2026 Top Female Entrepreneurs in Cyprus Excellence Awards: Official Winners Revealed

The Votes are Counted. The Results are Official.

Thank you to the thousands of participants across the network economy who cast their votes and shaped this historic initiative. Following a rigorous data verification process to ensure absolute transparency, the voting period has officially closed, and the data models have yielded our final results.

This year, our network witnessed an extraordinary milestone: due to an exact, mathematical convergence of public votes for three final nominees, the 2026 Excellence Awards proudly honors the Top 21 Female Entrepreneurs in Cyprus. Rather than breaking a pristine tie artificially, we have expanded this elite circle to 21 to justly honor every visionary leader who achieved peak democratic authority.

We are proud to unveil the official, definitive list of the Top 21 Female Winners for the 2026 Excellence Awards – the elite tier of female entrepreneurship within the Cypriot economy.

Top Female Entrepreneurus in Cyprus 2026

  • Dr. Katerina Theodoridou
  • Dr. Celia Hadjichristodoulou
  • Dr. Marianna Prokoppi Demetriadou
  • Elena Tanou
  • Farah Shammas
  • Miranda Tringis
  • Monica Meleki
  • Dr. Eleni Siamplettou
  • Dr. Louza Sophocleous
  • Elena Andreou (PhD Candidate)
  • Eugenia Herodotou (DBA Candidate)
  • Xenia Neofytou
  • Maria Lavithi
  • Anna Vourgou
  • Marina Zevedeou
  • Monica Ioannidou Polemiti
  • Dimitra Andreou
  • Georgina Kyriakoudes
  • Anna Prodromou (PhD Candidate)
  • Christiana Aristidou
  • Maria Panayiotou

Category 1: Top Female Entrepreneur in Cyprus: Established Industry Titans & Strategic Leaders (2026 Nominee)

These women lead large, well-established organizations, demonstrating strategic prowess and significant economic contribution.

Farah Shammas (Owner and Director, St. Raphael Resort)

Farah Shammas is the Managing Director of the St Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol, Cyprus, and she has earned recognition as a business executive. Farah has made headlines for opening the island’s first official vegan beach restaurant, showcasing her commitment to eco-friendly and health-conscious tourism. She is not only focused on her business activities but also promotes plant-based nutrition through the Farah’s Club Community and Cook Vegan, which provides its members with recipes, guidance for leading healthy lives, and support. As the author of two books, both for adults and children, she greatly reveals her passion for self-care and kindness. Through her diverse efforts, Farah encourages people to lead a healthy and eco-friendly way of life.

Elena Tanou (Owner and Director, Top Kinisis Travel PLC)

Elena Tanou is a highly dynamic woman entrepreneur in Cyprus, recognized for her extensive three-decade career in the travel and tourism industry, where she built and expanded Topkinisis Travel PLC into an international, publicly listed business. Beyond her significant business accomplishments, Elena is dedicated to building a lasting legacy for the community, championing businesses and nurturing young leaders.

As Vice President of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and former three-term President of the Nicosia Tourism Board, she has consistently promoted the private sector’s growth in the Cypriot economy. Her commitment extends to empowering women in business, actively inspiring and mentoring aspiring female entrepreneurs through her roles as former President of the Cypriot Federation of Business Women and Professionals (BPW) and a European Ambassador of Business Women Entrepreneurs. Elena Tanou is also a vocal activist for commercial transparency and entrepreneurship, highlighted by her role as Vice-Chairman of the Cyprus Integrity Forum, fostering an ethical and healthy business environment for all.

despina Theodosiou

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou - Founder & CEO of Tototheo Global

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou is a highly distinguished business leader recognized for her transformative contributions to the global maritime and technology sectors. As the joint CEO of Tototheo Global, she has spearheaded the company’s evolution into a world-class provider of satellite connectivity, digitalization, and AI-driven analytics. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, she has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional maritime operations and modern technological innovation.

