L-AMBASSADORS

After nearly two decades in Limassol, Elena keeps reminding us how she felt welcomed by the Limassolians from the beginning. Learning Greek helped. But also her strong asset: Empathy. Empathy is valuable in work settings... and in life in general. When asked about how she balances her old friendships with both Russians and Ukrainians, she reveals to Paula Ribeiro that, "as populations we shared so much for decades... we are not enemies." She is heartbroken with everything happening... relatives and friends are on both sides. How can one split the heart in two?

From Santander Bank in Brazil to the Forex world in Limassol, Paulo discovered a city he now calls home... He particularly admires the respectful way he has always been welcomed by the local community. He explains to Paula Ribeiro why the maturity of the Forex sector today in Cyprus deserves a better review from certain public perspectives. Everything has been evolving with the new regulations of the markets.

Since the 1980s and 1990s, Limassol has been expanding its cultural exposure thanks to experienced curators and cultural diplomats at heart like Catherine. Travelling back in time, Catherine Louis Nikita and Paula Ribeiro revisit shared moments when bringing valuable artistic artefacts from France and Portugal. At the time they seemed impossible missions to accomplish, but with resourcefulness and unique negotiating skills, Catherine always succeeded, during her 18 years as the very first Director of the Evagoras & Kathleen Lanitis Foundation at the historical carob mill and warehouse of Limassol.

The French cultural initiatives designed by French migrants in Limassol like Camille Legeleux found adequate structures and an audience in Alliance Française of Limassol. In a conversation with Paula Ribeiro, Camille shares some of the moments when she was trying to transfer 'La Journée de la Musique' (21st June) into the Cypriot society a couple of decades ago. Her inner self's constant search comes also in an entrepreneurial manner, as she explains her concept of space organising - her new brand in the making: the MUSE.

Sonia Ajini has given 15+ years of service to several companies in Cyprus and overseas as a corporate lawyer, specializing in Maritime and International Law. In a conversation with Paula Ribeiro, Sonia shares some of her moments when she had to finalize her law studies in the Greek language, a pre-requisite to qualify to practice in Cyprus, an extra huge challenge for any professional looking for relocation. Undoubtedly, Sonia's path talks about her resilience and commitment to her new home Cyprus.

Lauren was born in New York and raised in the Big Apple by her British Mother and Finnish father. A true positive sample of diversity, but she went even further... she married a Cypriot and moved from New York to Cyprus. Back in the 1990's this was a proof of real courage and trust in her new relationship. After moving to Cyprus, her entrepreneurial inner self could not resist... she created from her kitchen, in Limassol, brand-new products under the brand NEW YORK SWEETS.

Konstantin works as the Corporate Development Manager for GDEV, a global technology company headquartered in Limassol and listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange since 2021. In a conversation with Paula Ribeiro, Konstantin shares how he perceives Limassol as a dream-like stage in his life and career due to its international lifestyle and orthodox culture. As a crucial advocate for GDEV's Sustainability Program, Konstantin also sheds light on how Limassol and Cyprus are benefiting from the company's visionary approach to environmental protection.

Lachlan Forbes from Scotland and now based in Limassol, talks about his life in this city.

Nelson is the owner of Sunday in LISBOA, a new café-concept store located in Limassol. He moved his family from Paris to Limassol to start his innovative business. In a conversation with Paula Ribeiro, a Lisboeta (born in Lisbon), they reminisce about their shared memories of Lisbon while exploring how food can create cultural connections.