Meet Noel
An Empowering Voice for Positive Change
“If we saw ourselves in everybody, what kind of world would it be?”
- Noel Demetrio
A GIRL LEADING CHANGE
Selected by Dr. Jill Biden
as a 2024 Honoree
On Oct. 10 2024, in honor of International Day of The Girl, First Lady Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council announced the lineup of 10 young women leaders that would be celebrated during the “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House. Noel was honored amidst 9 other young change makers.
Girls Leading Change in the Press
A VOICE FOR CHALLENGING STIGMA
Project Xenia: Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions
Noel Demetrio’s journey began after learning her grandmother fled Greece to Canada due to poverty and was then brought illegally into the US in the trunk of a car. Upon entering the US as a refugee, her grandmother was treated with kindness and grace, and her family went on to plant roots in America. Years later, she returned to Greece and witnessed a wave of refugees who had lost their entire families and were stuck and facing starvation. Noel watched as Athenian women came by to provide food and resources. This act of kindness left a lasting impact on Noel. Noel learned that Greeks abide by a Golden Rule - even amidst their own struggles, they help others. This spirit of Greek generosity impressed her more than the Acropolis or Santorini’s beauty.
“ The true beauty of Greece, she realized, lay in its human spirit .”
Years later, a spark was ignited in Noel as she recognized that a large wave of migrants were being sent to Chicago and she knew they, too, should be treated according to this Golden Rule.
Noel founded Project Xenia to help end the stigma surrounding all teenage asylum seekers. The mission of Project Xenia is to foster empathy and understanding while creating a supportive community for those in need. Partnering with St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Noel has worked tirelessly to educate and involve students in humanitarian efforts, breaking down barriers and building bridges of compassion. The concept of Philoxenia, the Greek spirit of radical hospitality and service, has served as the foundation for the organization’s success.
Through Project Xenia, Noel’s goal is clear: to dismantle prejudices and empower others to join in creating a more inclusive society.
By sharing the stories of displaced children, she encourages others to see beyond stereotypes and extend a hand of friendship and support.
A VOICE FOR PROTECTION
The Day of Advocacy : Noel's Law
Noel's commitment to change extends to her advocacy work. After suffering a season-ending cheerleading injury, Noel dedicated herself to making sure what happened to her never happens to another athlete; she committed to make cheer safer for those who would stand on the field after her.
Noel championed and helped bring to fruition "Noel’s Law”, IL Senate Bill 2861, which improves safety standards for cheerleading coaches,staff, and athletes in all schools throughout the state. The very same day that she was advocating at the United Nations as the Greek Orthodox Girl Delegate for the 68th Commission of the Status of Women at the United Nations, Noel testified by zoom in the Illinois Senate Educational Committee, advocating for cheer safety. She later testified in person before the Illinois House Educational Committee.
Illinois Senate Bill 2861 successfully passed in both the House and Senate and Governer J. B. Pritzker signed it into law on July 1, 2024. This law now requires cheer coaches to learn cheer safety protocols and teach the student athletes what they need to keep themselves and their team safe.
National Delegate for the 68th Session of the Commission for the Status of Women
Chosen as one of only twelve Greek Orthodox delegates nationally, Noel played a pivotal role in editing the Zero Draft Document for the Commission for the Status of Women to include inclusive language. Her contributions highlight her passion for gender equality and her ability to influence policy at a international level.
Host Family for Safe Families For Children
Upon leaving Greece as a child, Noel happened to come upon a video about families in crisis back at home in Chicago. She saw kids - just like her - needing basic housing and resources, living in shelters, without appropriate supervision. She knew she had to do something, and convinced her parents to open up their home to these kids and become a host family for Safe Families For Children. Starting in 2017, she hosted 15 children from 7 families in crisis over 149 nights and counting.
Peer Trainer and Retreat Leader at CROYA
CROYA was established in 1980 for Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, in response to serious problems affecting teens seen during the 1970’s. Several teen suicides, escalating drug and alcohol abuse, hundreds of thousands of dollars in vandalism prompted community leaders to take action to address the needs of youth. CROYA helps young adults identify and meet their own needs, while learning values and self-worth. Today, Noel leads CROYA retreats and training sessions. Her work as a peer trainer underscores her belief in the power of education and friendship to create lasting social change.
A VOICE FOR CULTURE
Founder and President of the Lake Forest High School Hellenic Club
Noel founded the Hellenic Club to celebrate and preserve Greek culture and traditions. As president, she organizes events and activities that promote cultural heritage, ensuring that these rich traditions continue to thrive.
Key speakers have included Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias and Alex Saratsis who is the agent to NBA superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
President of the Lake Forest High School French Club
In addition to her work with the Hellenic Club, Noel also serves as the President of the French Club. Here, she fosters a love for French culture and language, encouraging students to explore and appreciate the diversity of global traditions.
A VOICE FOR EXCELLENCE
Academic Achievements
Noel's dedication to excellence is evident in her academic pursuits. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, an active participant in the Science Olympiad, a member of the National Honor Society, and a competitor on the Varsity Speech Team.
Global Seal of Biliteracy in French
Cum Laude Society, national honorary organization for outstanding academic achievement
Illinois State Scholar, selected as the top ten percent of high school seniors based on exemplary ACT score and GPA
Oxi Foundation Philotimo Essay Scholarship Winner
Scout Way Award, chosen for outstanding dedication, leadership, and service
Northern Suburban Conference All-Academic, awarded for outstanding athletic-academic achievement
Her achievements demonstrate her commitment to intellectual growth and leadership.
A VOICE FOR SPIRIT
Athletic and Artistic Pursuits
Noel's vibrant spirit shines through her involvement in athletics and the arts. She is a varsity cheerleader and a member of the JV soccer team, displaying teamwork and perseverance. She received Varsity Cheer Special Recognition, awarded for positivity, inclusion, and leadership Additionally, her work in acting showcases her creative talents and dynamic personality.