YAL CHICAGO CONFERENCE 2025
The YAL Chicago Conference 2024 was a success! With a SOLD OUT EVENT, three full days of activities, several speakers and workshops, and endless opportunities to meet other YALers from across the country, we're looking forward to an amazing conference in the Windy City in 2025!
Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel Room Block
Book your room with the official 2025 YAL Chicago Conference room block at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago (151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601).
Registration
Registration opens November 1st @5pm CST! More information to come!
FOLLOW US!
Follow us at @yalchicagoconference on social media for a recap of the 2024 Conference and to be the first to know about the 2025 Conference!
DONORS
Are you interested in donating to Youth & Young Adult Ministries within the Metropolis of Chicago? Email yalchicagoconference@gmail.com to learn more about how to get involved!
Meet the
2025 YAL Chicago
Conference Board
Fr. Theofanis Rauch
Spiritual Advisor
Meet our Conference Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Theofanis Rauch!
Fr. Theofanis is originally from the small town of St. John, Indiana. He graduated from Holy Cross in May of 2021 with his M. Div., and was ordained shortly after. Fr. Theofanis served for 2 years at St. Demetrios in Elmhurst, IL as the second priest and youth director before his transfer to serve as the priest of All Saints in Peoria, IL in August of 2023. Fr. Theofanis is married to his beautiful wife, Presvytera Lydia, and they have two sons named Fanourios and Theodore. Fr. Theofanis feels so blessed to be the spiritual advisor for the YAL Conference, and he looks forward to working with the amazing young adults of this Metropolis!
Katerina Papaioannou
Conference Chair
Meet one of our YAL Conference Chairs, Katerina Papaioannou!
This is Kat’s third year on the YAL Chicago Conference board and her first year as a co-chair! She is a Social Studies Teacher and Cross Country Coach at Niles North High School. Katerina graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a B.A. in History and minors in Secondary Education and Psychology. She goes to St. John the Baptist in Des Plaines and has been involved with OCF Illinois, Fanari Camp, Jr. Olympics, UIUC HSA, and St. John’s YAL. In her free time, she enjoys watching TV, playing with her cats, cooking, and spending time outside.
John Panos
Conference Chair
Meet one of our YAL Conference Chairs, John Panos!
John was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, but now lives in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL where he attends St. George Greek Orthodox Church. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 (‘sko Cats), John came to Chicago for work, selling software to car dealerships (very glamorous) for Reynolds & Reynolds and is happy he did. When he isn’t working, he’s helping run Chicago and Pittsburgh YAL Conferences, spending time with friends as much as possible and trying new restaurants for his food instagram @PanosPlates. He looks forward to growing his involvement in the YAL community wherever he can apply himself, and is very excited to help lead this year’s conference!
Maria Laros
Fundriasing Committee
Meet one of our Fundraising Chairs!
Maria Laros is a recent resident of Chicago but was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. Growing up, she attended Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church and now attends St George in the city. Graduating in 2020 and 2021, Maria studied behavioral neuroscience and Human Resources at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. While at school, she served as OCF president and parish council member at Three Hierarchs. Maria now works as an Onboarding Specialist at the UPS CACH facility.
In her free time she enjoys painting, practicing writing icons, reading, singing & playing ukulele. Maria is thrilled to be on the YAL Chicago Conference Board and is excited to serve the orthodox community of Chicago.
Lygia Karagiozis
Marketing Committee
Meet Lygia Karagiozis, one of our Marketing Chairs!
Lygia Karagiozis is originally from Knoxville, TN and recently graduated with her Masters of Science in Marketing at the University of Tennessee.
She is dedicated to youth and young adult ministry, both at her parish and across the nation. Lygia has served as a counselor at Fanari, and St. Stephen’s summer camps for multiple years and served on staff at Ionian Village this past summer. She also has dedicated time to her church as a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school director, Greek Fest marketing & sponsorships director, greek dance instructor, and a YAL coordinator.
She is super excited to be joining the YAL Chicago Conference marketing committee this year and plans to use her talents to give back to a ministry that she loves so much.
Tia Kotsiopoulos
Marketing Committee
Meet one of our Marketing Chairs, Tia Kotsiopoulos!
Tia Kotsiopoulos is a second-generation Greek American who was born and raised in Barrington, IL. Tia attended Loyola University Chicago and received her MBA in Marketing last year. Her studies have led her into her current role, which combines both public relations and event management!
