Here’s a fun story: while browsing a Greek news website, I came across an interview with Maria A. Karamitsos, which quickly captivated me. She’s incredibly interesting and passionate about all things Greek, so I thought, “Why not reach out and see if she’d be open to doing an interview for Greek Gods Paradise?” She agreed, and about six months later (yes, it took a bit longer than expected!), we’re finally making it happen. She’s a busy woman, what can I say?
Maria’s enthusiasm for Greek culture is contagious, and I was genuinely excited to learn more about her, her Greek passions, some of her favorite memories from Greece, her life in Chicago, and much more.
So, I invite you to dive into this inspiring interview with Maria A. Karamitsos. Trust me — you’ll be just as impressed as I am by this incredible woman and proud Hellene. Enjoy!
Interview with Maria A. Karamitsos
Maria, could you start by telling us a little about yourself?
I’m from Chicago, born and raised. I’m the daughter of a Greek immigrant father from Ilias, not far from Ancient Olympia (I’m a “real” Olympian! 
) and a Chicago-born mother whose roots are in Arcadia. I’m fiercely proud of my Greek roots. I’ve made it my life’s work to show the world all the amazing things that Greeks around the world are doing. I’m a journalist, author, and poet. I write about all things Greek! And, I’m an avid reader. There are so many talented authors out there and many write about our amazing Greece. I’m on a mission to amplify the voices of authors of Greek descent and those who write about Greece. The world needs to know about them and their books, and so I shout it from the rooftops.
Maria, tell us about your family. Who did you marry and how many kids do you have?
My husband Peter is a Chicago-born Greek with roots in Messinia and Poros. We met at a Greek church festival! It was my first summer performing with the Olympian Greek Dance Troupe of Chicago. I performed with the group for eight years. We have two teenage daughters.
I have read that your father is from Ancient Olympia in Ilias, Greece. Your mother was born in Chicago to parents from Arcadia, Greece. Have you visited any of these places? Did your father tell you any stories about Olympia or Zeus?
My father’s village is about 30 minutes from Ancient Olympia. He did not tell stories about myths. Due to WWII and the Greek Civil War, he didn’t finish elementary school. There was no time for museums or stories. He had to work from a young age to help support his family. My dad’s family is still in Greece. I visit my father’s village every time I go. My happy place is the terrace at my aunt’s (my dad’s sister’s) house.
As soon I arrive, I have to step out there. And I feel the roots wrap around my feet, grounding me in my ancestral home. I feel more at home there than anywhere else. The only other way I can describe it is, it’s like there are magnets in my feet and so, when I take my first steps there, I click right in.
Most of my mother’s family immigrated to Chicago. I have visited her father’s village in Tegeas, Arcadia. My yiayia came from Steno, Arcadia. I’ve only driven through it.
Tell us about your first visit to Greece, which you organized yourself after turning 18. How old were you at the time of your trip, and where did you go in Greece? Tell us about some of the fun things you did during your trip. Who did you go with?
I first visited Greece as a baby and was baptized there. I didn’t return until age 13. Then my first trip as an adult was when I was 24. I went solo. It had been 11 years since I’d been back. My family waited for me at the airport. I had this entourage and totally got the rock star treatment! I visited my cousins in Athens. We of course visited the Acropolis. That never gets old. With two cousins, I visited the island of Spetses. We had an amazing time. We swam, visited Bouboulina’s (a heroine of the Greek War of Independence) house—now a museum. I also saw something incredible that I’ve never witnessed before or since—one evening, as I waited for my cousins to finish getting ready, I went outside. The sky and the sea were the exact same color. You couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. All I could see was blue—the most vivid, wonderful, endless azure. I couldn’t tell where the sky ended and the sea began. It felt like I was standing on the edge of the world.
I visited my dad’s village, got to know my way around. We visited Ancient Olympia—I had been there 11 years earlier, but it was a different experience as an adult. Even now, I want to see every fragment, take it all in.
Here’s a photo of me in Ancient Olympia in 1997 (note: this was like my 4th trip there!). I’m standing at the chapel behind Pheidias’ workshop.
