Dr. Dame Evangeline Gouletas - Miami, Florida

Q1 Describe your fondest memory of Greece or your view of Greece and its people, now that my country is more than ever in need of friends.

A1 My memories from Greece and its people are countless and they are all amazing! I am a third-generation American of Hellenic descent and I am proud of my Hellenic heritage. I have vacationed in Greece, own property in Greece, have travelled the mainland and the islands by land and by sea, and have amassed a collage of unforgettable experiences there.

The warmth and hospitality one feels in Greece is unique and sincere. Greek people instantly make you feel at home and at ease. It is in our DNA. It is who we are. Percentage-wise, Greek people are also some of the most educated people in world. We are, among other things, creative, hard-working, family-oriented, cultured, optimistic, visionary, and hospitable. All these elements play an essential role in what kind of memories one has when visiting this beautiful land of the Gods of Olympus. I got to meet some amazing people there, I learned a lot about how real estate development works in Greece, I understood its economy, and I made some good friends with who I keep in touch until now.

Q2 What is it that you could do or would want to do for Greece, apart from your good word? Does anything cross your mind?

A2 I would like to create a positive momentum for a significant amount of investment to flow toward Greece. Greeks of the Diaspora and non-Greeks all around the world are well-aware of the current situation in Greece and in Europe in general. With this in mind, I am ready, willing and able to use my network and reach to put together Greek-American business leaders who could make significant investments in Greece, as well as non-Greek business contacts of mine, who are currently making large-scale investments, especially in real estate development. I am envisioning an organized movement to put together an entity that would put tother a large capital amount that will be directed toward attractive investment opportunities in Greece, and I would be in charge of coordinating and guiding this group.

As a Patron of the Arts and having been involved with several cultural endeavors throughout my life, I would also like to see a joint effort between public and private entities (with the government making a serious commitment to it) that would promote on a global scale the immense talent that exists in Greece. Painters, sculptors, singers, actors, authors, academics, ... , the list goes on and on! We should be promoting these talented people on an international level. We should enable them to spread their wings and become known and admired around the world for their talents. This will take dedication, resources and creativity, but mostly it would take dedication to the cause of promoting Greece to the higher levels it deserves!

Q3 When do you plan to visit Greece? What is the first thing that you would do or see when you arrive?

A3 I plan to visit Greece sometime during the first half of 2012. I look forward to meeting with dear friends there and to making new friends as well. I also look forward to traveling throughout the country, as I would love to visit areas that are well-positioned for development. After having been involved with the development of 120+ residential condominium towers in more than 40 geographic markets in the United States with sales exceeding $5 billion USD, I am looking forward to international development opportunities and Greece is at the top of my priority list.