Marianna Vardinoyannis
Marianna Vardinoyannis | |
---|---|
Personal details | |
Born |
Marianna Bournakis Athens, Greece |
Nationality | Greek |
Residence | Ekali, Athens, Greece |
Alma mater | University of Denver |
Occupation | Unesco |
Marianna Vardinoyannis (Greek: Μαριάννα Βαρδινογιάννη, née Μπουρνάκη Bournaki) married to Greek shipping magnate Vardis Vardinogiannis, is an UNESCO ambassador and an active personality in both regional and international level that fights for the rights of children and the family, and she is known for her combats against the sexual abuse of children, via the Foundation for the Child and the Family which was created by her. Also, Marianna Vardinoyannis, in recognition of her contribution and her efforts to create a Europe of Citizens, was distinguished as Woman of Europe. She has been the President of the Elpida (English: Hope) Association of friends of children with cancer.
Early life, education and family
Marianna Vardinoyannis was born in Greece in 1937 and raised in Athens. She studied Economics at the Denver University of Colorado after her graduation from a high school in Athens. She is married to Vardis Vardinogiannis and they have 5 children.
International and regional activities
Marianna Vardinoyannis began her activities as a member ofvarious organizations, associations and philanthropic organizations, from which she has fought for international peace and global solidarity, although her primary focus has been mainly on the problems of children : health, education, social welfare and poverty, child abuse and exploitation.
She has developed strong relationships with several international personalities, such as Queen Rania of Jordan, Suzanne Mubarak, several networks, collaborations and organizations such as Global Coalition Women Defending Peace focusing on the establishment of a culture of peace in the world.
In 2013 Marianna Vardinoyannis joined the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Board along with Ismail Serageldin, Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Tarja Halonen, Suleyman Demirel, Roza Otunbayeva, Ambassador Walter Fust and Federico Mayor Zaragoza. It is a cultural, non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to the memory of Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, the study and dissemination of his works, the promotion of the principles embodied in his writings, the advancement of culture and creative expression, and the promotion of learning, dialogue, tolerance and understanding between cultures and people.
The first Children's Oncology Hospital
On 14 October 2010, the Elpida (Hope) Children's Oncology Hospital which is among the first hospitals of its kind to be built in Europe (located in Athens, Greece), was inaugurated and opened to the public.
Elpida which is Marianna Vardinoyannis' lifetime goal, focuses on the care of children with cancer. It is equipped with highly advanced technological medical equipment used for cancer treatment.
Awards and honors
- Légion d'Honneur. Title conferred in 2006 by the French Republic.[1]
- Golden Cross of the Order of Benefaction by the Hellenic Republic[2]
See also
References
- ↑ "PORTRAIT - Marianna Vardinoyannis honorĂŠe pour ses combats". Lepetitjournal.com. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
- ↑ "Trustees - Marianna V. Vardinoyannis". Mentor International. 1947-10-04. Archived from the original on 2015-09-27. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
External links
- Ambassador of Good Will Marianna Vardinoyannis on the official Website of U.N.E.S.C.O. (in English) - (in French)
- Official Website of Elpida Children's Oncology Hospital (in Greek) - (in English)