The AXIOS Project is an action hub galvanizing the Greek diaspora’s ingenuity, philotimo, and resources toward solving climate and environmental challenges in the homeland of our ancestors—and for the benefit of all humanity. We raise awareness, cultivate networks, and mobilize philanthropic and investment capital toward high-leverage projects and opportunities.
Our focus is the high-stakes environmental challenges of Greece: wildfires, extreme heat, dwindling freshwater, ocean conservation, and more. But we also believe that Greece can be a proving ground, where the solutions and technologies of the future can be developed, tested, and scaled across the Mediterranean and beyond.
We exist because we believe the Greek diaspora— particularly the Greek-American community, with its deep ties to Greece—can and should punch above its weight in tackling the many climate and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Since producing our foundational documentary, “Greece: A Climate Hotspot” in 2024, we’ve discovered a surprisingly large constellation of incredible Greeks and Greek-Americans— leading entrepreneurs and business leaders, top scientists and academics, passionate young professionals and students—pushing the cutting edge on the topics of climate, energy, and the environment. Greek-diaspora talent abounds on this topic, representing an untapped resource waiting to be harnessed.
What has been missing to date is a concerted effort to bring Greeks together and channel our efforts to drive real impact on these critical challenges.
This is why we launched The AXIOS Project.
Who We Are
“A graduate of Tufts University and New England Conservatory, George has varied professional experiences in climate advocacy, politics, civic engagement, and the arts. Currently, he serves as Chief Strategy Officer of the Climate Solutions Fund, where he works with conservative leaders across the country to build and accelerate leadership on climate and energy issues. This work has been covered in media outlets across the country, including the The Washington Post, NPR, Newsweek, Associated Press, The Hill, CNN, and Politico. George is also an Aspen Institute Future Climate Leader, and is the youngest ever board member at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life, the nation’s premier educational institution focused on the on civic education and engagement of young people. Born and raised in Massachusetts, George and his family are proud Greek-Americans, and are very active in a number of Greek organizations, including The Hellenic Initiative, Leadership 100 and the National Hellenic Society.”
George Behrakis
Co-Founder
“A double graduate of Yale University (BA in Ethics, Politics & Economics and Master of Environmental Management), George Gemelas is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Climate Solutions Fund, where he works to accelerate leadership on climate and energy across the country. Alongside collaborator George Behrakis, his work has been featured in media outlets nationwide. Based in Indiana, George was named the 2022–2024 “Outstanding Fellow” of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation and writes a monthly column for the Indianapolis Business Journal. He is a proud Greek-American with roots in Chios, Ikaria, Cyprus, and Asia Minor, and serves on the Executive Board and is an Alumni Board Member of the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation.”
George Gemelas
Co-Founder
Lenie Tsakonas
Creative Director
“With roots on both sides of the immigration story—first-generation on one side, second-generation on the other—Lenie Tsakonas is a proud Greek-American working at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and climate action. She currently serves as Creative Director of The AXIOS Project, where she leads the strategic vision and execution of the organization’s brand launch and creative initiatives. In addition to her work with AXIOS, Lenie is Director of Creative Productions & Client Experience at a leading full-service video production firm, where she oversees multi-platform campaigns and manages cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact work across brand, marketing, and design. With a background in brand storytelling, production, and visual communication, Lenie brings a unique perspective to her creative leadership—one rooted in heritage, purpose, and a drive to make beautiful, meaningful work. She is an alumna of Indiana University Indianapolis and remains deeply involved in national Greek-American and Orthodox Christian initiatives centered on youth, environment, and cultural legacy. She was most recently named the National Chair of the National Young Adult League Board of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.”