This photo was taken during a return visit to Ancient Olympia in 2024.
I grew up in Chicago, which is flat. I can’t get enough of the mountains. I could stare at them all day. I love to look out at the mountains, the colors, the textures. And think about the history they have witnessed. On that trip, my cousins teased me. One said, “You don’t stop looking at the mountains. Do they talk to you?” To that I replied, “If only they could talk!” The history that those mountains have observed is mindboggling.
Prior to this trip, I had never seen a shooting star. I saw two that summer! And I had never been able to “see” the man in the moon. One night, while out with my cousins, I saw it. I couldn’t contain my excitement. My cousins were puzzled as I tried to explain. You see, they don’t call it “the man in the moon.” They refer to it as the “face of Goddess Athena”. So now whenever I see it, I announce that I see Athena!
Interview with Maria A. Karamitsos: Education and University Life
Maria, you went to University and studied hard, I assume. Can you tell us where you went, what you studied and why? From what you know now, if you had your time over again, would you do anything different?
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Illinois State University and an MBA with concentration in marketing from Keller Graduate School of Management, part of DeVry University. I started as an accounting major, but since accounting is an “exact science”, you must follow the prescribed structure and there’s no deviation. On tests, I always found the right answers, but didn’t use the “proper method”. My grades reflected that. One day, a professor called me into her office. She told me that accounting wasn’t for me. She had no idea how I came up with the correct answers, but she couldn’t give me full credit because I didn’t follow the method. She said I needed to be in a field that allowed me to exercise my creativity. At that point, the only major I could switch to and still graduate on time was Marketing. So into marketing I dove! Sometimes I say I should have gone to law school instead of getting an MBA, but no regrets. The only thing I would change is that I would have started writing seriously earlier. I have always loved to write and create stories. But as the daughter of immigrants, I was always encouraged to follow a course of study that would provide me the means to support myself. I should have kept writing, just for me.
Thankfully, I did pick it up again later. And I like to say everything happens for a reason.
American Universities fascinate me. From watching movies, my main source of knowledge, it seems as though many students leave their hometown and go to another city to study. Is this something you did, or did you ever consider doing the same?
Going to university is a learning experience on many levels. Not all students go away, but for those who do, it’s an opportunity to practice adulting—being independent and on your own away from family, although with that safety net. For financial reasons, at first, I attended a community college near my home where I earned an associate’s degree and then transferred to a university to complete my bachelor’s degree. The university was two hours from home. Some students go across the country, even abroad. It’s a fantastic experience and I encourage students that if they can, they should go away to college.
I’m also extremely fascinated by the Greek fraternity system in American universities, as we don’t have anything like it in Australia. Can you tell us about it and whether you joined a sorority during your time at university? If not, why was that? Also, is the Greek system anything like the movie Revenge of the Nerds (1984) or The Skulls (2000)?
I didn’t join a sorority in college. In addition to my studies, I helped organize events in the student center and I also worked part-time. What I saw of fraternities and sororities were students who did philanthropy and volunteer work in addition to their studies. Sure, there were parties. But I didn’t witness anything too crazy. I must admit, my ears cocked every time someone spoke about “The Greeks”, though they didn’t mean cultural Greeks. People often asked if I was Greek, and they didn’t mean my roots. I always responded that I was a “real” Greek!
Interview with Maria Karamitsos: Greek Culture in Chicago and America
You were born and raised in Chicago. Is that where you call home today? In any case, I’m assuming you know Chicago very well. In your opinion, what would be an ideal itinerary for a two-day trip to Chicago for first-time visitors.
I still live in the Chicago area. I don’t know about an ideal itinerary, because everyone has different likes. If you’re into museums, The Art Institute is an absolute must.
There are many world class museums here. And we have the National Hellenic Museum, which is in Greektown. If you’re into sports, you must go to Wrigley Field for a baseball game. If you don’t like baseball, we have hockey, football, basketball, soccer, and more. We have zoos, the Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. Check out Millennium Park (concerts, etc. in the summer and ice skating in the winter) and the lakefront—people can’t believe the lake is so big and that we have beaches. Like food? You can find all different types of cuisine here. There’s something here for everyone. Now, some of this depends on the time of year too, because our winters can be extremely cold and snowy.