Tia has always been well-versed in the Greek community and is deeply involved within the Metropolis of Chicago. She serves on the YAL Chicago Executive Board, as well as a new member on the National YAL Board. Tia’s drive and dedication for the non-profit industry doesn’t end there, and she is currently the Vice President of the National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA). She has always been eager about promoting her Hellenism, and embraces authentic traditions and customs.
Tia is thrilled to be back for her third year on the conference Marketing committee, working alongside all the talented individuals who lead in making the YAL Chicago Conference happen!
Yianni Motter
Conference Chair
Meet one of our Conference Chairs, Yanni Motter!
Yanni grew up in Des Plaines, IL. He is a second-generation Greek American, with roots stemming from Tripoli and Nestani. Most recently he graduated from Southern Illinois University, majoring in Automotive Technology and minoring in Workforce Education & Advanced Vehicle Systems/Diagnostics recently he began his career with Toyota Motors North America (TMNA) as a Management Trainee. Yanni has been involved in various organizations and activities within the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago such as being a counselor since 2019 for Fanari Summer Camp and his involvement with the Young Adult League of Chicago's executive board. He is currently the Regional Director of the Great Lakes for the National Hellenic Student Association (NHSA). Yanni is thrilled to be able to participate and help grow the YAL Board along with bringing people together through the faith.
Valentina Tragus
Fundraising Chair
Meet Valentina, one of our Speaker Chairs!
Valentina Tragus is a second-generation Greek American originally from Los Angeles, California. With a strong foundation in business, Valentina graduated from DePaul University in 2022 with a degree in Business. Currently, she serves as a Credit Analyst at Wintrust Financial Corporation, where she leverages her analytical skills and business acumen to assess creditworthiness and support financial decision-making.
In addition to her professional role, Valentina is an active member of the YAL Chicago Board, where she helps plan and coordinate events within the Chicagoland area for like-minded young adults.
For fun, Valentina enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking. Valentina is thrilled to be a part of the YAL Chicago Conference Board, where dedicated members are working towards creating a holistic event that aims to build community, foster connections, and strengthen faith among like-minded young adults.
Anna Kotsogiannis
Fundriasing Chair
Meet one of the Fundraising Chairs, Anna Kotsogiannis!
This is Anna's first year on the YAL Conference Board. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2022 with a Bachelors in History and is currently working at a community college. She attended Fanari camp throughout her life and also attended Ionian Village in 2018. Her favorite place to travel is Ikaria, Greece. Her home parish is Saints Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills. Anna loves to travel, read, and spend time with family.
Eleni Sakas
Marketing Committee
Meet Eleni Sakas, one of our Marketing chairs!
Eleni is from Antioch, IL, and grew up at St. Demetrios in Libertyville. She currently attends Ascension of our Lord in Lincolnshire, IL. She served on the YAL Chicago conference board for two years, and is looking forward to helping plan events year around. Eleni graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Media Arts and Cinema Studies with a minor in Recreation, Sports, and Tourism. Eleni also has certificates in Film Production and Sports Media. At U of I, Eleni was involved with her OCF chapter as the Vice President of Media, Good Morning Illini, and Illini Sports Night, and she was an intern for the Fighting Illini Sports Productions. Eleni was a camp counselor for three summer camps in the Greek community: Fanari, Metropolis of Boston Camp, and Saint Stephens. Of course, she was a participant in the Junior Olympics, as well as the Oratorical Festival. Eleni currently freelances her media skills and works for the Metropolis of Chicago as a Media Specialist. In her free time, Eleni loves to create media, watch college sports, or travel anywhere (especially National Parks).
Billy Panos
Liturgical Committee
Meet one of our Liturgical Chairs, Billy Panos!
Billy is a sophomore at Layola University Chicago pursing a degree in finance with a minor in nonprofit management. After graduation he plans to go to Holy Cross and get his mDiv. He attends St. Nectarios in Palatine and when he's not in school he goes to St. Andrews in Chicago. Billy is active at his home parish and on-campus activities including serving as this year's OFC Chicago Vice President. He cannot wait to be on the liturgics & fundraising committees this year as a first-time board member and is excited to be more involved with YAL.
Perry Pappas
Liturgical Committee
Meet Perry Pappas, one of our Liturgical Chairs.
