Maria Contos is well established in the real estate sector and lives in Washington D.C., affiliated with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.
Maria has an international view of the world, including 30 years of experience and expertise in the real estate luxury market. She is recognized for her strategic approach to international property sales.
Maria is the author of a children’s best-selling book in the Greek Language about Stylianos Kyriakides – “The Man Who Ran For An Entire Nation.” The story is a biographical piece about her grandfather, one of the most prominent Marathon runners of the 20th century.
Maria has extensive experience in nonprofit organizations
- Serves as the President of The National Society of Arts and Letters, Washington D.C. chapter, which offers scholarships to young artists
- She a member of the BOD of the American Friends of Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum based in New York City
- Founding and Honorary Member of the BOD of Lifeline Hellas under the patronage of HRH Princess Katherine of Serbia since 2002
Maria has two daughters, Anastasia and Alexandra that both live and study in the USA
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
I am very grateful for my education in Deree. I learned to be focused on my goal; nothing comes without hard work and that no matter what obstacles come your way, I have to keep on trying harder to have my dreams come true.
Q: Describe Deree in three words.
Best educational environment.
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
The time I spent at the Library searching for information about my papers and having quiet time to focus.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
The third year I got on the sailing team and almost every weekend for the next two years, my team and I spent time sailing from Piraeus to Aegina and Hydra. We even participated in the Hydra sailing competition, which was a great way to bond with my teammates, take away stress, and show me that sports are a significant part of our well-being (wellness).
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that you would do differently?
If I would do something differently would be to get a second major. I studied economics and I love to have double-majored in the history of Art.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
I recall all of us sitting on the lawn at the front of the cafeteria when the weather was beautiful and chat about our classes and many more with the friends I made in college.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher(s) and why?
Professor of Economics Albert Arouh was my favorite professor with whom I got to love and understand economics. Also, Nicholas Ritsonis, my professor of Economics, and Dora Iliopoulou Rogan, my professor at History of Art.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
I keep close contact with many of my schoolmates for the past 30 years. Some of them have become great friends of mine and I have even closed business deals with them. We were a group that really bonded and were fond of each other.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
The four years of your undergraduate education are significant to how someone sees the world. The information you are taught is important, but the level of the environment you get to spend most of your days in is very important.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
Do as much as you can, find out what you are really attracted to, and go for it! Then work will be a pleasure.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
From doing what I love most! Walking into beautiful homes and helping my clients write the new chapter in their lives. Or create new memories…
Q: What is your motto in life?
Never complain, never explain.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