Are there any prominent artworks related to Greek gods, goddesses, or Greek mythology in Chicago that you know of? For instance, in Adelaide where I’m from, we have a statue of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, in front of the Government House building, plus a cool Pan fountain with water flowing out of his pan pipes in a beautiful public garden.
In Jackson Park, there is the 24-foot gilded statue of a woman, which is a small replica of the colossus statue “The Republic,” a centerpiece of the 1893 Columbian Exposition. The “Golden Lady” is Athena, and this statue was erected in 1918. I’ve not seen it in person.
There’s the Statue of Aphrodite Knidos in The Art Institute. Of course there are others. Actually, there are statues and replicas of Greek art everywhere. Also, a little-known fact is that in Chicago, there several mini Greek temples that reside on the roofs of buildings. My uncle told me about this when I was younger. The architects were so inspired by Greek architecture, that they paid homage to it in a unique way. To date, I’ve identified five.
There’s a statue of Athena on long term display at a gallery called Wrightwood 659. It’s a composite statue, made from fragments of other statues.
In Chicago’s Greektown, there are mini Greek temples at each end. Here’s one at the south end.
At the south end, the temple is in a little park called The Elysian Field, which is named after the famous Elysian Fields, which are the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous in Greek mythology and religion. Greektown also does street art exhibits every year, and you can always find an artist nod to mythology. At the train station that is between the location of Chicago’s original Greektown (now home of University of Illinois at Chicago) and today’s Greektown, is a statue of Hermes. It was recently installed and I haven’t seen it yet.
There are many more than I can count, both here in the Chicago area, and around the US. For instance, at the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, you can see an impressive replica of the statue of Athena.
The Parthenon in Nashville is a full-scale replica of the original. While the interior of the Parthenon is not a replica of the original, it does contain its owned gilded replica of the Athena Parthenos statue, that once graced the interior of the real Parthenon. US.
Maria Karamitsos: WindyCity Greek Journalist
You founded WindyCity Greek, obviously making use of Chicago’s “windy city” nickname. Can you tell us about it? When did you create it? What have been a few of the biggest highlights you have experienced as a result of its formation? Who are some of your favorite people you came into contact with due to WindyCity Greek?
WindyCity Greek was a digital magazine that I founded and published from 2015-2019. It featured the awesome works of Greeks around the world, with a dash of Chicago news. It was an incredible experience, building on my tenure at other Greek publications. I met so many wonderful people who became friends. Over the years, I’ve met and interviewed many celebrities and prominent individuals.
There are so many great memories, but I’ll share two. One actually happened just prior to the launch. To that point, I had been working in Greek media for 13 years. In the summer of 2015, my family and I traveled to Greece. We explored the Acropolis Museum and made our way to the top floor. My husband had recognized a Chicago newscaster there, who was getting a private tour. His tour guide saw me and dashed over. He said, “You’re the journalist from Chicago. You’re Maria Karamitsos!” Well, the newscaster came over to see what all the excitement was about and insisted on meeting me. After that, my kids told people I was an international celebrity. LOL
In March 2019, I was invited to The White House for the Greek Independence Day reception. What an honor to be there with Greek music reverberating through the halls, Greek dancers performing, and Greek flags everywhere. Only one other ethnic group, the Irish, are honored in this way. It was something I’ll never forget.
I’d like to explore the windy city side of Chicago a bit more. It must be a windy city, but how windy are we talking? Is it constantly blowing a gale for most of the year? Do you have to walk around with wind-proof jackets? That seems like it would be very unpleasant!
Though it can get windy here, with the skyscrapers and the breeze off the lake, Chicago received the nickname “Windy City” because the politicians like to talk a lot—they’re “full of hot air”. LOL. Our weather here is rather unpredictable. It’s not inconceivable to experience all four seasons in one day. A 40-degree temperature drop is not uncommon. It’s May and it’s just started to feel like spring. We’ve experienced snow fall as late as May 1. When that happens, I say that perhaps old Hades was so irresistible, Persephone had to return to the Underworld for one more kiss.