Perry Pappas is a Senior at Purdue University pursuing a degree in retail management with a minor in entrepreneurship. He plans to start his business career, specifically in marketing, after graduation. Perry attends Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville, Indiana, and St. Alexis Carpo-Rusyn Orthodox Church in Battleground, Indiana when he is at school. He is active at his home parish and on-campus activities including serving as this year's Purdue Orthodox Christian Fellowship President, and social media marketer for Purdue’s Hellenic Student Association. Perry cannot wait to be on the liturgics & fundraising committees this year as a first-time board member and feels the footsteps that his parents took, as they were heavily involved with YAL in the '90s where they met at the national conference.
MariaElena Kouriabalis
Programming Committee
Meet MariaElena, one of our Programming Chairs!
MariaElena is new to the YAL board this year! She grew up in Glenview IL, and has attended St. Demetrios Chicago all her life. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with degrees in Speech and Hearing Science, Creative Writing and Media Production she moved to Madrid Spain! She lived there for 2 years and taught English. Now she’s back and excited to be a part of the best Chicago conference ever! She has served as a Fanari camp counselor for many years and on the board of OCF. In her free time she loves to travel, write and take film photos. Currently she attends Northwestern University in pursuit of her masters in Speech Language Pathology.
Georgia Kotsinis
Programming Committee
Meet one of our Service Project Chairs, Georgia Kotsinis
Meet Georgia, one of our Programming Co-Chairs! Georgia was born and raised in Glenview, IL growing up at St. Andrew’s in Chicago. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in Communications (specialization: Public Relations) with a minor in Spanish. During undergrad, Georgia played a key role in recuperating the Boston city schools OCF.
She served on the YAL Chicago Executive Board for two years and previously co-chaired Registration for the 2023 and 2024 conferences. Georgia currently works in food supply. She also spent time in the nonprofit sector working as the Communications Associate for National Philoptochos.
As a former Architecture Boat Tour Guide, she is passionate about the city’s tourism and the ways that the city can build community and quality of life. As a cyclist, she is an advocate for less cars, improved transit, and people-first road design. She is also an avid consumer of the arts - visiting museum and gallery exhibitions, attending comedy shows and concerts, checking out new dj's, or catching the newest arthouse film.
Kat Klironomos
Programming Committee
Meet Kat, one of our Programing Committee Chairs
Kat is from Park Ridge, IL and attends St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. Kat recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, with a concentration in Sport Management and a Sport Media certification. At Illinois, she was an active member of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. She is currently working for a Sports Law Agency, in International Student-Athletes and NCAA Recruiting Institutions Research, Client and Consultant Services. In her free time, she loves going to the gym, listening to music, and spending time with friends. Kat is very blessed to be on the YAL Chicago Conference board, and excited to plan an unforgettable weekend with her fellow board members!
Sophia Rouman
Meet Sophia Rouman, one of our Programming Committee Chairs.
Sophia is a second-generation Greek American who was born and raised in Minneapolis and attends St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. Sophia is an avid YAL Chicago member and has enjoyed many conferences and retreats, and loves the experiences and friendships she has made along the way.
Sophia graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN with a BA in Art History. She is an account manager for a commercial furniture and AV technology design firm. Outside of work, Sophia is a member of St. Mary’s Parish Council and serves as co-VP of the Twin Cities YAL. Sophia loves spending time outdoors, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She is very excited and honored to be a part of the YAL Chicago Conference board and is looking forward to February!
Programming Committee
Marina Mermigis
Service Project Committee
Meet Marina Mermigis, one of our dedicated Service Chairs!
A recent graduate of Miami University (Class of May 2024), Marina now works as a behavior therapist in Buffalo Grove. Originally from Glenview, IL, she is an active St. George Lincoln Park laity member. After spending the summer of 2023 as a staff member at Ionian Village, Marina felt inspired to give back to her local community. She quickly became involved in various church activities—from serving Hot Meals To Go to starting the young adult book club and chanting at her parish. Marina has emerged as a true leader in her community and looks forward to giving back to the community that has given her so much!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Gabi Frangopoulos
Marketing Committee
Gabriella (Ella) is from Merton, Wisconsin but moved to Chicago in 2023, where she currently attends Saint George in Lincoln Park. She studied nursing at Valparaiso University. Currently works in a neurosurgery intensive care unit. When she is not at work she loves to spend time with friends, her dog, travel, and working out. She has attended prior YAL Chicago Conferences but this is her first time serving on the board. She looks forward to helping plan an unforgettable weekend with the fellow board members.
