Meet Akrivi Klentos

Akrivi “Vivian” Klentos, Assistant of Development & Communications

A first generation Greek American and SUNY Oswego ’16 graduate, Ms. Klentos supports the Development & Communications office’s overarching fundraising, outreach and media initiatives.

Name, title and how long you have been at the Institute?

[Akrivi Klentos]: Well, my actual name is Akrivi, but I go by Vivian.  For Greek people in the U.S., it’s not uncommon to have two names, one Greek name and one American name. It’s confusing, I know! I’m the Development & Communication Assistant at the Institute and I’ve been here since August 2016.  I was also a summer intern in 2015.

What do you feel your role is here in the Development & Communications office at the Institute?

[AK]: There are a lot of different roles our little Development office plays.  Everyday we’re working on something different whether it’s fundraising, event planning, marketing, public relations things, we’re always trying to meet short term and long term goals.  We keep the Institution going as an organization I feel.  No bias either, but we’re the most fun department too [Laughs].

What are your academic credentials? How have they prepared you for your position?

[AK]: I graduated from SUNY Oswego with degree in Global & International Studies and a Communication and Social Interaction minor.  I’m extremely lucky to be doing exactly what I went to school for, in both aspects of my position. 

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about working at an organization like IIB?

[AK]: The most rewarding part of working here is some of the relationships I’ve made with people from all over the world.  I have always felt ‘cultured’, but now I can say I’m cultured for real! 

Vivian takes a quick picture with a llama at the Institute’s staff retreat.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of (at work or outside of work)? Why?

[AK]: I’m fluent in 3 languages and working on the 4th…slowly [Laughs].

Since the Institute works with diverse people from all over the world, can you share with us your own heritage? First generation? Second? Third?

[AK]: My parents were born and raised in Greece, and the majority of my extended family still lives there. I am very proud of my Greek roots (as is every Greek.)

Given the international nature of the Institute, have you traveled abroad? Any places on your bucket list?

[AK]: I’ve spent the majority of my summers in Greece and am going again this summer.  As far as my bucket list, Australia is the #1 place I’m dying to get to.

If you could sit down with any individual, who would you choose? What is one question you would ask them?

[AK]: Living, I would say Amal Clooney…deceased, I would say Princess Diana.  Both have/had dedicated their life to fighting social injustice and human rights, something that I admire a ton.  I wouldn’t be able to ask just one question!

Favorite food?

[AK]: It’s a cop out if I say Greek, so I’ll go with Indian.

Favorite book?

[AK]: The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein.

What can you tell me about your life away from the Institute?

[AK]: I like to play tennis, hang out with my dog, and watch Real Housewives.

Vivian with her pride and joy, Christo.

What three traits would you say define you?

[AK]: Confident, loyal and a go-getter.