Interview with Maria Karamitsos: Author and Poet
Here’s a snippet of your WindyCity Greek Instagram profile description: Maria A. Karamitsos is the WindyCity Greek! Greek-American journalist, author, poet, marketing/PR pro. Can you please share one of your favorite poems you have written.
To date, three of my poems have been published. Much of my poetry is inspired by nature, though I write sometimes about God and my Greek culture. I’m currently working on a poem about my father’s last days. I’ve written a short story that includes some mythological figures—I hope it will be published soon. My first poetry publication was with Highland Park Poetry. Another, about my late mother, was included in The Magic of Us—A Mom’s Who Write Poetry Anthology. The third was published in THE PEN MAGAZINE. It was inspired by the end of the year approaching and thoughts about the new year ahead. Here it is.
It looks like you have written a novel and taken quite a long time to write it — over 7 years! Is it finished yet? What’s the book about and who would enjoy reading it? Can we look forward to seeing it in bookstores?
I’ve been working on my novel for about 12 years now. Juggling young kids, work, and aging parents, it took me SIX years to finish the first draft. Then I didn’t know what to do with it, as it was my first fiction. Since then, I’ve taken classes and attended workshops to hone my craft. I’m still learning. It’s a process. Right now, I’m working with an editor to refine it, so I can then query literary agents. I’m pursuing the traditional publishing route. Authors must have representation to approach these publishers, thus the need for a literary agent. I wish I could tell you when it will be in bookstores. Hopefully soon! The story is set in Chicago’s Greektown and opens in the late 1950s.
There’s a lot of Greek culture in it, as well as some of immigrant experience. It also includes a real, but little-known historic event—the destruction of Greektown in the early 1960s. Chicago’s original Greektown was leveled to build a university. Greek immigrant families and businesses, as well as Italian and Jewish immigrants, were displaced.
If a person would only be willing to read one book written by a Greek author, which book would you recommend and for what reason?
I couldn’t pick one author if I tried. But I will tell you, must-reads are books by Nikos Kazantzakis and Harry Mark Petrakis. And definitely, read Eleni by Nicholas Gage.
If you could recommend only one travel memoir to read about any travel-related experience in the world, which book would you pick? Why did you enjoy reading this book so much?
Oh gosh! I can’t pick. There are some really great travel memoirs that are written by non-Greeks. Their love for Greece shines through. You can find some of them on my blog.
Do you have any Greek mythology books in your home? If you do, can you name a few of the books? What about the Percy Jackson & the Olympians novel series?
We do! We have one volume of Percy Jackson. We also have at least a dozen mythology books as well as myth retellings and reimaginings. I’ve always loved mythology—and that the Greeks have these timeless and fantastic stories that the entire world knows. I remember in 4th grade when we studied the myths at school. Even the teacher had trouble pronouncing the names, so every time a new character was mentioned, she’d stop and motion to me (even during read aloud, when students took turns reading) so I could pronounce the names. I felt special.
Interview with Maria Karamitsos: A Proud Hellene
As a hypothetical Greek mythology question. If the Greek Goddesses did exist and their temples were still around today, which Greek Goddess would you devote yourself to and why? You can only pick one.
As a woman, I can say that we all need to come together, because without each other’s support, we’d stagnate. So for me, it would be many goddesses. Maybe it’s a Goddess Consortium. Although, I am partial to Mnemosyni. Not only is she the goddess of memory and the mother of the Muses, but she is also the goddess of storytelling! I named my literary column in NEO Magazine after her. I call it ‘Mnemosyni’s Musings’.
Opa! Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of Greek heritage. Can you speak the Greek language? If so, what was your journey to learning it? When you visit Greece, do you find yourself using your Greek? How confident are you in your language skills? Additionally, can you both read and write in Greek? Are you passing on this extraordinary language and culture to your children?