Despina’s influence extends far beyond her corporate achievements. She served as the President of WISTA International from 2017 to 2022, where she led the organization to secure consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and significantly increased the global visibility of women in shipping. Her commitment to public service and industry development is evidenced by her past roles as Chairperson of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and Vice President of the Natural Gas Infrastructure Company, as well as her current position as Vice President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber

Marina Zevedeou (CEO, The Aspen Trust Group)

As the CEO of The Aspen Trust Group, Marina Zevedeou helps guide a leading corporate services company in Cyprus. Due to her long experience in the financial sector, she has been important in making the company successful and entering new countries. The company has flourished under her leadership by adopting new ideas and recruiting women from many different cultures to be a part of the workforce. Marina works hard for gender equality and mentorship as a member of WICCI Cyprus and the G100 Global Trade Wing. She has spent years working to support women in business, and for that, she was given prestigious awards, including Citywealth 2023’s Mentor of the Year and Madame Figaro’s Professional/Businesswomen Woman of the Year 2023. Alongside her business success, Marina Zevedeou continues to motivate others and demonstrate good leadership, ensuring that her influence is felt for a long time.

Anna Vourgos

Anna Vourgos – Founder, Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers Ltd

Anna Vourgos is an acknowledged businesswoman for making important contributions to the maritime insurance industry in Cyprus. Being its Director, Founder, and Shareholder, she worked with others to start Aphentrica in 1994 and build it into a major name in the industry. She has gained experience from important international broking firms and shipping companies located in London as well as Cyprus. Anna has gone above her business skills to stand firmly by women’s rights in the field of shipping. During her years as President (2017-2022) of WISTA Cyprus, she advanced women’s rights in the industry and aided in their career growth. Anna is involved in several Committees, for example the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and the Cyprus Marine Club, where she helps with the development of marine activities. Because of her leadership and support, Anna Vourgos continues to motivate and clear the path for women aiming for a career in business and maritime professions.

Dr Zoe Nikolaou

Dr. Zoe Nicolaou - Founder and Director of CCMFC

Dr. Zoe Nicolaou is a highly respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who has made pioneering contributions to the medical and dental fields in Cyprus. As the founder and leading surgeon of her specialized clinic, she has established a center of excellence for complex surgical procedures, focusing on orthognathic surgery and trauma. She brings a wealth of expertise gained through rigorous clinical training and advanced academic pursuits at prestigious institutions abroad and within Cyprus.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Nicolaou is a passionate advocate for professional standards and the advancement of women in medicine. She has served as the President of the Cyprus Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where she worked to enhance the visibility of the specialty and support the professional growth of her peers. Her involvement in various scientific committees and international medical boards reflects her dedication to staying at the forefront of surgical innovation and patient care.

Category 2: Top Female Entrepreneur in Cyprus: Visionary Leaders & Industry Game-Changers (2026 Nominee)

These women are at the forefront of significant industry shifts, demonstrating high levels of innovation and broad economic impact.

Dr Marianna Prokopi Demetriou

Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades – Co-Founder Theramir Ltd, Promed Bioscience

Known for pushing the fields of personalized oncology and tissue regeneration, Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades is a well-known molecular biologist, biotech pioneer, and founder. She is credited, as the founder and head of three innovative companies—Theramir Ltd, RSL Revolutionary Labs Ltd, and Promed Bioscience Ltd—for working on new therapies that rely on nanotechnology, microRNAs, and dermaceuticals to make cancer treatment better and more bearable for patients. Thanks to her amazing achievements, she has won several awards, including the Falling Walls Women’s Impact Award 2024, the Forbes 20 Women in Tech Cyprus 2023, and the King’s College London Distinguished Alumni Award in STEM. Besides her research, Dr. Prokopi-Demetriades helps women in STEM and entrepreneurship and encourages talented young individuals to follow in her footsteps. Her achievements improve medical science as well as help to foster a friendly environment for women in the fields of business and technology.

Dr. Katerina Theodoridou - Director, R&D and Project Management at CSICY

Dr. Katerina Theodoridou is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of social innovation, currently serving as the Director of Research & Development and Project Management at the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) Cyprus. With a Ph.D. focused on educational technology and social impact, she has been instrumental in positioning CSI as a premier R&D hub that addresses systemic social and economic challenges through disruptive, sustainable solutions. Her leadership involves overseeing a vast portfolio of international projects, where she bridges the gap between high-level research and practical, community-based applications.

Beyond her executive role, Dr. Theodoridou is recognized for her extensive expertise in curriculum development, social entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of marginalized groups. She has successfully managed numerous European Commission-funded initiatives, fostering collaborations between private entities, NGOs, and governmental bodies to drive social progress. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to evidence-based innovation, ensuring that every project delivers measurable impact and contributes to the evolution of the “social enterprise” model in Cyprus and across Europe.

