AGATHA RODI

Agathi has been working as Head of Studies and educator for 25+ years, prior to that she worked 12+ years in Hotel Management. She volunteers for 16+ years in the Welfare program of Patras Municipality, and the last 5+ years as Project Manager and Communication Manager for Kimolistes ngo, in Greece.

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I grew up in my village Fostena -Achaias and then moved to Patras. My connection with traditions, customs and nature was interlinked with my passion for storytelling and the discussions of elderly people. I started writing in high school, had a pen pal from Canada, and later in my university years, I dealt with
English and French Literature, travelled to the U.S, Canada, Europe, united 64 families and uncovered the baby-selling scandal of Patras Orphanage. This is a period of my life, 31 years ago, that marked my way of thinking, delving more into the Greek society's mentality. Writing and teaching opened the way to meet the Kimolistes Volunteer team of Kimolos island in the Cyclades. The awards the island got and the open-air cinema's evolution brought worldwide fame to the island this year.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

Small islands in the Cyclades face serious environmental issues, challenges with climate change, and abandonment as far as the cultural heritage is concerned. All these led me to set up Cyclades Unified Ngo and work towards environmental sustainability, the safeguarding of Cycladic Culture and raise young people's awareness.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

The denial from local authorities to listen and take action was met with persistence and patience. It is difficult to change people's views in small communities. I tried to be myself and explain to them through my initiatives my thinking of bringing positive changes. My mentor's advice was crucial; I reconsidered my course of action many times, and I studied their reactions, having plausible scenarios of improvement. Thinking positively and having Faith in myself is the key factor that helped me to make the first step from the authorities' part. Winning somebody's trust needs time and great effort; time is necessary to build up a friendly relationship with professionalism.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

A mentor functions as your second self. My mentor's role was very, very important to me. We formed a connection and a mutual understanding on how I have to deal with the difficult circumstances I faced and my dilemmas. The mentor is the guide to the right path. Her approach was friendly, always up to the point, and she evaluated my decisions by offering alternative solutions. The way my mentor treated my unexpected issues filled me with more belief that obstacles are challenges that lead to my personal development. I learned how to adopt a better way of critical thinking while having various plans in mind and a hierarchy of what needs to be done first.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

I have been waiting over 5 months to get the mayor's answer for a collaboration on promoting cultural heritage. The mayor hasn't answered yet, officially. What he did? He supported me as a candidate at the Municipality's meeting, with fervent predisposition to represent the Municipality and Kimolos Island at the World Tourism Exhibition in London in November 2025 as his delegate. What an honour and a victory that signals a new era with that mayor. The secret is not to give up. Do your work. Don't expect victory to come right away. We have to be patient and wise. Time always shows what awaits for us. The universe hides surprises for us. I am grateful for this opportunity. Good things take time; my mind is on his answers for our collaboration. I have to wait and follow the path he opened for me, now.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

HIGGS organisation does a fantastic job in supporting organisations, offering counselling and constant guidance. I was chosen to attend their transformative Accelerator Program, tailored to empower positive social and environmental impact initiatives across Greece. The experience is beyond words.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

It is true that there is little acceptance for women who come from poor backgrounds, lack proper education, especially those in remote villages or small islands. There are no chances for better opportunities. There is no strategic plan to equip them so that they can explore the world and make their
communities a fruitful place. They need training and education to acquire all those skills they don't possess. Organisations like ours are one part of the solution to attract the government's interest in bringing changes, starting with young people.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

Gratitude is the best policy.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

I would form a team of people willing to work hard to bring changes to the Island of Kimolos and the Nature Island of Kimolos. My main goal would be to protect nature, educate and train young people so they learn how to respect their land.

Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?

The truth is that there is a strong debate because beliefs don't change so easily, and the stereotypes that prevail in each small society have deep roots. There are some mobile apps that help, but there is still a long way till inclusion and understanding of cultures is not an issue. There is improvement and technology brings changes day by day.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I feel truly blessed to be a mentee of your organisation. This is a life-changing experience that has already opened new doors for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.