The Greek America Foundation’s 2025 Gabby Awards delivered a night to remember on June 7th at New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel — making history with the first-ever all-women celebration of excellence in the Greek-American community.
Honoring 20 extraordinary women from across North America, the event paid tribute to individuals whose work, leadership, and service represent the highest ideals of the Greek America Foundation’s mission of excellence, philanthropy, and community impact.
Drawing on the timeless symbolism of the goddesses of ancient Greece, the honorees were recognized as modern-day goddesses — women whose lives and careers reflect both professional excellence and personal dedication to improving the world around them.
The honorees represented a diverse array of fields including science, law, business, education, philanthropy, journalism, healthcare, the arts, and public service. Each was recognized not only for her accomplishments, but also for using her platform to serve others and uplift her communities.
Cat Cora and Danialle Karmanos at the 2025 Gabby Wards / Photo Credit: Greek America Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Honors for Cat Cora and Danialle Karmanos
In addition to the 20 honorees, the evening featured special Lifetime Achievement Awards presented to Cat Cora and Danialle Karmanos — two longtime supporters of the Greek America Foundation whose personal and professional legacies have had wide-reaching impact.
Cat Cora, the first-ever female Iron Chef, was recognized not only for her groundbreaking career in the culinary world, but for her tireless advocacy for women, the LGBTQ+ community, children, and vulnerable populations around the world.
Danialle Karmanos, a passionate philanthropist and founder of numerous charitable organizations, was honored for her lifelong commitment to children’s health, mental wellness, and creating opportunities for those in need, quietly building a legacy of compassion, dignity, and service.
Emotional Tributes to Legendary Women
In a moving segment, the Foundation also paid tribute to five iconic women whose legacies continue to inspire generations: Maria Callas, Melina Mercouri, Roza Eskenazi, Sotiria Bellou, and Olympia Dukakis. Each was honored for her lasting impact on the arts, culture, and Hellenism.
These tributes were brought to life through immersive storytelling and powerful performances, including soprano Alexandra Loutsion, pop singers Evangelia and Margarita Cox, vocalist Erini, and theatrical monologues performed by Anthoula Katsimatides and Christina Mavronas.
A Celebration of Storytelling, Leadership, and Excellence
The entire experience was shaped by a fully immersive event design led by Marina Vitebsky and Daniella Zelin, creating a dynamic visual journey that connected the goddesses of ancient mythology with the women honored on stage. The signature creative artwork and visual identity for the evening were designed by honoree Aliki Theofilopoulos, known for her work in Hollywood on Hercules, Tarzan, and numerous other productions.
The Gabby Awards remain the Greek America Foundation’s flagship fundraiser, supporting the organization’s core pillars of Education, Culture, Philanthropy, and Community. Founder Gregory C. Pappas described the event as not only a celebration of individual accomplishments, but a larger statement about the vital leadership of Greek-American women across every sector of modern life.
“These women reflect the very best of our community — not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they give, serve, and lead,” said Pappas. “Their examples will inspire future generations to carry these values forward.”
About the Greek America Foundation
Founded to preserve, promote, and advance Hellenic ideals, the Greek America Foundation supports education, cultural programming, humanitarian efforts, and community-building both in North America and Greece. Among its many initiatives is Project Hope for Greece, which since 2012 has delivered over $1 million in direct aid to grassroots organizations and vulnerable communities across Greece, while also providing donors a personal connection to their heritage and an opportunity to live out the Greek ideal of philanthropy.