Alexis Friesen
Alexis is on our YAL Chicago Speaker Committee! She is from St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis where she loves being involved in YAL and Youth Camp programs. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and now works measuring people’s brain functions in a neuropsychology clinic! If she isn’t at church or work you can find her on a paddleboard, at a bonfire, or with a good book. She is looking forward to learning from speakers and enjoying the festivities at 2025 YAL Chicago Conference!
Speaker Committee
Victoria Konstantinidis
Victoria originally attended Holy Trinity in Orlando, Florida where she was born and raised and has recently moved to Chicago. She is a proud Boilermaker alumni that studied public health at Purdue University. She recently graduated from Indiana University McKinney School of Law and is now a defense attorney in the field of medical malpractice. Victoria enjoys being an active part of her parish community and bringing the young adults together. You can find her traveling, golfing, or going to concerts. A fun fact about Victoria is that she speaks four languages and her dad is from the Holy Land! Victoria loves attending YAL conferences across the country and is excited to be part of the Chicago YAL conference registration committee!
Speaker Committee
Dean Sofianopoulos
Speaker Committee
Dean Sofianopoulos spent time living in both the Midwest and on the East Coast before moving to Chicago in 2023, where he currently attends Saint George in Lincoln Park.
He studied the Business Side of Medicine at Indiana University - Bloomington, where he was able to combine his passions for healthcare and connecting with people. He currently works in the Medical Device Industry, supporting Academic and Community based Medical Centers across the United States.
Dean has attended various YAL conferences throughout the country and recently supported the National Conference in San Diego. He enjoys being heavily involved within the metropolis, learning about the faith, traveling, sports, meeting new people, and growing the YAL network!
Peter Karos
Meet Peter Karos, our Budget Chair!
Peter is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota but currently resides in Chicago attending St. George Lincoln Park. Peter studied Finance at the University of Minnesota while being involved in multiple finance clubs, Camp Catanese, and slow pitch softball. Peter works at RW Baird as an Equity Research Analyst focusing on covering software stocks. Within the Metropolis, Peter was involved in OCF, Antiochian Village, a St. Mary’s Camp Counselor, a chanter at his parish, and a part of YAL Twin Cities. In Peter’s free time, he loves to golf, travel, hang out with his friends, and watch his favorite tv shows. Peter is looking forward to the YAL Chicago Conference this year!
Budget Committee
Michael Christofidis
Meet one of our Registration Committee Chairs, Michael Christofidis!
Michael Christofidis is a Senior at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing a degree in Bioengineering with a minor in Chemistry. He plans to attend medical school and begin a career in Orthopedic Surgery. Michael attends St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. He is actively involved in the Greek community both at home and school, and is the Vice President of the University of Pittsburgh Hellenic Student Association. Michael feels extremely blessed and excited to be a part of the YAL Chicago Conference Board on the Registration Committee!
Registration Committee
Ellie Ioannides
Registration Committee
Meet Ellie, one of our Registration Chairs!
Ellie is thrilled to return for another fun year with YAL ! She is from Crown Point, Indiana and attends SS. Constantine and Helen in Merrillville, Indiana. She is a proud Indiana University alum and in May 2023 earned her master’s degree in Jurisprudence from McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis! Within her parish, she helps with Greek fest, VBS, and Bedtime Bible Stories, an annual summer camp for Pre-K kids! Ellie is eager to become more involved with YAL and grow her faith! In her free time, she loves to workout and jam out to classic rock, spend time with family and friends, travel to new places, try new foods, cheer on the Patriots, and spoil her goddaughter Anastasia!
Sia Tortorelis
Meet Sia Tortorelis, another one of our Registration Committee Chairs!
Sia grew up in the Minneapolis area, attending St.Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a degree in Biology and in 2020 with a Masters in Science Education. She now teaches biology at Osseo Senior High in Osseo, Minnesota. Sia is currently serving as the President of Twin Cities YAL as well as being a member of the choir, and a church school teacher. She enjoys being involved at her parish and within the Twin Cities Orthodox community and is thrilled to be a part of the YAL Conference team at the Metropolis level!
Registration Committee
