Who We Are
Foundation VELA was established in 2022, initially to support refugees of the Russian war on Ukraine in Poland. We encourage individuals to dream big, to raise their aspirations, and reach for their potential. We understand that the path to a better future isn’t always clear, hence, we offer guidance and support, helping individuals to navigate their journey towards their dreams. But it doesn’t stop there – we aim to equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to create sustainable change in their own lives.
Mission
Our mission is to illuminate pathways towards resilience and
self-reliance for those in need. Like the stars in the constellations,
we guide individuals through their immediate challenges,
empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration
to navigate their own journey.
Vision
Our vision is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity
to navigate their own journey of discovery, to explore their
potential, and realize their dreams. We believe in sparking the
transformative power of hope, exploration, and personal growth
across communities. We imagine a world where everyone,
no matter their starting point, has the ability to reach for their
stars and chart their own course to a brighter future.
Aspiration
We encourage individuals to dream big and strive for a
better future. We believe in the power of aspirations and the potential for change they carry.
Guidance
We provide direction and
support to those who need it,
helping them navigate their
journey towards their dreams.
Empowerment
We strive not just to provide
aid, but to equip individuals
with the tools and knowledge
they need to create sustainable
change in their lives.
Unity
We recognize the importance
of collective action
and collaboration. Like a
constellation, we are at our
most potent when we work
together towards a common
goal.
the Council
The Council is the Foundation’s highest authority.
It includes 3 members who shape the strategy and
the future of the Foundation.
MARIA BIKOU, Vice Chairwoman
Maria holds a post graduate degree in Law, an LLM in Transnational and European Commercial Law, Mediation, Arbitration and Energy Law, a master’s degree in Human Recourses Management and Organizational Analysis as well as accreditations for mediation in civil, commercial and workplace dispute resolution from both Greek and international institutions and certification on project management from IBMI. She has been a member of Thessaloniki Bar Association (Greece) since 2012
Maria has worked as a consultant for several Greek NGOs since 2016 focusing on humanitarian and emergency response. She acts as the legal advisor of Faros Elpidas. Her stronghold is Field coordination of large-scale accommodation and PSS teams (100+ staff) and she has solid experience in working with UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM on humanitarian response. She coordinates field progress with relevant ministries, and other governmental organisations. She is an expert in capacity building of humanitarian NGOs.
MARILENA IOANNIDOU, Chairwoman
Marilena is a strategic thinker bringing over 20 years of experience in development projects across diverse industries. Recognized for talents in strategy development, programme management across the board and capacity development. She has a diverse background in the humanitarian field and social issues, SME and business development, entrepreneurship, social research, fund management, and M&E. She has managed and evaluated over 50 projects with budgets of 30M+. She has designed and implemented organizational and operational capacity development of companies and NGOs and has managed and monitored grant funds for NGOs.
She holds a Master of Business Administration, Cyprus International Institute of Management and a Bachelor of Arts, with Double Major in Psychology and French with Honours from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN. At Faros Elpidas she is responsible for overseeing policies, M&E and quality control.
THEODOROS KARAGIANNIS
Theodoros is an experience lawyer and legal scholar, that has long been involved in asylum cases as well as the legal integration of migrants in the EU. He has experience working for the UNHCR as well as advising several ministries on issues of integration, migrants’ legal status and employment of asylum seekers.
He leads a team of legal professionals and is responsible to manage Vela’s legal interventions globally. He holds and LLB from the Aristotle University Law School and is currently a PhD candidate.
the Board
The Board is the executive body of the Foundation. It is tasked with managing
the Foundation and for implementing the strategy and the annual work programme.
The Board reports to the Council.
PANTELIS DIMITRIOU, President
Pantelis is a visionary leader bringing over 25 years of experience in establishing operational optimization across diverse industries in both national and international operations. Recognized for talents in strategy development and organizational development. Converts strategic plans into tactical reality by guiding organizations to establish themselves as viable entities. He managed to transform a 15 staff and EUR300K turnover local organization in Greece into a nationally recognized humanitarian actor of 300+ staff and funds managed of EUR30M between 2016-2018. He is an expert in transforming strategic plans into tactical initiatives for national and international funding. He was honored by the Global Thinkers Forum with the Award for Excellence in Humanitarian Work in 2017.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, University of East London. Pantelis is responsible for strategy and development of new initiatives of the Vela group globally. He is also responsible for donor relations and maintaining strategic partnerships.
