The room was filled with smiles, handshakes, and discussions rich in substance. The WISTA Hellas Gala Dinner 2025 was not just a night of recognition – it was a celebration of genuine action, leadership that serves consistently, and collaboration that builds bridges in a demanding industry.
WISTA Hellas confirmed once again that everything it does is targeted and meaningful, not for show. Every choice, every initiative, and every award reflects the real impact on the professional community and the empowerment of women in shipping.
WISTA Hellas Leadership Award 2025
This year’s Leadership Award was presented to Metaxia Psaltis, Chief Operating Officer of Neda Maritime Agency Co. Ltd., a WISTA Hellas member since 2007 and the first woman elected Vice President of INTERCARGO. Metaxia Psaltis’ journey is an example of leadership founded on hard work, collaboration, and ongoing support for other women, paving the way for professional advancement and sustainable growth in the sector.
In her speech, Ms. Psaltis emphasized that leadership is not a theory but action. Every decision, every project, and every challenge is met with integrity, determination, and respect for those around her. She underscored that success is the result of collective effort and trust and warmly thanked her team, partners, and family for their support.
The President of WISTA Hellas highlighted that the Leadership Award is preserved with strict, clear, and unchanging criteria, to spotlight professionals who truly excel in leadership, excellence, and enhancing inclusion in the workplace. Every action of theassociation serves substance, meritocracy, and the strategic promotion of professional development for its members and women in shipping.
Special Recognition Awards
One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation of the Special Recognition Awards to two officers of the Coast Guard. This award, established by WISTA Hellas a few years ago, is not merely a formal recognition. For the association, these awards express a deeper obligation: to highlight the real, often quiet contributions of women in the Coast Guard, who serve with dedication, professionalism, and selflessness in a particularly demanding field.
In an era where social norms are often shaped by superficial images rather than substantive role models, WISTA Hellas sees it as its duty to shine a light on the genuine contributions, courage, and effectiveness of women safeguarding human life at sea.
These particular awards remind us that shipping is not only found in offices but also on the front lines – where a moment’s decision can save lives.
This year’s honorees were:
– Lieutenant Anastasia Abraham, for her long-standing contribution to the training of personnel and the promotion of human rights.
– Ensign Athanasia Vrekou, for her outstanding contribution to search and rescue operations and the protection of human life at sea.
The awards were presented by the Chief of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Tryfonas Kontizas, who, in his speech, warmly thanked WISTA Hellas for the initiative, highlighting the importance of recognizing women in the Coast Guard and the significant impact of the association’s actions.
The evening flowed with constructive discussions, exchange of experiences, and cooperative bridges, showcasing the strength of the WISTA Hellas community, its unity, and its influence in the industry.WISTA Hellas warmly thanks its sponsors: Bureau Veritas Group, Hill Dickinson LLP, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., Lockton P.L. Ferrari, UK P&I Club, UK Defence Club, International Registries, Inc., DAC Beachcroft, for their ongoing support that makes such meaningful initiatives possible and strengthens the association’s efforts to support and empower women in shipping.
