ANGELIKI PAPADOPOULOU

Angeliki was born in Greece and partly raised in Nigeria. She has been privileged to experience both cultures which are rich and unique in its own way. Being raised by a Greek father and Nigerian mother made her understand the culture and the way of thinking. Potentially she would like to set up her own business in the future and for this reason, she is making plans to start a business management degree which she believes will aid her. Angeliki sees herself as a very capable and enthusiastic person who will grasp any challenge with both hands.

“Life is a raw material”

Q: TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY, AND ALSO YOUR LIFE'S STORY!

I am blessed to say my country is Greece and Nigeria. Presently I base in Nigeria where there is diversity of culture and opportunity for all to grow and pursue their dream. I choose Nigeria while starting my career because I believe it will nurture me to become a selfless leader to the society. People say if you can live in Nigeria you can live anywhere in the world, well it's true.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY? AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF A BETTER WORLD?

My view of the world today is that it has evolved into an industrialised environment and the beauty of nature is gradually ebbing away. My view of a better world will the preservation of the beauty of nature where my children's children will experience the same beauty of nature as I did and not the artificial "digitalised" environment.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

The key challenges in my society are:

1. The lack of recognition/appreciation for creativity. Everyone is fixated on quick money irrespective of the consequences.

2. A high tolerance of domestic violence e.g. sexual abuse of the girl child.

3. A degraded educational system

Q: AS A YOUNG INDIVIDUAL WHAT ARE A FEW OF THE HURDLES THAT YOU HAD TO OVERCOME UP UNTIL TODAY?

I had to overcome discriminating opinions from people because of my gender and nationality. I had to overlook the high level of mediocrity displayed by people in high position and strive for excellence.

Q: WHY IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

It's important because it's a platform to pass down the values that maintained the sanity of our community making people no longer live for themselves but for other people.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A LESSON THAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT YOU AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Life is a raw material, what you do with it determines your finished product and your satisfaction.

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!

Golden Heart Foundation, headed by Dr. David Ogbueli.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WOMEN IN YOUR COUNTRY FACE AND WHAT EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS GENDER EQUALITY?

Some of the challenges women face in Nigeria are:

1. A total overlook of their potential.

2. Lack of justice for the abused.

Efforts made are:

1. Acceptance of healthy competition between both genders.

2. Increase in job opportunities in the Labour force.

Q: ATHENA40 IS THE FIRST EVER GLOBAL SELECTION OF THE TOP 40 WOMEN FORWARD THINKERS, COMMENTATORS, ACTIVISTS, AUTHORS, ACADEMICS, ENTREPRENEURS, EXECUTIVES, INNOVATORS. CAN YOU THINK OF A TRULY INNOVATIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING WOMAN FROM YOUR COUNTRY THAT YOU WISH TO NOMINATE FOR THE ATHENA40 GLOBAL LIST?

Folorunso Alakija

Q: SHARE WITH US A PHRASE, A POEM OR A STORY THAT YOU LOVE OR YOU FIND INTERESTING!

My favourite story is the story of faithful stewardship in the bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

Q: TELL US ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR MENTOR.

The art of diplomacy.