Evgenia Herodotou - CEO and Co-Founder of EnergyIntel.

Evgenia Herodotou is a transformative leader in the renewable energy sector, recognized for her strategic role in driving the green transition in Cyprus and beyond. As the CEO of EnergyIntel, she has successfully evolved a family-run business into a high-tech powerhouse focused on solar thermal technology and advanced energy storage solutions. Her leadership is characterized by a “forensic” approach to innovation, bridging the gap between traditional energy infrastructure and the urgent demand for sustainable, carbon-neutral alternatives. Evgenia has been instrumental in securing significant R&D investment and establishing strategic international partnerships, positioning Cyprus as a hub for clean-tech excellence. A vocal proponent of the circular economy and gender diversity in the energy market, she actively contributes to policy discussions and industry development. Through her ability to navigate complex technical and regulatory landscapes, Evgenia continues to clear the path for sustainable entrepreneurship, embodying the very essence of a visionary industry game-changer.

Louiza Sophocleous

Louiza Sophocleous – CTO, The Mighty Kitchen

Louiza Sophocleous is the CTO and Co-founder of The Mighty Kitchen.

The Mighty Kitchen is a food technology company based in Larnaca, Cyprus, that specializes in revolutionizing alternative meat products. They use their own IP-protected technology, leveraging data modeling and materials chemistry, to produce delicious, fibrous, plant-based poultry and other meat products and ingredients. Their mission is to improve the food system with flavorful, healthy, plant-based options that positively impact the environment, elevate human health, and improve animal welfare globally.

Louiza is a key figure in the company’s innovation, leading the development team, which comprises scientists who are also “foodies.” She emphasizes using collective expertise to address functional challenges in meat alternatives, including through a proprietary fats platform.

She has been recognized for her contributions, with The Mighty Kitchen receiving innovation awards, including the Manufacturing Sector Award from the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) in 2023. Louiza herself was noted in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 for the Middle East and Cyprus in the Women in Leadership category, partly for fostering a majority female workforce at The Mighty Kitchen.

 

Georgina Kyriakoudes

Georgina Kyriakoudes – CEO and Founder, Aria Health

Georgina Kyriakoudes is the CEO and Founder of Aria Health, a healthtech company based in Cyprus. Aria Health is pioneering a blockchain-based health data ecosystem that aims to revolutionize how health data is securely and transparently transacted, putting patients back in the center. Their platform empowers patients to have control over their medical records, share them securely and anonymously for research, and earn rewards for their contributions.

Georgina has been leading Web3.0 projects in the healthcare space since 2018, conducting research in the topic as part of her MSc in Blockchain (she was among the first 40 individuals worldwide to obtain a Master’s degree in Blockchain in 2018). Her research has been published in The Lancet and other leading journals. Advocate for Female Entrepreneurship: She is active in the female entrepreneurship scene, serving as the Cyprus representative for the EU Female Founders Forum and has been nominated as Female Innovator of the Year by Madame Figaro.

Dimitra Andreou

Dimitra Andreou - Founder, creator, and visionary of Insavior.

Dimitra Andreou is the Founder, CEO, creator, and visionary of Insavior.

Insavior is an innovative mobile application designed for women’s safety and protection. Its core features include an SOS button and a community network that offers immediate and practical help to women in danger, promoting female solidarity.

Her vision is to empower and protect women by creating a strong community of users who can support each other in emergencies.

Dimitra Andreou has a background in Social Sciences and Humanities & International Human Resources Management. She is a strong advocate for women’s safety and solidarity.

Category 3: Top Female Entrepreneur in Cyprus: Influential Professionals & Advocates for Business Development (2026 Nominee)

Dr. Celia Hadjichristodoulou - Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting

Dr. Celia Hadjichristodoulou is the Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting, and a highly accomplished professional in Cyprus, known for her expertise in EU funding programs, entrepreneurship development, and leadership.

Dr. Hadjichristodoulou holds A PhD from the Management School of the University of Sheffield (2013), an MPhil in Management Studies from the University of Cambridge (2004) and a BSc in Accounting and Finance (First Class Honours) from the London School of Economics (LSE) (2003). She also serves as the Administrative Director of the Future Skills Hub at European University Cyprus, a unit focused on upskilling and reskilling professionals in emerging fields.