MARIA ASTERIOU, General Manager
Maria leads our field teams in Poland and manages the day-to-day operations of the foundation. She has extensive experience in both front-line crisis management as well as working towards long-term integration of refugees into host country communities. She has managed professional MHPSS and Child Protection teams in Greece, Germany and Poland and has worked with different population, nationalities and vulnerabilities.
She holds a BA in Social Work from the Democritus University of Thrace and a Master in Counselling Psychotherapy from the Metropolitan College.
Mission and vision
We have a vision to drive a cohesive and just society further in Poland and abroad. We want to be the forerunner for social change and lead the transformation of support organisations and active citizens into capacitated humanitarian organisations with insightful service offering.
Our mission is to promote social cohesion, progress, prosperity and human rights in Poland and abroad. We aim to empower vulnerable and disadvantaged people to regain agency in their lives. Finally, we aim to leverage the humanitarian sector to better serve people in need.
The Council
the Council is the Foundation’s highest authority. It includes 4 members who shape the strategy and the future of the Foundation.
Members of the Council:
Chrysa Anagnostopoulou
Chrysa has more than 35 years of professional experience at various posts on client management and human resources. She has a deep knowledge of the labour framework in Greece. Chrysa holds a nursing degree from the Nursing Higher technical school of Athens and a humn resource management degree from the Higher School of Administration of ELTA. She has responsible for human resource management and coordination of the social structures of Faros Elpidas since 2013.
Maria Bikou
Maria holds a post graduate degree in Law, an LLM in Transnational and European Commercial Law, Mediation, Arbitration and Energy Law, a master’s degree in Human Recourses Management and Organizational Analysis as well as accreditations for mediation in civil, commercial and workplace dispute resolution from both Greek and international institutions and certification on project management from IBMI. She has been a member of Thessaloniki Bar Association (Greece) since 2012
Maria has worked as a consultant for several Greek NGOs since 2016 focusing on humanitarian and emergency response. She acts as the legal advisor of Faros Elpidas. Her stronghold is Field coordination of large-scale accommodation and PSS teams (100+ staff) and she has solid experience in working with UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM on humanitarian response. She coordinates field progress with relevant ministries, and other governmental organisations. She is an expert in capacity building of humanitarian NGOs.
Apostolos Forlidas
Apostolos has over 40 years of professional experience in fields such as media and diplomacy. He has been an executive of media channels for many years He has been the CFO of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa responsible for international and interstate agreements as well as relations with national governments and international organisations. He also held the position of representative and counsellor of the Patriarchate Press and PR office in addition to the Athens office. He was the driving force behind the social projects of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Africa which later established the Alexandrian Lighthouse NGO among other two. Since 2004 he has been the President of Faros Elpidas, earlier Alexandrian Lighthouse. Apostolos holds a degree by the Theological School of the University of Athens. He also has a degree in international political development, security, defense, and diplomacy.
Marilena Ioannidou
Marilena is a strategic thinker bringing over 20 years of experience in development projects across diverse industries. Recognized for talents in strategy development, programme management across the board and capacity development. She has a diverse background in the humanitarian field and social issues, SME and business development, entrepreneurship, social research, fund management, and M&E. She has managed and evaluated over 50 projects with budgets of 30M+. She has designed and implemented organizational and operational capacity development of companies and NGOs and has managed and monitored grant funds for NGOs. She holds a Master of Business Administration, Cyprus International Institute of Management and a Bachelor of Arts, with Double Major in Psychology and French with Honours from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN. At Faros Elpidas she is responsible for overseeing policies, M&E and quality control.
Board
The Board is the executive body of the Foundation. It is tasked with managing the Foundation and for implementing the strategy and the annual work programme. The Board reports to the Council.
Pantelis Dimitriou
Pantelis is a visionary leader bringing over 20 years of experience in establishing operational optimization across diverse industries in both national and international operations. Recognized for talents in strategy development and organizational development. Converts strategic plans into tactical reality through guiding organizations to establish themselves as viable entities. He managed to turnaround a 15 staff and 300K turnover local organization in Greece into a nationally recognized humanitarian actor of 300+ staff and funds managed of 30M between 2016-2018. He is an expert in transforming strategic plans into tactical initiatives for national and international funding. He was honored by the Global Thinkers Forum with the Award for Excellence in Humanitarian Work in 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance, University of East London. At Faros Elpidas, Pantelis is responsible for strategy and development of new initiatives in Greece and abroad. He is also responsible for developing the donor base of the organization and maintaining strategic partnerships.