I do speak Greek. It was my first language, but when I was five years-old, my father decreed that we’d no longer speak Greek at home because he had to learn English. So my siblings and I basically forgot. After I completed my MBA, I went to Greek school to pull those words from the back of my mind. I read Greek. I can write in Greek, though it’s probably elementary level. I do speak Greek while in Greece, and here at home I take the opportunity to converse with a fellow Hellene in the mother tongue. Our daughters have attended Greek school and do speak Greek. I’m always looking for the opportunity to speak and better my Greek language skills.
Living in America offers convenient access to a variety of stunning beach destinations, such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Mexico. I’d love to hear about one of your trips — how long did you stay, and what was the experience like? Or have you primarily been exploring the beautiful shores of Greece?
I have been to Puerto Rico in the winter (a great respite from the harsh weather). Many times, I’ve visited Florida and swam in the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve never been to Mexico or the Bahamas. I’ve been to parts of California, but the ocean is way too cold for swimming. I love New York for its electric vibe. I’ve had great trips to many places with family and wonderful friends, but nothing compares to the warmth of the Aegean Sea and all that Greece has to offer. In Greece, everywhere you step there is history. I have said we “walk in the footsteps of the ancients”, but I believe they’re walking alongside us, steering us to new discoveries. We just have to be open.
I hear you love Crete. Tell us about your favorite spots on the island and the best beach in Crete! What makes it so special?
I absolutely adore Crete! I’ve been there three times and have made some incredible friends. Chania has my heart. I have been to Rethymnon and Heraklion also, however, I haven’t yet made it to the east side of the island. I can’t tell you the “best beach”, as when we’ve been there, it’s been windy, so we haven’t visited those that have been proclaimed “best” or “most popular”.
Back in 2018, my family and I visited the Chania area in Crete. We all loved Stavros Beach, where the beach scenes of Zorba the Greek were filmed. My husband Peter and I tried to recreate the dance scene on the beach at the end of the film.
Funny thing, no one paid any attention to us. So I wonder, does this happen often? LOL
Almyridas Beach has a great vibe. The Palace of Knossos in Heraklion is a mustsee. I adore the Venetian Harbor in Chania, and of course, the Olive Tree at Vouves—which is said to be the oldest olive tree in Europe! The olive leaf crowns presented to athletes at the 2004 Olympics came from that tree. It still produces fruit! It’s hollow, and you can crawl inside. It inspired a short story I wrote that culminates in a transformational experience inside the tree. I hope it will be published soon.
Maria, you are a writer and also a website owner. Tell us about mariakaramitsos.com. What can visitors expect to find on your website?
In addition to a portfolio of my work (Greek media, links to my book contributions, published writing, etc.), visitors will find a blog where I predominantly write about books set in Greece, written by authors of Greek descent, or about Greece. I review books every month and do Q&As with authors. There are so many talented authors and amazing books, but they don’t get the recognition they deserve. So I am on a mission to amplify the voices of authors of Greek descent and those who write about Greece! I do this through my website, social media, and my newsletter. I still contribute to some Greek media outlets. And as a marketing/PR consultant, I work predominantly with authors, as well as some Greek organizations. My daughters say I made a career out of being Greek. I’m so proud of my heritage and culture and I have the privilege to live it every day, personally and professionally. So for me, it truly is “all Greek”.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS/NOTES: All photos courtesy Maria A. Karamitsos
Feature Image: Maria A. Karamitsos at the White House Greek Independence Celebration 2019
Each year, The White House hosts a reception in honor of Greek Independence Day. Maria had the honor to attend in 2019 and posted outside by some Greek and American flags. She was invited back in 2020, but the event was canceled due to the lockdowns.
Olympian Greek Dance Troupe at St Nectarios Fest June 1999
Maria performed with the Olympian Greek Dance Troupe of Chicago for eight years. This photo was taken prior to a performance at a Greek festival in Palatine, IL in 1999.
Cover of WindyCity Greek Spring 2019 issue
Cover of WindyCity Greek’s Spring 2019 issue, with the theme, “Preserving Our Heritage”. This cover image from a Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown captures so much: history and culture, ancient and modern Greece, a nod to myth, and also a celebration of Chicago’s Greek community in Greektown. The Greek temple adorns the north end of Chicago’s Greektown.
