About

The Daughters of Penelope was the realization of Alexandra Apostolides’ dream. Her
desire was to create a woman’s organization. Because of her perseverance, and the
encouragement of her husband Dr. Emanuel Apostolides, a devoted Ahepan, she formed
Eos Chapter #1 with 25 charter members on November 16, 1929 in San Francisco,
California. She was elected the first Grand President in 1931.
Mrs. Apostolides envisioned a new beginning for the Greek American women. She
drafted the basic principles of our organization, which became an inspiration to all
women.
The Daughters of Penelope is the women’s organization of the AHEPA Family
(American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) with headquarters in
Washington, D.C. Today it is a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities
with over 250 Chapters in United States, Canada, Greece, Germany, and with sister
Chapters in Australia.
In 1938, the establishment of the first Canadian Chapter in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, by
Sister Cleo Girgulis, paved the way for the Daughters of Penelope to become an
international organization. The first Daughter’s chapter in Greece was formed in 1954 by
Past Grand President Adeline Geo-Karis, making our bonds to the mother country even
stronger.
The Daughters of Penelope not only help through monetary contributions. They devote
countless hours of volunteer work in hospitals, senior citizen’s homes, women’s and
daycare centers. Further, they organize educational seminars, award scholarships,
sponsor HUD housing and women’s shelters, help the less fortunate, support their local
church, and make a huge difference in their community.

DOP Directory 2021-2022 pg 15