Aphrodite Tsairis has received the 2010 Global Impact Award from the Garden State Woman Education Foundation.
Aphrodite Tsairis
Aphrodite and Peter Tsairis created the Alexia Foundation in 1989 after their daughter Alexia died in the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Since then, the Foundation has given 24 students scholarships to study photojournalism at Syracuse University in London. In addition, since 1997, the Foundation has annually given a $15,000 grant to a professional photographer to produce a picture story with global significance.
“The power of photography is realized by the Foundation that promotes creative photojournalism as an agent of change.”
New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, in a letter to Aphrodite Tsairis, explained the importance of the award:
“Congratulations on your 5th Annual Garden State Women of the Year Award. Garden State Woman has been a trusted resource for women in New Jersey for over 12 years. Women, from small business owners to corporate professionals, have come together to create a qualified network of people dedicated to improving the professional and personal lives of women all over New Jersey.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aphrodite Tsairis on being named the recipient of the Global Impact Award. Her creation of the Alexia Foundation for World Peace is truly an inspiration. The power of photography is realized by the Foundation that promotes creative photojournalism as an agent of change. Many images captured by Alexia Foundation photographers have brought important issues to our attention, from violence against women in Guatemala to the lives of forgotten sharecroppers in central California. All of the photographs and portfolios tell a compelling story keeping Alexia’s passion for photojournalism alive.
“Through Aphrodite’s work at the Alexia Foundation she continues to demonstrate leadership, success, and the desire to give back. Congratulations to Aphrodite and all the Award winners on such outstanding achievements.
Sincerely, Frank R. Lautenberg
