What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry, and how has your perspective as a woman shaped your vision and hospitality approach?

My passion for travel started in my formative years as a Greek American, spending summers exploring my roots and immersing myself in Greece’s rich culture. That love of discovery led me to become a travel advisor, where I experienced firsthand how complex it was to craft seamless Mediterranean itineraries. When I built Travelive, I had a unique advantage—I knew exactly what travel advisors needed: effortless logistics, deep local knowledge, and a trusted partner who understood their clients’ expectations.

Women bring a natural intuition and emotional intelligence to hospitality, anticipating the unspoken needs of travelers. At Travelive, we craft experiences that go beyond luxury hotels, ensuring families, couples, and solo travelers feel truly cared for. Having built this company while raising two children, I also understand the challenges of working mothers, which is why I’ve prioritized flexibility, work-life balance, and even created a daycare in our Athens office to support our incredible team of women.

What is your favorite part of working in luxury hospitality, and what keeps you passionate about continuing to evolve your brand and guest experience?

I love that no two trips are ever the same. Luxury travel today isn’t just about five-star hotels—it’s about emotionally engaging experiences that leave lasting impressions. Seeing how a perfectly curated journey can transform someone’s connection to a destination is what keeps me excited, even after 25 years.

Every time I visit a new property or test an experience, I ask myself: Would I recommend this to my closest friends? Would I bring my family here? Will this create a memory that lasts a lifetime? That personalized, first-hand approach is what drives Travelive. We continuously evolve—embracing boutique properties, emerging destinations, and creating unique, immersive experiences—so that even our most well-traveled clients discover something unexpected.

What is a signature experience at one of your properties that truly reflects your personal touch or leadership?

For me, travel is about storytelling and connection. Some of my favorite Travelive experiences are the ones that allow travelers to become part of local traditions. We’ve arranged for guests to attend a real Greek village wedding, where they weren’t just spectators—they were welcomed as family, joining in the dances, the feast, and the joy that defines Greek hospitality.

For travelers passionate about craftsmanship, we’ve introduced them to artisans preserving centuries-old Greek weaving techniques, where they didn’t just watch—they sat alongside them, learned the process, and created something with their own hands. One of my favorite experiences was for a high school senior who wanted a unique prom dress—we connected her with a renowned Greek designer, who invited her into the creative process to craft a gown from scratch that became a story she’ll tell for years to come.

Can you share a moment when being a woman in this industry gave you a unique perspective or advantage in creating exceptional guest experiences?

Early in my career, I designed a multi-generational trip for a family traveling together for the first time. With three generations—grandparents, parents, and young kids—all with different energy levels, interests, and expectations, I knew that a standard itinerary wouldn’t work. Each traveler needed to feel valued, or the trip wouldn’t be a success. 

As a woman, I naturally tuned into the emotional dynamics at play. The grandmother, whose love language was food, connected with her family in a private cooking class, passing down family recipes. The kids, too young for traditional sightseeing, discovered ancient ruins through a scavenger hunt. The parents, needing a moment to reconnect, enjoyed a vineyard visit while the kids created pottery nearby. That experience reshaped how I saw luxury travel—it’s not about services, but about understanding each guest’s emotional needs and crafting moments that make them feel seen.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned as a female leader in luxury travel, and how has it shaped the way you do business?

Never wait for permission to create something extraordinary. The travel industry is predominantly female in small businesses, yet at the highest levels of leadership in major global companies, it remains largely male-dominated. When I started Travelive in the early 2000s, DMCs were rare, and there was no clear roadmap for what I wanted to build—so I created my own.

I built this company while raising two kids, working across time zones, and navigating an evolving industry. Success isn’t about following trends—it’s about setting them. It’s about recognizing gaps in the market, taking risks, and supporting the people around you—especially women in travel. That’s why I’ve made it a personal mission to uplift the incredible women at Travelive, ensuring they never have to choose between their careers and their families. When we create opportunities, mentor women, and champion work-life balance, we’re not just shaping an industry—we’re redefining leadership.