She is an accredited HRDA trainer and has served as a Visiting Lecturer at several Cypriot business schools (including EUC, CIIM, CIM) for over 16 years, teaching on entrepreneurship, professional development, and strategy. Dr. Hadjichristodoulou received the “Madame Figaro Businesswoman of the Year Award” in 2018.

Monica Ioannidou Polemitis – Founder and CEO, Hybrid ConsulTech

Monica Ioannidou Polemitis is an accomplished professional in Cyprus with over 20 years of experience in strategic advisory, innovation, and digital transformation.

She is the Founder and CEO of Hybrid ConsulTech, a company offering digital transformation solutions across Europe and the Middle East, with a focus on revolutionizing marketing and sales operations through comprehensive digital strategies.

She served as the Regional Head of Strategy and Management Consulting at Baker Tilly South East Europe, focusing on corporate innovation, data analytics, and sustainability strategies.

In July 2023, she was appointed by the Council of Ministers to the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus for a 5-year term. She is a dedicated advocate for supporting women in business, serving as a founding member and President of the International Chamber of Commerce (Cyprus) Women Network, and is also a member of AIPFE Women of Europe and Business Professional Women (BPW) association.

Elia Nicolaou – Managing Director, Amicorp Cyprus

Elia Nicolaou is a highly experienced professional in commercial, corporate, and funds law, currently serving as the Managing Director of Amicorp (Cyprus) Ltd. She has over 20 years of experience in business and management consulting, corporate structuring, banking, fund licensing and administration, ESG consulting, capital markets, securitizations, and investor services.

She holds an LLB in Law from the University of Nottingham, an LLM in commercial and corporate law from University College London, UK, and an MBA from the Cyprus International Institute of Management. She is also qualified with the Cyprus Bar Association. Beyond her role at Amicorp, Elia Nicolaou is actively involved in the Cypriot business community.  She participates in various associations of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce, including her presidency of the Cyprus-East and South East Asia Business Association. She sits on the boards of other listed and private companies, including being the President of the ESG Committee for Globaltrans Investment PLC/CIFA.

Xenia Neophytou –(CEO CX Financia and Center8 Education)

Xenia Neophytou is a prominent figure in financial services regulation, compliance, and corporate advisory in Cyprus. She is the Founder and Managing Director of C.X. Financia Ltd., a boutique advisory firm specializing in financial services regulation, licensing, AML compliance, internal audits, and corporate governance for various regulated entities like Investment Firms, Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs), Investment Funds, and Payment Institutions. She has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, holding key positions such as CEO, CFO, and Financial Controller in reputable Cypriot firms prior to founding CX Financia.

Xenia is deeply adept in matters pertaining to Cyprus company law, Cyprus tax and VAT law, banking, and regulatory compliance. She is recognized for her strengths in developing and implementing AML frameworks, conducting internal audits, advising on licensing obligations, and shaping corporate governance structures.

She is an active member of various technical committees, including CYFA (AML & Compliance Affairs), CIFA (HR & Training), and ICPAC (Administrative Services and International Business), contributing her expertise to advance practices in the financial industry. She has participated in events focused on “Empowering Women in Tech” and has shared insights on crafting personalized financial plans and securing funding

Nicole K. Phinopoulou - Founder of Liberty Life & Legal Consultant

Nicole Phinopoulou is a distinguished legal strategist and a leading advocate for the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles within the Cypriot business landscape. As the founder of her own specialized legal and consulting practice, she has successfully bridged the “Data Gap” between traditional corporate law and the modern demand for sustainable, ethical business operations. With an academic foundation from University College London (UCL), Nicole brings a “Forensic” level of detail to corporate compliance and regulatory affairs. She is a prominent voice in the professional community, frequently contributing to policy discussions that shape the future of business development in Cyprus. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to transparency and innovation, ensuring that the brands she advises move toward a model of “Sublime Authority” backed by international legal standards.

Natalie Masrujeh – Co-Founder, Teach 'n Go

Natalie Masrujeh is a seasoned entrepreneur and a pivotal figure in the Cypriot startup landscape. She is the Co-Founder of Teach ‘n Go, a cloud-based school management platform that serves educational institutions in over 55 countries. An engineer by trade with a deep focus on product and growth, Natalie has a proven track record of scaling disruptive ventures. Beyond her own company, she is a powerful advocate for the business ecosystem, serving as a Co-Founder and Board Member of Startup Cyprus and co-hosting “The Talk Show,” a popular podcast dedicated to entrepreneurship and innovation. Her ability to bridge technical excellence with strategic business development makes her a standout nominee for this category.

