U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle visits Metropolitan College

Metropolitan College placed education and women’s empowerment at the center of attention as it welcomed the United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, to its main campus in Marousi. The American diplomat addressed a packed auditorium filled with students from Metropolitan College and several U.S. universities, speaking about the role of women and the enduring strength of Greek–American relations.

Among other remarks, the U.S. Ambassador stated:
“It is an honor to speak today to the students of Metropolitan College in Athens. Every time I engage with young people, I feel a renewed sense of optimism. The next generation of leaders is bold and determined, and together we are taking U.S.–Greece relations to new heights.”

In his welcome address, Mr. Rodopoulos noted:
“At Metropolitan College, the largest college of university studies in Greece, we celebrate International Women’s Day every year by giving the floor to influential women, because we believe that leadership is defined by ability and vision. In Kimberly Guilfoyle, we welcome a personality who fully embodies high values, and whose journey is an inspiration to our students.”

“If there is one organisation with the scale and vision to bring a leading American institution to Greece, it is us.”
Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners

The event was also attended by Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners and principal shareholder of the education group, as well as Dr. Christina Paraskevopoulou, CEO of Metropolitan College and Alphabet Education. Welcoming the Ambassador, Mr. Stathopoulos praised her sharp legal mind and tireless work ethic. He highlighted that Greece is rapidly evolving into a leading hub for international higher education.
“At BC Partners, we are proud to have been the first to invest in this sector, recognising that education is a cornerstone of the country’s development,” he noted, outlining the vision for the future. “For four decades, Metropolitan College has led as the largest provider of British university education in Europe. However, under the new framework for non-state universities, Alphabet Education is also looking toward the United States. If there is one organisation with the scale and vision to bring a leading American institution to Greece, it is us.“

Referring to the recent International Women’s Day, Mr. Stathopoulos emphasized that in 2026 leadership is no longer defined by gender but by vision. He noted that for BC Partners and Alphabet Education, female leadership is embedded in their DNA.

He pointed out that the Group was built on the foundations laid by co-founder Kalliopi Rodopoulou, while today it is led by CEO Dr. Christina Paraskevopoulou, supported by a senior leadership team in which women hold the majority of key positions. This culture of inclusion and talent recognition is also reflected in the fact that women represent 60% of the organisation’s total workforce, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to meaningful empowerment and meritocracy.