Eleni Kounalakis

Eleni Kounalakis is a Greek-American politician and diplomat who has served as the Lieutenant Governor of California since January 2019, working closely with Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California. She is the first woman to hold the office and has been a prominent figure in California politics, engaging with organizations such as the California Democratic Party and the California Legislature. Kounalakis has also been involved with various institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her master's degree, and Dartmouth College, her alma mater. Her career has been marked by interactions with notable figures like Nancy Pelosi, Kamala Harris, and Dianne Feinstein.

● Early Life and Education

Eleni Kounalakis was born on March 3, 1966, in Sacramento, California, to a family of Greek descent, with roots in Greece and connections to the Greek Orthodox Church. She spent her early years in California, attending schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District and later enrolling in Dartmouth College, where she graduated with a degree in History (academic discipline) and became involved with the Dartmouth College Greek system. Kounalakis then pursued her master's degree at the University of California, Berkeley, studying International Relations and engaging with the Berkeley Graduate Division and the Institute of International Studies. Her educational background has been influenced by institutions such as the California State University, Sacramento, and she has been associated with the University of California system, including University of California, Los Angeles and University of California, San Diego.

● Career

Kounalakis began her career in the private sector, working for AKT Development, a real estate development company founded by her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, and later became involved with the Tsakopoulos Investments, managing the company's portfolio and engaging with the California Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento Metro Chamber. She has also been involved with various organizations, including the World Affairs Council of Northern California, the California State Railroad Museum, and the Crocker Art Museum. Her professional network includes connections to Jerry Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Gray Davis, all of whom have served as Governor of California. Kounalakis has also interacted with federal officials, such as Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton, during her time in the private sector and later in her diplomatic career.

● Lieutenant Governor of California

As the Lieutenant Governor of California, Kounalakis has played a key role in California politics, working closely with Gavin Newsom and engaging with the California State Legislature, including the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. She has been involved in various initiatives, such as the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the California Complete Count Committee, aiming to promote Census participation and support Women's rights. Kounalakis has also worked with institutions like the University of California, California State University, and the California Community Colleges system to promote Education and Workforce development in the state. Her tenure has been marked by interactions with notable figures like Alex Padilla, Shirley Weber, and Rob Bonta, all of whom have held prominent positions in California government.

● Diplomatic Career

Before entering politics, Kounalakis served as the United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2010 to 2013, appointed by Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate. During her tenure, she worked to promote United States-Hungary relations and engaged with the Hungarian government, including Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary. Kounalakis has also been involved with various international organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, and has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Europe. Her diplomatic experience has been influenced by interactions with figures like Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and James Baker, all of whom have played significant roles in United States foreign policy.

● Personal Life

Eleni Kounalakis is married to Markos Kounalakis, a Journalist and Author, and they have two children together. She is a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and has been involved with various philanthropic organizations, including the World Council of Churches and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Kounalakis has also been associated with institutions like the California Museum, the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, and the Crocker Art Museum, promoting Arts and Culture in California. Her personal network includes connections to notable figures like George Shultz, Warren Buffett, and Oprah Winfrey, reflecting her diverse interests and engagements.