Sophia Pantelaki

Sophia Pantelaki was born in London, grew up in Athens and has lived in the US, Spain, Germany and the UK since graduating from Pierce. She holds an MSc in Management from Lancaster University and a BSc in Economics from the University of Athens; she also holds a Certificate in Training and HR Development from UC Berkeley. Sophia started as an intern at HP more than 20 years ago, gaining experience in different business groups, functions and countries. She currently manages the External Engagements of the Personal Systems President out of HP’s Palo Alto Headquarters. Sophia lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter; she enjoys travelling, long walks and unique culinary experiences.

Q&A

Q: What are three enduring values Pierce has taught you?
Perseverance, Commitment, Open-mindedness

Q: Describe Pierce in three words.
Creativity, Friendships, Knowledge

Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Pierce?
Singing in the choir, the theatrical plays, the walks around the stadium during lunch break. I should also mention that I loved spending time in the library: the books/the smell/the excitement of finding a great read.

Q: What do you miss most from your days at Pierce?
The energy and the feeling that the world is out there for us to conquer.

Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that you would do differently?
Take more advantage of what was offered, get out of my comfort zone.

Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
Depends on the moment/year.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Can’t pick one – everyone contributed in a different way. Mr. Tsatalis is probably the one I remember most for his passion and dedication to students.

Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
I have been outside of Greece for 25yrs now and haven’t had the chance to maintain a relationship with the school unfortunately. I do have some very close friendships though with old classmates and those are for life!

Q: Looking back, how did your time at Pierce help you become the person you are today?
It opened my mind. I believe that I got a broader perspective of what I could do in my life. Those early experiences spanning from the arts, to language, to science was fundamental to the choices I made later in life.

Q: What advice would you give a new Pierce student?
Try it all and do your absolute best. Participate in clubs, sports, volunteer – everything counts and matters.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Multiple places. I always get inspired by those who selfishly serve others and graciously devote their lives to the betterment of societies and the world.

Q: What is your motto in life?
‘Everything happens for a reason’ and ‘What’s next?’

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