As the U.S. Department of State celebrates its 80th anniversary of the International Leaders Visitors Program (IVLP), it has been sharing the stories of program alumni, who visited our community. It was our pleasure hosting Dr. Nadina Christopoulou as she came to San Diego 5 years ago! Dr. Nadina Christopoulou is an anthropologist empowering migrant and refugee women in Greece as the director and co-founder of the Melissa Network. In 2015, she participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Women Leaders: Promoting Peace and Security,” initiative which led her to conclude that it is most effective to prevent violent extremism through education and public engagement.

During the program, Dr. Christopoulou and fellow participants visited Washington D.C., New York, Austin, San Diego, and the U.S-Mexico border to examine the current and historical roles of women in political transitions, post-conflict reconstruction, humanitarian emergencies, conflict prevention, and peacemaking efforts.

Her IVLP experience strengthened her belief in women as agents of change and their role in resolving conflict and building consent, solidarity, and community.  Sharing ideas with women leaders from around the world was an immensely inspiring experience that forged in her a new determination to empower underprivileged women and girls.

Dr. Nadina Christopoulou is a leading figure in the migrant and refugee support community in Greece.  She promotes integration and equal rights for recent immigrants to Greece and continues to transform the lives of hundreds of women and girls.

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