Category 4: Top Female Entrepreneur in Cyprus: Unique Ventures (2026 Nominee)

These entrepreneurs have a strong connection to local communities, offering unique products or services that enhance quality of life or represent cultural impact.

Katerina Sofocleous – Co-Founder and COO, AmaDema

Katerina Sofocleous is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AmaDema, a pioneering deep technology company in Cyprus. AmaDema’s core activity is the enhancement of technical fabrics for better mechanical properties, developing groundbreaking solutions for sectors like aerospace, defense, and automotive.

As COO, Katerina is instrumental in translating AmaDema’s cutting-edge scientific research into operational reality, efficiently scaling the company’s complex development and commercialization processes. Her leadership in the traditionally male-dominated deep tech sector exemplifies entrepreneurial drive, strategic vision, and operational excellence, making her a powerful inspiration for aspiring female leaders in STEM and entrepreneurship in Cyprus and beyond.

Maria Panayiotou –Managing Director of GMM Fund Management

Maria Panayiotou is the Managing Director and the AML Compliance Officer of GMM Fund Management, an AIFM licensed and regulated by CySEC. She is also the president of the Cyprus Investment Fund Association (CIFA). Prior to joining GMM Fund Management, she was serving as the Head of the Company Administration of LLPO Law Firm with 15 years of experience in the fields of registration, administration, advising and structuring of companies in various professional sectors and industries and she was the AML Compliance Officer of LLPO Law Firm since 2016 and Compliance Officer’s Assistant of LLPO Law Firm since 2010. She is also approved as a NOMAD for Cyprus Stock Exchange.

Mrs. Panayiotou holds an MSc in Finance (University of Cyprus) and a BSc in Economics (University of Cyprus) and she passed the Advanced Examination on Financial Services Legal Framework from the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commissions.

Despo Lefkariti—Owner, Founder—DeLeMa McCANN

Despo Lekariti is a leading figure in the Cypriot communication and advertising landscape. After completing her marketing studies in London, she began her career in Greece at her family’s petroleum business before returning to Cyprus to found DELEMA in 1985. Under her leadership, the agency grew into one of the largest and most creative communication groups on the island, eventually becoming affiliated with McCann Worldgroup, a top global network. Beyond her corporate role, she is a dedicated advocate for professional standards and social causes, serving as the President of the Cyprus Communication Agencies Association (SDEK) and the President of the Cyprus Advertising Self-Regulation Organisation (FED). She is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts as a founding member of the “Miracle Babies” Association and for supporting various NGOs through her agency’s work.

Monika Meleki – Actreess & Founder of "Theatriko Ergastiri Monika Meleki"

Monika Meleki is the visionary Founder of Theatriko Ergastiri Monika Meleki (Monika Meleki’s Theatre Workshop), a pivotal institution on Cyprus’s cultural stage.

Through her extensive work and artistic leadership, Monika has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural landscape of Cyprus. Her workshop, serving both children and adults, uniquely leverages theatre as a powerful medium for spotting and addressing pressing social issues, encouraging critical dialogue and fostering empathy among participants and audiences alike.

Her contribution as a female leader is distinguished by her artistic vision, profound social consciousness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Monika Meleki exemplifies how cultural ventures, under dedicated female leadership, can profoundly impact community dialogue and understanding, inspiring positive change through the transformative power of performance.

Miranda Tringis – Owner and Founder, Cyherbia Botanical Park

Miranda Tringis is the visionary Founder of Cyherbia Botanical Park & Gardens, a unique agri-tourism and wellness destination located in Avgorou, Cyprus.

As founder, Miranda single-handedly conceived and developed Cyherbia into a thriving park dedicated to cultivating Cypriot herbs, producing essential oils, and offering a distinctive visitor and educational experience. Her leadership has not only created a successful niche business but also significantly contributed to Cyprus’s eco-tourism and agricultural diversification.

Her contribution as a female leader is notable for her pioneering spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and deep commitment to sustainability and education. Miranda Tringis exemplifies how female visionaries can build impactful, multi-faceted enterprises that blend nature, wellness, and economic development, serving as an inspiration for others in Cyprus and beyond.

