Get To Know Sophia Kyriakodis

April 2022 - What interesting facts await us about Sophia Kyriakodis, one of the co-founders who brought Emmanuel Insurance to life? Keep reading to find out, because she is our Featured Employee this month!

1. What is the last book you read that you'd recommend?
   Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica - It is a prescription to happiness and living with less stress.
    
2. What is one surprising or interesting fact about you that people may not know about?
   I have witnessed multiple miracles in my life. The first when I was 16 with Elder Ephraim. Then I witnessed the crying Icon of the Kardiotissa, from Taylor, PA. I had a miracle occur at a monastery in Agia Skepi in Whitehaven, PA and finally, we had 2 icons drip tears in our family. I have absolutely no good reason not to believe in God or be a witness! Also, I hate cats.
    
3. What's something that recently made you smile?
   My son snuggling up to my husband on the couch. It was a moment.
    
4. You have your own late night talk show - who do you invite as your first guest?
   Jesus - I have so many questions!
    
5. What's the most interesting place you've ever visited?
   There is a Monastery in Chios for Saint Markella. My children, my husband and I went with my sister's family on her feast day to her shrine. It was an amazing experience that will be with me forever.
    
6. When you were 10, what did you see yourself being when you grew up?
   A stay-at-home mom. I wanted to have a lot of children and be a mom. I love kids and they are my most rewarding job ever!!
    
7. What is the weirdest, most unorthodox, or most interesting job you've ever had?
   I worked in the dining hall at Penn State. When people were done with their trays and the gross mess they made on them, I cleaned them. I also served food to people - like Jamaican Jerk Chicken with canned corn .
    
8. What would you like to do when you retire?
   I would like to work with charities. When I was studying abroad in Athens when I was 21, I prayed about what I should do with my life, and I kept hearing, "charity, charity, charity." I worked with at-risk youth for a few years which was very rewarding, but I would like to get back to work that lifts and inspires people to new heights one day. I know every interaction with a person is an opportunity to bring them joy, (except when their premiums go up), or help them in some way, and that is enough for now.
    
9. What personal characteristic do you believe is key in order to be successful in your role at Emmanuel?
   HARD WORK! You have to be committed to the client experience and making sure they know we are more than insurance; we are an extension of their business and committed to their success. It is also important to know how to pivot and negotiate to get your client the best there is in the marketplace. TRUST - I work hard to build trust with my clients and team, I need them to know we are on the same side, working together for a common goal. I really love my teammates and clients and care about their success and wellbeing.
    
10. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in joining the Emmanuel team
    If you give us your best, we will give you our best. Come here to work hard and give your input on how we can be better....together. Be open, be optimistic, be willing to give it your all. We will be committed to your career, giving you the tools and support to be as successful as possible. We will know you are a human first and an employee second. Earn our trust while we earn yours and the sky is the limit.