Meet A Mom: Irene Zervoudis of Wonder Girls

I am so excited to introduce Irene Zervoudis, mom of three daughters and Co-Founder of Wonder Girls – a teen empowerment, after school program. I spoke with Irene to learn more about all of the important work Wonder Girls is doing (I see future female leaders!) the advice she has for moms and so much more. Keep reading for the full Q&A!

Irene pictured here with her three daughters

Let’s learn more about you! Do you have kids? Where are you from and how long have you lived in town?

I was Born in Palos Hills, IL, but I grew up in Worcester Massachusetts and have lived locally for 22 years. I have three daughters, Angelina who is 19, Victoria 16 and Styliani (Stella) is 14.

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?

My favorite thing to do with my kids is dance in the kitchen and have deep conversations in our car rides together.

Speaking of work, tell us more about your business!

I am the co-founder of Wonder Girls along with Natalie Maniscalco. We are a teen empowerment, after school program. Our mission consists of four pillars: confidence, leadership, community and business skills.

Why is this so important?

Wonder Girls is empowering our young females to step up in their own lives and into the world, with their heads held high but also helping their peers along the way. Walking side by side.

We’re also creating a sense of belonging, and teamwork within this organization. Not everyone plays sports or is part of a team, but now they can feel that team energy and comradery. Through our monthly community service days especially, we are able to bring girls from all different areas together.

As for parents, the saying that I constantly use is, it takes a village to raise our children and Wonder Girls is part of that village. As parents and educators, we can only do so much for our children. We need support too! Having mentors and other strong leaders in our children’s lives really pushes them to go the extra distance and feel extra support in this life.

I wish I had Wonder Girls as a teenager. But now I’m able to be what I needed, for these girls.

Co-Founders Irene (right) and Natalie (left)

What sets you apart?

Our ability to connect with the girls, our strength in the community and our network of incredible speakers and mentors sets us apart.

If you could give one tip to fellow moms, what would it be?

My advice to fellow Moms would be to ask for help from others when you need it, because it’s easy to get burnt out. Also, be a good listener when your kids share with you.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

One thing people would be surprised to know about me is that I had severe learning disabilities starting from the second grade. But now, I’m a college graduate, Mortgage Loan Originator and Co-founder of a successful non-profit.

A Wonder Girls Volunteer Day Event

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

I’ve met a lot of incredible people in the last year and a half. Both adults and teens that have helped me to change my perspective and outlook in certain areas of both my personal life as well as in my career. They’ve positively impacted myself and my daughters lives and provided me with additional tools to deliver what Wonder Girls has set out to do.

About Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls, whose mission is Empowering Our Future Female Leaders, is a non-profit after-school program for middle and high school girls that focuses on building confidence, leadership, community, and business skills.

To learn more about Wonder Girls and their Girl’s Empowerment Program, including the first workshop that kicks off on Friday, September 23rd, visit here.

You can follow Wonder Girls on Instagram or visit their website

Meet A Mom: Irene Zervoudis of Wonder Girls

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