Tsakopoulos receives Kathimerini ‘Leader’ award
A prominent Greek-American who has made his mark in business, philanthropy and education has been presented with the Kathimerini “Leader” (Ηγέτης) award for his longstanding contribution to the Greek community in the United States and beyond.
Self-made businessman Angelo Tsakopoulos, who was born in 1936 in Rizes, Arkadia, received the award on February 6, as part of the “Hellas and Diaspora – The Future” initiative undertaken by Kathimerini in association with the Delphi Economic Forum and the Hellenic American Leadership Council.
“He is someone who has made America ‘more American,’” noted Nancy Pelosi, who presented Tsakopoulos with his award.
“We are all Greeks by poetic license, but, when it comes to democracy, we are truly all Greeks,” the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives said, pointing out that Tsakopoulos is the embodiment of the American dream and a well-respected figure throughout the political establishment in the United States.
Pelosi also referred to the diaspora and the historic speech of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Congress.
During the evening, the Greek ambassador to the USA, Alexandra Papadopoulou, and the US ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, praised Tsakopoulos and his life’s work.
Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalaki, a daughter of Angelo Tsakopoulos, delivered a message from Kamala Harris, in which the US Vice President expressed her gratitude for Tsakopoulos’ efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the United States and Greece and for his unwavering commitment to Greek ideals.
Congratulatory video messages were also relayed from President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and former premiers Alexis Tsipras and Antonis Samaras.
In another video message, former president Bill Clinton focused on Tsakopoulos’ contribution to the Democratic Party but also to the strengthening of Greek-American relations.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “From my perspective, as a former United States Secretary of State, I cannot overstate the importance of the relationship between the United States and our NATO ally Greece. In this time of historic pressures on the alliance, ties between our two countries are more important than ever.”
“This is a new, great beginning in the relations between the Greek diaspora in the US and the national center,” noted Alexis Papahelas, Kathimerini’s executive editor, adding that the award was established to bring Greeks abroad closer to their homeland, by honoring people who have been true role models in the Greek-American community, with Tsakopoulos being the obvious choice.
