Irene Notias is the woman who conceived the idea of the non for profit, PROJECT CONNECT.  She has been its administration engine running it, as the first of its kind, auxiliary Human resources facility for the Greek shipping community’s benefit, during Greece’s highest ever youth unemployment rate circa 2010-2015. Prior to its launch, she and friend Angela Livanou created the private business, CONNECT H.E.R. to place shipping students and grads in jobs. Irene currently directs PC programs such as Work-Study & Adopt a Ship in Greece.

Founder & Managing Director of Prime’s Bunkersplus Services, for over 20 years, Irene is a doer. A “do what’s needed” & “just do it”, creative, hands-on entrepreneur who fills the gaps and has matchmaking skills that have awarded her close ties to a large & varied world-wide network she calls “the diamond-faceted Shipping Industry”.  Since 2002, actively 24-7/365 serving the top Greek & American Shipping companies with their Marine Fuel purchases as Bunker Broker, Sales & Marketing Manager & Exclusive Purchasing Agent. Many of her clients are on the New York Stock Exchange and top 100 Lloyds list of wealthiest companies.  Irene is currently Country Manager of SING FUELS Hellas who acquired her company in 2022.

Author of several Marine Petroleum and Shipping Industry related articles for Trade Magazines. Organizer and presenter of several fund raisers, presentations for trade seminars, webinars and charity events.

Bachelors in Business Administration, from Pace University, Manhattan, NYC , Major: International Management. Minors: Marketing and Political Science. Before entering the Shipping market in Greece, Irene worked for 16 years in Executive Administration posts for a NYC reputable Shipping firm, multi-national IBM & Japanese firm, Nichiman America, and also, successfully ran a retail business which she had started up.

Served for several years as Board Member in various associations and non-profit organizations such as Vice President, WISTA (Women’s Int’l Shipping & Trading Assoc), Athens Alzheimers & Related Disorders Association, Kardamylian Foundation Inc., Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, NYC Parish Council, AHEPA (Maids of Athena), GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Assoc), Pace University Press Features Editor, Greek Club President & Pace University Senator. Has organized & presented Fashion Shows, Musical Events & Parties for fundraisers. Currently is a Governor of the US Propeller Club Port of Piraeus and active member of IBIA.

Her vision is to see people in Greece live with peace of mind by learning tools like Commitment & Consistency, Assurance & Assertiveness, Responsibility & Reliability and Execution to achieve Excellence in anything they perform (CARE seminar is her concept). She has captured a very small corner, envisioning, and founding PROJECT CONNECT, the project that has helped young Shipping undergrads and grads obtain internship & entry level jobs via professional assistance & insightful seminars run by HR experts during crisis-inflicted Greece.