There is more to Diana Paraschi than first meets the eye – and what meets the eye is intelligent and attractive. For many, Diana Paraschi poses something of an enigma; owner of a successful language school, recently appointed Vice President of the Chamber of Zakynthos, officer to the Board of the National Chamber Network of Women Entrepreneurs, founder member of the islands photographic society Photogamma and Chair of the Animal Welfare Charity. So many roles for one woman, and yet there is the impression there is more to come, much more.

Born on a small Greek island need not limit your expectations in life and Diana is proof of this. When she left for university at the age of eighteen to study French literature, she carried with her the idea to start a language school. Athens provided the stimulus to widen her horizons and Diana went on the study Modern English literature that took her to Cambridge followed by studies in Italy of the Renaissance movement. After completing her degree, Diana’s language skills enabled her to take a number of positions working for companies with foreign departments, which presented the young graduate with a chance to travel plus exposure to overseas business practices and operations. Later the opportunity arose to teach at a foreign language school, Diana took it, eager to gain valuable experience for her long held ambition of opening her own school. In 1996 she felt it was the right time to start her business; Diana returned home to Zakynthos to pursue her dream though it was not without sacrifice. By contrast, Zakynthos lacked the cultural diversions of Athens and Diana found the transition a very difficult time. Immersing herself in new interests, she co-founded the islands first photographic society at the same time she became actively involved with Zakynthos Animal Welfare Fund (ZAWF).

Once her school became established, Diana considered putting her business experience to good use. She joined the Chamber of Commerce. Her assiduous approach won her favour and last year she was appointed Vice President to oversee local and European initiatives. Concurrently ZAWF was undergoing restructure; Diana was nominated to head the charity. A demanding role laced with heavy responsibility and like many emotive causes, it is subject to unfair judgement – suffice to say Diana ‘grasped the nettle’. The majority of animal welfare groups based in the Mediterranean are usually headed by a foreigner - in respect of ZAWF, Diana’s position must surely be a notable advantage.
Diana possesses many attributes of the self-driven individual, an inner restlessness always pushing to improve oneself, mental energy, persistence, committed to life-long learning, not intimidated by responsibility and an expectation of success, all of which better explains her involvement and dedication to so many aspects of the community.

You may have heard the expression ‘if you want something done, ask a busy person’...or Diana Paraschi