I decided to attend McGill because of its reputation for offering a high-quality education and for being one of the world’s top universities.
It proved to be a life-changing decision. At McGill I discovered my passion for political science and was fortunate to study with some of the best professors in the field. This experience laid the foundation for my interest in politics and motivated me to pursue a career in public service.
It was during the first referendum in Quebec that I left my law studies at McGill to work with the Liberal Party of Quebec. After the Liberals were elected, I worked as a policy advisor for the Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities. I also served in the Quebec public service as the Vice-President of the Conseil Consultatif de l’Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles.
After working in the Quebec public service, I was elected as a Member of Parliament for Saint-Denis and Ahuntsic, making me the first woman born in Greece to serve in the House of Commons. I served in various parliamentary roles, including Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Justice and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. I was also appointed a member of the Privy Council of Canada.
Among the most enjoyable experiences I had as an MP was participating in the McGill segment of the “Women in the House” program, which annually sends female university students to Ottawa to shadow female MPs.
I was also privileged to work at McGill as the research assistant for Dr. Stanley Frost on Volume II of the History of McGill University and, after leaving politics, I returned as the Senior Director of Government Relations.
Over the years, I have maintained a strong connection with my alma mater as a volunteer with the McGill Women’s Alumnae Association (MWAA). I have helped the association promote the leadership potential of McGill’s female graduates by organizing a host of events featuring accomplished female leaders and have had the pleasure of mentoring several young McGill women through the Women’s Mentorship Program. I was also involved in supporting and helping to raise funds for the MWAA’s successful 130th Anniversary Scholarship campaign.
Over and above my involvement with the MWAA, I have participated in numerous University events, including as a TEDxMcGill guest, as a panelist and as a speaker at events for the McGill School of Nursing (Women’s Health), the Faculty of Arts Students’ Association and the Max Bell School of Public Policy. In May 2023, I was truly honoured and humbled to receive the Distinguished Service Award from my alma mater.
I believe in giving back to the community and have volunteered and held executive positions on the boards of several non-governmental organizations, including those that help women overcome challenges in their lives. I also enjoy encouraging and mentoring women who wish to pursue a political career.
I received a world-class education at McGill and am proud to be the first member of my family to have attended and graduated from university. I strongly believe in the value of education and am inspired and motivated to help other young women reach their potential and achieve their goals.