Chrystallena Poulli - Founder of CP Herbalist

Chrystallena Poulli is the visionary Founder and CEO of CP Herbalist, a company specializing in the creation of natural cosmetics and therapeutic herbal products. With a deep commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship, she has successfully transformed her passion for nature and wellness into a flourishing business that bridges traditional herbal wisdom with modern manufacturing standards. Her leadership is defined by a “Forensic” attention to detail in the production process, ensuring that every product aligns with her high standards of quality and integrity. As an original founder with an academic background and years of operational success, Chrystallena has established a unique niche in the Cypriot market, moving her brand toward a position of “Sublime Authority” within the local herbal and wellness industry.

Category 5: Top Female Entrepreneur in Cyprus: Digital Innovators & Emerging Tech Leaders (2026 Nominee)

These women are making significant strides in the digital and tech landscape, often with startups or specialized digital services.

Maria Lavithi portrait

Maria Lavithi – Founder, Heroes Made

Maria Lavithi is the visionary Founder and CEO of Heroes Made, a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) platform transforming how students in elementary education build lifelong skills.

With a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Louisiana and over a decade in the U.S. corporate world in business development and communications, Maria returned to Cyprus to create an educational solution rooted in story, emotion, and purpose.

She is now leading the international expansion of Heroes Made, with pilots showing 100% student engagement and partnerships underway across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. In 2024, the platform was nominated for the prestigious Best of ISTE award, recognizing it as one of the most innovative EdTech solutions globally.

Beyond her company, Maria serves on the Cyprus Entrepreneurship Competition (CyEC) committee and mentors local and international startups through various incubators. She has represented Cyprus at global innovation events, including the Creative Business Cup and Global Startup Forums, promoting entrepreneurship, equity in education, and the power of SEL as a tool for long-term societal change.

Her work bridges education, innovation, and purpose, driven by the belief that knowledge matters, but it is the person who carries it that defines its value.

Maria Militsopoulou nominee for BSA awards

Maria Militsopoulou (Founder & CEO/CVO of YouDream TECH HUB)

Maria Militsopoulou is a visionary entrepreneur and strategic leader, serving as the Founder & CEO/CVO of YouDream TECH HUB and the Founder of Women Empowerment Worldwide Leadership (WEWiL.global). At the helm of a future-focused IT and business consulting firm, Maria drives innovation through a powerful international network, while also pioneering holistic leadership models that empower women globally. Through WEWiL, she supports C-level women in navigating the demands of high-stakes careers with purpose and balance. As Cyprus Senator at the World Business Angels Investment Forum and Country Chair for the WEF/G100 Tech & Innovation wing, Maria brings global thought leadership to local ecosystems. She is the creator of the “MY-DREAM™” transformational coaching model and is widely recognized as a motivator, author, and advocate of mindful leadership. Her work consistently blends business strategy with compassion, shaping the next generation of resilient and empowered female executives.

Maria Terzi

Dr. Maria Terzi - Co-Founder Malloc

Dr. Maria Terzi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Malloc, a pioneering startup specializing in data privacy and cybersecurity. Holding a PhD in Machine Learning, she has leveraged her deep technical expertise to develop AI-driven solutions that protect mobile users from spyware and unauthorized data collection. Her leadership has propelled Malloc into the global spotlight, securing significant investment and participation in prestigious programs like Y Combinator. Dr. Terzi is a prominent advocate for data privacy and a role model for women in the “Digital Innovators & Emerging Tech Leaders” space. By closing the “Data Gap” between complex security threats and user-friendly mobile protection, she has established a position of Sublime Authority within the international tech ecosystem.

Elena Andreou – Owner & Founder, Go Digital Globally

Elena Andreou is a Quantum Ecosystem Builder, Deeptech Diplomate and a leading figure in SEO, globally recognized for her innovative contributions. She’s the Founder and CEO of Go Digital Globally and Innoftech, an academic community bridging the gap between academia and industry, and the organizer of the Go Digital Cyprus Conference. With over 20 years in marketing, including a decade focused on SEO, she’s an expert in AI and algorithms, backed by a decade of research into search engine optimization and Google’s algorithms. Her current doctoral studies and research are now strategically shifting towards quantum computing, with the ambition to become one of the first global leaders in building quantum ecosystems.

