Meet Our Founder

Noel Demetrio is a passionate humanitarian and global citizen, dedicated to creating positive change in the world.

As the founder of Project Xenia, Noel has committed her life to advocating for refugee children and fostering empathy within her communities. Her efforts have not only impacted the lives of countless individuals but have also inspired many to join the cause. Project Xenia helps fund scholarships for 40 Ukrainian refugee children at St. Nicholas Cathedral School in Chicago.

Her journey began with her grandmother, who fled Greece due to post World War II poverty. She was brought illegally to the US in the trunk of a cart to participate in a pre-arranged marriage, in order to stay in the country. When Noel was in 3rd grade, she was homeschooled in Greece and witnessed a significant wave of refugees. She and her mother met families who had lost their entire families and were stuck in Greece due to closed borders, facing starvation. Athenian women would come by to provide food, and this act of generosity left a lasting impact on Noel.

Noel learned that Greeks abide by a Golden Rule, even amidst their own struggles, they help others. This spirit of Greek generosity impressed her more than the Acropolis or Santorini’s beauty - the true beauty of Greece lay in its human spirit. 

This ignited a spark in Noel as she recognized similar struggles in her own backyard. She thought to herself, “what if this was us?”

How It All Began

Fueled by these experiences, Noel founded Project Xenia to help end the stigma surrounding refugees. Our mission is to foster empathy and understanding and create a supportive community for those in need.  Partnering with St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Noel has worked tirelessly to educate and involve students in humanitarian efforts, breaking down barriers and building bridges of compassion.

Project Xenia was born out of Noel’s desire to make a tangible difference. The concept of Philoxenia, the Greek spirit of radical hospitality and service, served as the foundation for the organization.

Noel envisioned a project that would not only provide immediate assistance to refugees but also work towards educational, social and emotional solutions.

Mission, Vision & Values

  • Mission: To end the stigma surrounding refugee children by fostering empathy, understanding, and support through education, community involvement, and direct action.

  • Vision: A society where refugees are welcomed, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives.

  • Values: Empathy, Inclusivity, Action, Community, Respect.

OUR IMPACT

Since its inception, Project Xenia has grown into a beacon of hope and change. Through partnership with St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Project Xenia continues to provide 95 refugee families with community events and raised money for  40 scholarships to ensure the continuation of a quality education. 

What We Stand For

At Project Xenia, we believe in the power of collective action. Our efforts are not just about providing immediate relief but also about creating a sustainable impact that transforms communities. We stand for:

  • Empathy in Action: Turning compassion into tangible support.

  • Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by refugees.

  • Community Building: Creating networks of support and solidarity.

  • Advocacy and Change: Influencing policies and practices to better support refugees.