Niki Psarafti Boutari

Niki Boutari

Alumna Profiled: Niki Psarafti Boutari
Graduated: PIERCE ’71, Alba ’18 (Exec. MBA)
Lives in: Athens, Greece


“Lifelong learning and forward-thinking make of your age just a number


Niki Psarafti Boutari was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She attended PIERCE – The American College of Greece at the Aghia Paraskevi campus. Those life-altering and character transformative six years illuminated her path towards a full and fulfilling personal and professional life.

Mrs. Psarafti Boutari graduated from the Athens University of Economics and Business (former ASOEE) in 1975 and obtained a BA in Business Administration. Her career spans over 35 years in Advertising, as founder and owner of Arrow SA which grew to a significant agency within the Greek industry while at the same time, a subsidiary of multinational BBDO Group with a clients portfolio of key players in Financial (Banking), Food and Beverages, Home Equipment, Publishing, Motorcars, and Tourism sectors.

A turning point of her career was her tenure (2013-2019) at ACG as Vice President of Marketing & Communications. Landmarks of her work for the organization were: the design and implementation of the new institutional ID system, launched in 2016, applied consistently and unifying the 3 educational units under the ACG umbrella; applying the new technologies for digital marketing practices in all forms of Marketing and Communication – ACG was awarded along the way with 8 prestigious M&C prizes; and conducting research and producing an integrated strategic plan to the (then under planning) Pierce Elementary School.

Currently, she is: serving as elected Member of the Board of ELIZA, NGO for the prevention of child abuse; working as a content writer, among other contributor writers, at AthiNEA digital magazine, with her column “In Style we Stand”; and working on her – under construction – personal project for the fight against age discrimination @justanumber.


INTERVIEW

Q.: What are three enduring lessons you learned during your studies at PIERCE?

  • Don’t feel afraid to change your mind and to admit the fact.
  • Before taking sides, be sure you have heard (and understood) both sides.
  • Learn to stand on your own.

Q.: Describe PIERCE in three words.

Inspiring, open-minded, reliable.

Q.: One of your favorite PIERCE memories?

Hours spent rehearsing for a theatrical play: the giggles, the camaraderie, the creativity.

Q.: What do you miss most from your days at PIERCE?

The carefree-ness. And the romantic/idealistic dream that our generation would change the world (which came true to a certain extent)

Q.: Where was your favorite spot on campus?

The library. The gymnasium. The cafeteria at lunchtime. The “gallery” and the ramps on roller skates (In that order).

Q.: Who was your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Baloumis, literature. He didn’t just introduce us to literature, but to a perspective of life as mature persons.

Q.: Have you kept in touch with any of your classmates?

Yes, with 2-3 friends, and many schoolmates (thanks to Facebook!)

Q.: Did having studied at PIERCE help you during your university studies and beyond?

Yes! By making me study and learn through critical analysis and not by parroting and memorizing. And beyond that, by instilling in me the resolve to take my life into my hands.

Q.: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Do what you do, what you will, what you have to, but always be yourself. And don’t forget to be happy.

Q.: Who inspires you most?

The young and the restless.

Q.: Your motto in life?

Live and let love.


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