Eleni Mastoras' journey from ACS Athens alumna to Director of Administration at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Greece is a testament to her dedication to the arts. After attending ACS Athens for middle school and high school, her path took her to the United Kingdom, shaping her into a well-rounded individual with a deep appreciation for her work and the world around her.

In describing herself in 10 (or fewer) words, she shared “passionate about my work, culture and the arts.”

YOUR ACS ATHENS EXPERIENCE

What was the most important thing you learned at ACS Athens? 

I learned that studying is equally important as doing extracurricular activities and volunteer work. CAS hours especially made me realize this and this led me into a well-rounded person.

Who was your most influential teacher/coach/classmate from your time at ACS Athens?

My English teacher in 9th grade. He was very passionate about literature and we got to analyze it in such an inspiring way that made me love literature.

What is your fondest memory of ACS Athens? 

Theory of Knowledge conversations were definitely a highlight!

What advice would you give students currently at ACS Athens? 

Take the most out of your ACS Athens experience! It’s a great privilege to be able to attend this institution.

LIFE SINCE ACS ATHENS

What and where did you study after ACS Athens?

I first earned my Bachelors of Art in History of Art & History at the University of Kent at Canterbury in the UK, and then earned my Masters in Museum and Gallery Management at the City University in London.

What was your first job after finishing school and what do you currently do? 

After my studies, I became a curator at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM), where I am now the Director of Administration.

What are your top career highlights and why do they stand out to you?

My top three career highlights are:

1) In 2022, I was honored to undertake the coordination and launch of the historic exhibition and bilingual catalogue “Form Follows Function, 200+200. Decorative and Applied Arts 1621-2021” held under the auspices of the H.E. President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou to celebrate the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution. The exhibition included artifacts from 25 private and museum collections.

2) In 2017, I implemented the year-long “Jewelry Artist in Residence Program”, the first such program available to national and international artists to run in a museum in the world, made possible with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The project included the establishment of two live metalsmithing and traditional crafts studio workshops in ILJM,the creation of LEXICON (an online electronic dictionary on jewelry) and design of new educational, adult and cultural programs. 

3)  The Hephaistos Summer School, an accredited two-week program on the history of western jewelry that runs every June that I coordinate and run through the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum Educational Center in collaboration with esteemed Greek and international academics, archaeologists and jewelry experts. The program includes 45 hours of instruction that consist of classes, lectures and study visits.

What do you do for fun? 

I love to travel, visit museum exhibitions and explore Greek folklore dancing.

Are you involved in any civic institutions, non-profits or advocacy groups? 

I'm a member of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon. It is an important activity for me as I enjoy getting involved in folkloric events.

Who would you like to see featured as an upcoming Who’s Who?

Ms. Marca Daley – I admire her so much!