Theme: Growise

Inspiring Growth, Cultivating Wisdom
What does it truly mean to grow? Is growth just about getting bigger, stronger, or more successful? Or is it about learning, adapting, and becoming wiser along the way?
At TEDxNeaSmyrniYouth: GROWISE, we explore the intersection of growth and wisdom—how young minds can shape the future by embracing curiosity, resilience, and thoughtful action. Through powerful talks from inspiring young speakers, changemakers, and innovators, we’ll uncover stories of transformation, self-discovery, and bold ideas that challenge us to rethink what it means to grow wisely.
Join us for a day of thought-provoking talks, engaging discussions, and creative performances that will ignite minds and empower the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re passionate about science, the arts, social change, or personal development, this event will leave you with fresh perspectives and the motivation to grow—not just bigger, but wiser.

Estia Neas Smyrnis
Κων/νου Παλαιολόγου 1, Νέα Σμύρνη 171 21
Nea Smyrni, Attiki, 17121
Greece

George Chraniotis

Actor

Giorgos Hraniotis was born and raised in Athens, but his family roots are in Kallithea, Pylos, Messinia. He initially studied at the Athens School of Physical Education and Sport Science, but later followed the path of acting, studying at the drama schools of Nikos Vastardis and Giorgos Theodosiadis. His television career began in 1994 with the series Vanilla Chocolate, followed by many significant roles in popular shows such as For a Woman and a Car, Couples, and The Last Lord of the Balkans. In 2017, he participated in the reality show Survivor Greece, finishing in 8th place.

Kyriakos Tilgkeridis

Lawyer

Born in Glyfada in 1971, he graduated with honors from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1994. He holds a postgraduate degree with distinction from the University of Southampton (UK), specializing in European labor and international commercial law. He has worked at the European Commission and NATO headquarters in Brussels, serving in the Greek military delegation. Since returning to Greece in 2000, he has practiced law in Athens as a Supreme Court attorney. Since 2021, he has also been a registered lawyer with the Asylum Service of the Ministry of Migration. He is a founding member (since 1992) and current President (since 2005) of the Pontian Association of Glyfada “România,” a member of the Committee for Pontic Studies, and co-founder of the Euxeinos Club of Athens. He frequently writes for newspapers, magazines, and online media, and often appears in television and radio interviews.

Loïc Balory

Educator

I have been working in the field of English teaching for twenty years, in and out of the classroom; as a teacher for all levels and ages, mainly in Greece, but also as a manager of overseas courses in the UK, Italy and Slovenia. I now work for the Academic Department of the Hellenic American Union, where my work includes holding seminars for English teachers and exam candidates, as well as conducting speaking tests.

Maria Leontiou

Financial Services Expert

An engineer by degree, a Financial Services executive by profession, and an innovation enthusiast by nature, Maria Leontiou is the Head of Eurobank Next – Digital Growth & Future Competitiveness at Eurobank. Maria holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and has over 24 years of experience. Her curiosity for anything new fuels her passion for innovation, an interest cultivated through her involvement with the organizing team of TEDxAthens and later brought to life in her role as Head of Eurobank’s Innovation Center. She is closely connected to the startup community, which she supports as a mentor or judge in various programs and initiatives. Maria believes in the power of community, actively champions the gender equality agenda, and is a strong advocate of the idea that “sharing is caring.” She enjoys creating and sharing engaging content on digital media platforms to connect with like-minded individuals and spark meaningful conversations.

Thenia Kolokouris

Student

Thenia is a 10-year-old student with a passion for the performing arts and painting. Whether on stage or with a brush in hand, she loves expressing herself creatively. In addition to her artistic talents, she is also an archery athlete, combining focus and precision in both sports and the arts.