Interview with Mrs Margaret Dritsas – Grand President of DOP – AHEPA Global Headquarters

She envisioned a sisterhood that empowered women of Hellenic descent to
support each other, foster leadership, and give back to society. Today, our
aim remains rooted in that original vision, and we’ve scaled it. We
empower women of all backgrounds through service, mentorship, and a
global network that drives change in education, health, and human rights.
It is simple: “Empowered women, empower women, and together we
change the world.”

Qu: Which are the principles Daughters of Penelope serve and which are the main
pillars of their action;

Margaret Dritsas: The Mission of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote Hellenism,
Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family, and Individual
Excellence.
These five pillars are not just abstract values; they are action items. We
support scholarships, fundraise for medical research, advocate for social
justice, preserve our cultural identity, and promote women’s leadership.
Everything we do, from local projects to international initiatives, is guided
by these principles.

Qu: You have established a distinguished career as Grand President of the DOP.
Which are the principles that build your character, your ethics code, along with
your path of life? Last but not least, what are your future plans concerning the
development of the Sisterhood;

Margaret Dritsas: Throughout my life and career, I have been guided by three core
principles: integrity, service, and accountability. I believe leadership is
not a title, it’s a responsibility. As Grand President of the Daughters of
Penelope, I try to lead by example. I show up, I listen, I act with purpose,
and I take ownership of every decision I make.
My character has been shaped by my parents and the example they
showed me. They served their community. And so I took their example to
serve, from public life to the nonprofit sector to the legal profession. I
don’t ask of others what I’m not willing to do myself. I believe in straight
talk, in setting clear expectations, and in lifting others while staying
rooted in our values.
Looking to the future, my priority is sustainable growth. This year alone,
we waived the reinstatement fee again and welcomed back several
hundred sisters. We have reactivated dormant chapters, and we have
chartered new chapters. Every year, under every Grand President, wehave seen actionable growth in our membership. The goal however is also
retention of members who are already sisters.
We’ve launched new chapters in Europe, Greece, Canada, and the USA,
and reactivated dormant ones. We’ve continued with the DOP Online
Academy to train and inspire our members around the world. For every
organization to remain sustainable, we need succession planning.
Remember that the Daughters of Penelope belong to all of us, and as of
next year, my priority will be to support the new Grand President and
actively assist in whatever needs our organization will have.
As for the future of our Sisterhood, the focus is on growth that is bold and
intentional. We will continue to modernize how we operate while never
compromising who we are.
Our mission is timeless, but our approach must evolve. I intend to leave
this role knowing I opened more doors, built more bridges, and made this
Sisterhood stronger for the next generation of leaders.
As I always say, my theme is “Empowered Together,” is more than a
slogan; it’s a call to action for collective strength and sisterhood.

Qu: What were the results of the Conference held in Athens; What were the
outcomes of your trip to Israel, Constantinople;

Margaret Dritsas: The Conference in Athens was a landmark moment for our Sisterhood. Held
at the prestigious Academy of Athens and hosted by the Amaryllides Chapter
421 under the leadership of Chapter President Irene Xakousti, it was a true
celebration of Hellenic values and international sisterhood. It showcased the
strength and unity of our European chapters. It wasn’t just symbolic, it was
strategic. We brought together sisters from across continents to collaborate,
exchange ideas, and strengthen our presence in the region.
We welcomed new members, honored dedicated leaders, and held meaningful
conversations on growth, philanthropy, and engagement.
While in Greece, I made it a point to connect with various charitable
organizations and projects that reflect our values. I visited Smile of the Child,
Community House Damaris, Open Door, and the Penelopean Day Care Center,
among others. I ensured that the Daughters of Penelope made their presence
known as a serious contributor to social impact in Greece.

In parallel, along with our AHEPA brothers, a delegation included a
Republican delegation and representatives from the Main Street Republican
lobby group, who joined us both in Greece and Constantinople. Their presence
reflects a growing interest from U.S. leadership circles in the cultural,
diplomatic, and educational. and philanthropic footprint of the AHEPA family
and our work within it. We had the opportunity to align on issues such as
religious freedom, Greek-American relations, and diaspora engagement. We
met with officials from the Ministry of National Defence and got briefed on the
geopolitical status of Greece.
The Presidents’ excursion extended to Israel and Constantinople, where we
carried out a robust diplomatic and cultural agenda.
In Constantinople, we visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate and paid our
respects to His All Holiness Bartholomew, reaffirming our unwavering support
for religious freedom and Hellenic Orthodox heritage. The spiritual and
historical weight of that visit was profound, and our presence was a clear
message: we stand for our roots, and we do not forget
In Israel, our AHEPA Leadership Mission was deeply impactful. We met with
the Greek Ambassador to Israel, received a security briefing from the IDF, and
visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova memorial site to witness the human
cost of conflict firsthand. We also engaged with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch
of Jerusalem, Israeli government officials, and foreign affairs representatives
at the Knesset and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These meetings were
diplomatic milestones and reinforced the Daughters of Penelope’s commitment
to peace, security, and interfaith cooperation.
These trips were not ceremonial, they were intentional, strategic, and grounded
in our commitment to international cooperation, advocacy, and action. They
embodied what it means to be Empowered Together on a global stage.
Altogether, these trips represented a multifaceted mission, advocacy,
diplomacy, philanthropy, and empowerment.

Qu: To what extent can Greeks living abroad contribute to the development and
progress of Greece;

Margaret Dritsas: Diaspora Greeks are one of Greece’s greatest assets. We are ambassadors,
investors, innovators, and connectors. Whether through philanthropic
support, cultural advocacy, or building global partnerships, we contribute
to Greece’s soft power and economic resilience.

It’s important to remember that many of our parents left Greece during
times of deep hardship—after war, during economic collapse, or in pursuit
of education and opportunity. They did not abandon Greece; they built
lives abroad that, in turn, strengthened the nation they left behind. They
supported family, invested in communities, and passed down a deep pride
in Hellenism. The Greece that stands proud today was, in many ways, built
on their sacrifices and unwavering commitment.
As the next generation, it is our responsibility to continue that legacy, not
only by honoring our roots but by actively contributing to Greece’s future.
The Daughters of Penelope, as a global sisterhood, is uniquely positioned
to mobilize this potential. The AHEPA Family is a bridge between Greece
and all other nations, especially the USA and Canada. Together, we can not
only preserve our heritage, we can shape Greece’s future.
Thank you,
Margaret Dritsas