Draft:Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsi

Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsi (Greek: Εριέττα Κούρκουλου-Λάτση; born 1993) is a Greek activist and ethical investor. She is recognized for her work in animal welfare, children's rights and promoting veganism. Kourkoulou-Latsis advocacy focuses on extending empathy towards all living beings.

Early life, family and education
Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsi is the daughter of Marianna Latsis and Nikos Kourkoulos and the granddaughter of Ioannis "Yiannis" Latsis and Erietta Tsoukala. She has three brothers, Filippos Kourkoulos Latsis, Paris Kasidokostas and Alkis Kourkoulos, and one sister, Melita Kourkoulou. She married Vyron Vasileiadis in 2020. In 2022, she gave birth to a son, Nikos Vasileidis Kourkoulos.

Kourkoulou-Latsi completed her secondary education before enrolling at the American College of Greece (Deree) from 2012 to 2017, majoring in Sociology. In 2020 she received a master's degree in Animal Studies from the New York University.

Career
Kourkoulou-Latsi has dedicated her professional life to advocating for the ethical treatment of animals and raising awareness about the importance of compassion and responsible stewardship. Her work aims to foster an environment where all creatures are treated with kindness and respect.

Save a Greek Stray
In 2012, at the age 15, Kourkoulou-Latsi established her first non-governmental organization, Save a Greek Stray. The organization was founded in response to the high number of stray animals in Greece and initially concentrated on rescuing and rehoming animals in need. To facilitate these efforts, an animal shelter and veterinary clinic were established in Oropos. At this facility, animals receive individual accommodation and veterinary care before being rehomed.

its activities by implementing several programs aimed at increasing public awareness about the issue of stray animals in Greece and exploring solutions. The initiatives also highlight the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. These programs include educational initiatives in schools, sterilization programs, and therapy dog programs.

A Promise to Animals
In 2020, Kourkoulou-Latsi founded a second NGO, A Promise to Animals. This NGO focuses on raising awareness about the negative impacts of livestock farming and the consumption of animal products. Its activities include education, public outreach, and legal advocacy, with the goal of promoting a shift towards a plant-based diet.

The NGO, A Promise to Animals, has been active in various advocacy and educational projects. It conducted researches on Greek poultry and pig farms, campaigned against equine cruelty, and organized a photo exhibition in collaboration with Jo-Anne McArthur displayed in Greek Metro Stations, which focused on the exploitation of animals by humans. Additionally, the organization hosted the first Vegan Medical Conference in Greece. A Promise to Animals also organized an event at the office of the European Parliament in Greece titled "Cultivating the Future - Good Practices in Europe," which highlighted the Danish initiative on producing and promoting plant-based food.

Holy Llama
In 2022, along with her business partner Kellina Dimitriadi, Kourkoulou-Latsi introduced Holy Llama, the first exclusively vegan bakery in Athens. Initially established as a business-to-business (B2B) bakery in Immitos, Holy Llama expanded by opening its first flagship retail store in Syntagma later that year.

Ethical Investments
In addition to her involvement with the legacy businesses of the Latsis Family Office, Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsi has engaged in a series of ethical investments. These investments include direct funding in vegan startups and participation in specialized venture funds, predominantly focused on the food tech industry.

In 2022 she became a member of the board of The Greek Cancer Society.

Philanthropy
In addition to her various business endeavors, Kourkoulou-Latsi engages in philanthropy through two foundations.

Matilda Foundation
In 2019, Kourkoulou-Latsi was elected president of the Matilda Foundation. The foundation is committed to safeguarding children from various forms of abuse, including abandonment, neglect, and exploitation. Additionally, it focuses on promoting and protecting the fundamental and inalienable rights of children.

To effectively serve this purpose, the Foundation supports and cooperates closely with public and private non-profit organizations possessing expertise in child protection. These partnerships aim to implement programs geared towards preventing and addressing instances of child abuse and neglect effectively.

Kind Things Public Benefit Foundation
In 2023, Erietta Kourkoulou-Latsi established the "Kind Things" Public Benefit Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to a wide array of causes, spanning from animal welfare and veganism to supporting children, vulnerable social groups, society, and the environment. "Kind Things" has already provided support for various initiatives, including the "hebe" program, which focuses on cryopreservation of reproductive material for female cancer patients and the "Relief initiatives for those affected by the catastrophic floods in Thessaly".