Sofia Kouvelaki, CEO of The HOME Project, announced as Obama Foundation European Leader

Sofia Kouvelaki, the Founder and CEO of The HOME Project, a nonprofit that provides child protection services to unaccompanied refugee children in Greece, has been selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders: Europe program.

The Leaders: Europe program identifies emerging leaders working in government, civil society, and the private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good. It aims to build a growing network of innovative and ethical changemakers who seek to drive change in their communities while developing and supporting one another.

The group of 35 emerging leaders, represents 18 countries from all over Europe.

Sofia Kouvelaki has led the HOME Project in creating 11 shelters in Athens, supporting more than 520 children, and creating 140 jobs.

Core to Sofia’s approach is her emphasis on developing healthy relationships between local and refugee communities and enhancing the social inclusion of refugee children.

The Obama Foundation Leaders: Europe program was started by former US president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

As part of the six-month, non-residential program, these European changemakers will convene online weekly for interactive virtual sessions, through which they will hone their leadership skills, build deep relationships with a small group of European peers, and engage with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community on ways to drive and scale change.

The leaders will also have an opportunity to participate in other virtual programming, including a variety of special events and one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors and other leaders within the Foundation’s global network.