea Countries at the Democritus University of Thrace, as discovering new things is my thing.

• Kriton Chatzikonstantinou

  I am a physical therapist and volunteer at KIDS SAVE LIVES, with the goal of inspiring citizens and children to learn first aid. This knowledge not only saves lives, but also cultivates empathy, solidarity, and responsibility. When children are educated, they become agents of change and hope, creating a more humane society, ready to support their fellow human beings in every moment of need.

• Maria Valeria Karakasi

  Dr. Maria-Valeria Karakasi, MD, PhD, is a psychiatrist and holds a doctorate in Medicine from the Democritus University of Thrace. She works as a Consultant B’ at the University Psychiatric Clinic of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis and also maintains a private practice. She specializes in adult psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. Her research work is extensive, with over 80 publications in international scientific journals, actively contributing to the advancement of evidence-based psychiatry.

• Pagona Kofa

  I have been working as a Health Visitor at the Health Center of Mavrothalassa for twenty-six (26) years. I am responsible for designing and implementing Health Education programs and activities for students and the general population, as well as informing the community in cases of emergency. I have worked in hospitals and health centers in Orestiada, Komotini, Thermi, and Athens, and have also participated in the European program EHLASS for accident prevention. In addition, I am a volunteer Samaritan–Rescuer with Hellenic Red Cross in Komotini.

• Pamairi Afentaki

  Pameri adopts and promotes several elements of the philosophy of body positivity, that is, the acceptance of the body as it is, the gradual reduction of negative internalizations around weight, beauty standards and self-esteem. Social media for her is a means to promote positive messages daily, with the aim of making even one person feel better about their image and demystifying the term "perfect" in their head.

• Pelagia Papadopoulou

  I am an educator, an English teacher, and a volunteer at Kids Save Lives, but above all, I believe in children. We live in a time when violence and indifference are appearing at increasingly younger ages, something that deeply concerns me. On the other hand, I am certain that education and knowledge can prevent such behaviors and promote humanity. I firmly believe that children are the ones who can change the world, and that fills me with great joy.

• Stella Tiligada

  Stella is a content creator who loves turning thoughts into stories. Through her videos, she explores ideas that can change the way we see ourselves and the world. That’s how her series “23 Things That Changed the Way I Think at 23” was born. Because, as she says, “this idea changed my life”—and maybe this time, it will change yours too.

• Vangelis Nakis

  Vangelis Nakis is a Greek content creator and the founder of PSDM ATHENS. Vangelis Nakis is also known as a creator of short films with a strong social message. He began his journey as an Influencer, initially uploading photos, but soon turned to creating meaningful content, through stories and videos he spoke about issues such as racism, homophobia, school bullying and other social challenges.