NEO ::magazine


	Neo Magazine and Leadership 100 have partnered to present a monthly profile of the New Generation of Leaders who belong to the Leadership 100 Partners Program which recruits young Greek American professionals on the rise in their careers, making membership affordable and providing a network for meeting their peers. Leadership 100 was founded 25 years ago by the visionary Archbishop Iakovos and a small band of outstanding Greek American businessmen who wished to support the Greek Orthodox Church and perpetuate their faith and Hellenic heritage in America, passing it on to future generations. Cynthia Raftis Position: Vice President, Carnegie Office Park Education: B.A., University of Pittsburgh Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Who or what were the main influences in your life? My parents, Spiros and Anastasia Raftis. How did you get into your present work? I studied economics and communications in college and then went into the family business of real estate development. As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100? My parents are members of Leadership 100 and I believe in the goals of the organization, especially the funding for scholarships at Holy Cross School of Theology which educates future priests, the foundation of our Church. I also have friends who are members of Leadership 100. How would you evaluate your so far experience in the organization? Excellent. I have enjoyed all the annual conferences at which I have been exposed to outstanding speakers that I otherwise would not have known about. As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100? Leadership 100 must increase membership, especially amongst young adults, while, at the same time, increasing awareness of Orthodoxy and Hellenism both in the U.S.A. and the around the globe. How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life? Yes, it has provided a social network of other young adults and opportunity to meet outstanding clergy and hierarchy and build important relationships. What qualities do you most admire or value in others? The qualities I most admire are integrity and philanthropy. It all comes done to: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” What do you consider your greatest achievement? Building the family business and increasing my personal and spiritual development. Every day I get a little closer to the Lord is an achievement. Who are your heroes in real life? The Panagia, my mother and Mother Teresa. How do you spend your time outside of work? I enjoy golfing, gardening and swimming. What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis? Maybe we are at low point and this is the time to think about saving for a rainy day. But I do think the economy will turn around for the better with patience and time. Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now? I thought a lot about this but I could answer that I live a day at a time, continuing to develop personally and spiritually as I go along, bending my will to God’s will. What is your idea of happiness? The calmness of my soul that The Jesus Prayer brings.