About Marianna
Marianna Michalitsianou is a dynamic cultural entrepreneur, consultant, and communications expert based in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Piraeus, Greece, she immigrated to Canada in 2016 and has since established herself as a leader in cultural event production, international trade consulting, and community development.
She is the Founder and CEO of Empiria World Inc., the parent company behind Empiria Events, Empiria Greece, and The Greek Experience—a flagship cultural convention celebrating Greek heritage through food, art, dialogue, and trade. Her work bridges cultures and continents, creating platforms that connect the Greek diaspora with local and global opportunities in business, culture, and education.
Marianna’s mission is to foster connection, promote heritage, and inspire cross-cultural collaboration. Through Empiria, she continues to develop meaningful experiences that celebrate diversity, support local and international creators, and build cultural bridges between communities.
Education
With a background in Communications, Media & Culture from Panteion University in Athens, Marianna has spent over two decades in media, broadcasting, project management, and public relations. She has led multicultural initiatives and events both in Greece and Canada and is known for her inclusive leadership style and passion for cultural diplomacy. Skills developed through study and research for her publication, “Leadership Development and Training“.
Professional Highlights
Founder & CEO of Empiria World Inc. (since 2021), a Canada-based organisation promoting Greek culture, tourism, and trade through platforms like Empiria Events, The Greek Experience, and Empiria Greece.
Creator & Executive Producer of The Greek Experience – a cultural convention in Toronto combining Greek gastronomy, live performances, trade shows, and panel discussions. The event attracts top-tier partners, including the Embassy of Greece in Canada and the National Tourism Organization of Greece.
Senior Consultant at Integrated Consulting Services (ICS) – leading strategic operations, trade facilitation, and business development between Canada and Greece.
Built and launched the ticketing and vendor platform Empiria.events in support of cultural events and organisations to celebrate multiculturalism.
Director of Sales & Marketing for the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada, responsible for digital presence, ticketing and sales across Canada.
General Manager of Agape Greek Radio, developing and promoting culturally relevant programming for the Greek-Canadian community.
Over 20 years of experience in international trade, logistics, and transportation, facilitating imports and exports between Greece, EU and Canada, including customs compliance, and vendor representation.
Her biggest skill is in creating connections and bringing people and businesses together.
Community Involvement
Co-founder of “PireActive”, a volunteer group in Piraeus, Greece, formed during the economic crisis to clean and beautify public spaces and promote civic participation.
President of Daughters of Penelope – Chapter ‘Muses’ 462, leading cultural and philanthropic initiatives among Greek women in Canada.
Event collaborations with community organizations, including the Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade, the Greek Community of Toronto and various Greek associations and Greek Community schools across Canada.
Mentor and advocate for Greek-Canadian youth, supporting language education, cultural retention, and leadership development.
Public advocate for the Greek diaspora, using platforms like LinkedIn and Empiria to highlight culture, success stories, trade opportunities, and shared identity.