Her contribution as a top female leader is evident in her relentless drive to push technological boundaries and empower the next generation of professionals. Beyond her pioneering quantum work, Elena’s research delves into personal branding, seeking to empower women in the digital age. Author of “Ecosystem Driven Authority (EDA),” she champions a data-driven approach, leveraging AI and programming languages like R and Python for robust analysis. As a Special Teaching Staff member at Frederick University, she actively contributes to educational leadership by shaping future minds, while also dedicating her time to mentoring aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Christiana Aristidou

Christiana Aristidou is a Transnational Technology Lawyer, Founder and Managing Partner of “The Hybrid LawTech Firm,” and an international thought leader in emerging technologies, smart cities, and digital transformation. With a Law degree and three (3) postgraduate Master’s degrees, and over 28 years of experience in business, technology law, and regulatory compliance, she specialises in complex, multijurisdictional projects and advises startups, SMEs, incumbents, and governments integrating advanced technologies, innovative business models, and evolving regulatory frameworks across sectors including fintech, digital assets and sustainable finance, payments and banking, investment funds, energy and green investments, circular economy and climate change, proptech, and legaltech. Christiana currently serves as legal advisor to blockchain and AI projects and platforms, including innovative banks, investment firms, EMIs, CASPs, stablecoin projects, RWA tokenisation initiatives, DAOs, DeFi, the metaverse, and Web3 ecosystems.

A funded blockchain expert and Co-Chair of Standardisation for the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA), Christiana actively contributes to leading international and European standardisation bodies, including ISO, CEN-CENELEC, and ETSI, focusing on blockchain, smart contracts, AI, financial services, and sustainability. She is also the Head of the Cyprus National Delegation to ISO/TC 307 on Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, where she contributes to the development of global standards and harmonisation initiatives, and actively supports initiatives advancing the intersection of blockchain, standardisation, sustainability, and technology governance. Christiana is a regular speaker at international technology law and innovation conferences

Elena Georgiou Strouthos – Co-founder, Cocoon Creations

Elena Georgiou is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of Cocoon Creations, a prominent digital marketing agency based in Nicosia, Cyprus.

As founder, Elena has built Cocoon Creations into a leading firm renowned for delivering innovative digital strategies, compelling web design, and comprehensive online solutions to a diverse clientele. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s creative vision and establishing its reputation for helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

Her contribution as a female leader is particularly noteworthy in the dynamic and rapidly evolving digital marketing sector. Elena Georgiou exemplifies entrepreneurial drive, strategic acumen in technology, and creative leadership, demonstrating how women can found and lead successful ventures at the forefront of digital transformation. Her work serves as an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs and digital professionals in Cyprus and beyond, showcasing the power of innovation and expert execution in the digital realm.

2025 Retrospective - Top Female Entrepreneurs in Cyprus Excellence Awards

Celebrating Our Legacy: The 2025 Excellence Winners

Showcasing the top female entrepreneurs of 2025 is more than just a celebration; it’s a bold statement that challenges outdated leadership stereotypes. While many leadership roles are still held by men, spotlighting these successful Cypriot women sends a powerful message to the next generation.

The 2025 Methodology: The initial 2025 list was retrieved through publicly available data ranked by digital platforms and assessed based on:

  • Impact & Results: Measurable industry achievements and company growth.
  • Leadership & Vision: Inspiring teams through values and change.
  • Forward-Thinking: Driving new methods in digitalization and sustainability.
  • Resilience & Integrity: Navigating systemic problems with clear accountability.
Cleo Papadopoulou

Cleo Papadopoulou

Marina Zevedeou

Anna Vourgos

Anna Vourgos

Farah Shammas

Elena Tanou

Maria Militsopoulou nominee for BSA awards

Maria Militsopoulou

Xenia Neophytou

Dr Marianna Prokopi Demetriou

Dr. Marianna Prokopi- Demetriades

Georgina Kyriakoudes

Georgina Kyriakoudes

Louiza Sophocleous

Louiza Sophocleous

Elia Nicolaou

Monica Meleki

Maria Panayotou

Monica Ioannidou-Polemitis

Dr. Celia Hadjichristodoulou

Christiana Aristidou

Katerina Sophocleous

Miranda Tringis

Maria Lavithi howard

Maria Lavithi

Elena Andreou

PhD Candidate Elena Andreou

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn