Elena Chasalevri

Job Title:
Vocational Senior High School Principal
Company - Organization:
3rd Vocational High School of Piraeus
Experience:
28 years
Education:
MSc in Architecture
Universty - College:
NTUA
Nationality:
Greek

Your organization field and mission:

Our organization is a Vocational High School operating in the education sector, offering specialized training across five key fields: Information Technology, Applied Arts, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Administration & Economics. Our mission is to equip students with practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional competencies that prepare them for both the labor market and further education, while fostering innovation, digital literacy, and lifelong learning.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

As the Principal, I am responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, and daily management of the school. My role includes overseeing educational programs across all sectors, supporting teachers and staff, ensuring a high quality of vocational training, and fostering partnerships with external stakeholders. I also promote innovation, digital skills development, and an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Your interest in STEM

My interest in STEM emerged through my work as a visual artist and graphic designer. While engaging with digital tools, design software, and creative technologies, I became increasingly interested in the intersection between art and technology. This led me to explore areas such as digital design, computational creativity, and the role of technology in modern education. Over time, I developed a strong appreciation for how STEM skills can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

My first role models were my teachers and my family. There has always been a strong technical orientation in my family, and since I had a great interest in mathematics, I was inspired by relatives and teachers who encouraged me to engage with STEM subjects. Their support played a key role in motivating me to follow this direction during my high school education. Today, I continue to be inspired by educators and professionals who combine creativity, technology, and innovation in meaningful ways.

Your studies

Strengths: Strong interest in creativity, along with the ability to combine artistic thinking with analytical skills.
Weaknesses: At times, balancing creative interests with more structured subjects was demanding.
Opportunities: My work as an educator with a technical orientation encouraged me to pursue STEM-related paths and develop my skills further.
Threats: Limited access at times to advanced resources and the challenge of choosing between different career paths that interested me equally.
Overall, these challenges helped me build resilience, adaptability, and a multidisciplinary perspective that continues to influence my professional role today.

Believe in yourself and don’t let stereotypes limit your choices. STEM and vocational fields offer exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. With confidence and persistence, you can succeed and make a real impact

You at work

Our organization promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability by ensuring equal access to education for all students and encouraging participation in all sectors, including STEM. We foster an inclusive environment based on respect and collaboration, while integrating sustainability awareness and responsible practices into our educational activities.

I am most proud of the positive changes I have achieved in our school over the past three years, including strengthening extroversion and active citizenship, improving the quality of education, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment for our students.

Your point of view

Technology empowers women by opening doors to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. It gives them the tools to learn, innovate, and shape their own futures, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. Through technology, women can amplify their voices, lead change, and contribute to a more inclusive and forward-thinking society.

Keep learning, stay curious, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. With determination and passion, you can build a meaningful career and inspire others along the way.

By 2030, I envision a fully inclusive vocational education sector where diversity thrives, women lead in STEM, and sustainability is embedded in every aspect of learning, empowering all students to shape a better future.

To finish with

I value respect, empathy, and fairness in everything I do. Lifelong learning guide both my personal and professional life.

One of my main future challenges is to balance my role as a school leader with my identity as an educator, while also maintaining my creativity as an artist.

By 2030, I hope my career will have evolved in ways I cannot yet fully imagine.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/