Parthenon replica in Nashville, Tennessee
A full-scale replica of the Parthenon, the centerpiece of Nashville’s Centennial Park, was built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.
It’s only exact-size and full-scale replica of the iconic Greek temple. As the story goes, “When Tennessee celebrated its 100th year of statehood with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville took advantage of its nickname, ‘Athens of the South’, and built the replica. You can get a feel for what the Parthenon looked like back in the day. It’s cool—and sad. We’ve seen it twice and when we visit Nashville again, we’ll go again. I prefer to visit the original, but this one is much closer to home.
Palace of Knossos
In 2018, Maria and her family toured the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion, Crete. Can’t you just see King Minos and his wife, Queen Pasiphae, walking the grounds? Now imagine the Minotaur in his labyrinth! Hmmm… where are the remnants of Ariadne’s thread?
Poros Boat Ride 2024
In 2024, Maria and her family visited the island of Poros. Here’s a picture from their boat ride in the Saronic Gulf.
Maria Karamitsos: Interview Conclusion
Maria, for my final words, I’d like to say a big thank you for letting me interview you — a super sharp Greek woman with ties to Olympia! Honestly, you’re the closest I’ve come to someone who could easily be an Olympian goddess… maybe you are, who knows? You can never really tell with these things.
The title of this interview — Maria A. Karamitsos: Journalist, Author, Proud Hellene — truly captures who you are, and I’m so glad you came up with it. Anyway, with all your credentials and that adventurous Hellene spirit, it’s no wonder you appeared on Greek Gods Paradise.
Oh, and your poem is very cool — so much so that it inspired me to toss a pebble into the seawater to create a more beautiful backdrop for your words. Plus, a big thank you for teaching me, and I assume many other readers of this interview, a fun new fact: how Chicago earned the nickname ‘The Windy City.’ LOL, I probably would have remained ignorant if you hadn’t told me.
I haven’t stepped on American soil yet, but your travel tips have me thinking I just might have to make it there someday. You’ve got some interesting spots, like the Parthenon replica in Nashville and Greektown in Chicago. I just hope I won’t get mugged if I do end up going.
My only regret about this interview is not asking you what your middle name is. That “A” in Maria A. Karamitsos feels quite enigmatic because I haven’t been able to find any information about it anywhere. I suppose it adds a charming touch of mystery…
Another thing, Maria: you’ve secured a top spot in the interviews on Greek Gods Paradise. I have just one more interview lined up after this, with a very cool talented artist connected to Athena. Once that’s completed, I’ll have a total of 12 classic interviews on Greek Gods Paradise, and yours will be right up there among the best, in a prime position. You got lucky!
All of the interviews on this site are totally awesome in their own way, which is why I want to finish things on a high Olympian note by capping the number at twelve — matching the number of the twelve Olympian gods like Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hermes, Apollo, Aphrodite, Poseidon, and the others.
Plus, I gotta admit, rejection can be pretty tough. Out of every seven or so people I reach out to, only one agrees to do an interview, so the odds haven’t exactly been in my favor. Billy Zane, the famous Chicago-born actor who starred in Titanic, was one who declined, but there have been others I honestly thought would agree. It can be pretty soul-crushing, especially when you really admire the person.
Anyway, doing interviews has been quite the roller-coaster ride, so I’m planning to switch gears and focus on other types of interesting content for my site. I still have a large collection of Greek mythology comics and graphic novels that I need to review. Believe it or not, I wouldn’t be surprised if I possess the largest Greek myth-related comic collection in the world. Additionally, I have many other projects on my agenda, such as creating my own artwork…
That said, I think these 12 classic interviews will always be one of the biggest highlights of the site, and I hope lots of visitors enjoy reading them over the years. Thanks to everyone who’s been part of this journey — especially the first few brave souls who had no idea what they were getting into.
P.S. If you know Billy, send him my regards.
Thanks again, Maria. Wishing you, Peter, and your family all the best for the future. One last thing: if you or your husband are secretly Olympian gods, please make sure to keep me in your good books! I’d happily take any role on Olympus I can get!
Maria’s Website: Maria A. Karamitsos
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