Q&A with Danae Aretaiou, Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator Danae Aretaiou reflects on her journey with Libra Group, sharing her internship experience and offering advice for new and prospective interns.
[August 28, 2025]
You originally joined Libra Group as part of the Libra Internship Program. Tell us about that experience and some of your favorite memories from the internship.
The internship program was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget. I still remember feeling excited, and a little overwhelmed during orientation week, having just moved from Athens to New York. The week was packed with mentoring, training, and networking. It was intense, but invaluable, and it gave me a clear understanding of Libra Group’s ethos and answers to many of my early questions.
One of the biggest highlights from the internship was the people I got to meet. I also had the unique opportunity to attend a dinner hosted by our Executive Chairman, where I met remarkable guests from diverse backgrounds. Those moments, and many more, gave me a glimpse into a very different reality from the one I knew before. But the most meaningful highlight of all was meeting one of my now closest friends through the program and exploring New York together.
I also had the opportunity to volunteer at Concordia, one of the philanthropic programs of Libra Group’s sister organization, Libra Philanthropies. Volunteering gave me the chance to hear from inspiring speakers and interact with impressive individuals, including David Simas, Managing Director, Research and Impact, Emerson Collective, H.E. Roberta Metsola, President, European Parliament, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Jake Groshong, CEO, Playing for Change Foundation.
How did the Libra Internship Program prepare you for your full-time role?
The internship gave me a strong foundation for my current role. From the beginning, I was fully integrated into the team, which allowed me to observe how each person worked—their differences, their strengths, and how they complemented one another. That helped me understand where I could contribute most, not only by fitting into the team but also by offering perspectives and skills that filled gaps.
One of my biggest learnings was that integration into any workplace starts with observation and understanding. Taking the time to listen carefully, notice details, and absorb how colleagues approach their work was the greatest preparation for my full-time role. Learning how to present myself in a professional environment helped me set the right tone and establish credibility early on.
The program also helped me build meaningful relationships with executives and colleagues across Libra Group’s ecosystem, which made the transition to full-time work much smoother. Most importantly, having mentors who encouraged honesty, questions, and active listening gave me the confidence to keep growing and contributing.
What advice would you give to current or potential interns?
For current interns, my biggest advice is to take the time to truly understand the people you work with. Observe how they operate and what they value in their colleagues—this creates the space for you to adapt, contribute meaningfully, and add real value. Present yourself professionally, be proactive, and seek guidance by asking thoughtful questions. Don’t hesitate to take mentors out for coffee and learn from their experience, while always being mindful of their time. Building genuine relationships can be just as impactful as the work itself. Timing also matters: read the room before suggesting ideas or making requests, and always go the extra mile by anticipating needs and asking for feedback.
For potential interns, my advice would be to show genuine enthusiasm and curiosity. Be yourself, do your homework by understanding Libra Group’s ethos through the website and social channels, and come prepared to ask thoughtful questions.
How has working in a global environment shaped your perspective on your work?
Being part of a group with such an international footprint means I’m constantly exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of working, which has shaped the way I communicate with colleagues. It has taught me to be flexible and intentional in how I collaborate, always taking the time to understand others by recognizing the unique work environments in each country. As a Greek working with a U.S.-based team, I’ve had to learn and adapt to the work culture and ethos of the U.S. in order to contribute more effectively to my team.
For our team in particular, working in a global organization means our audience spans many different countries and cultures. This requires us to adapt our communication style to resonate across diverse contexts and to stay closely attuned to news in the regions where we operate, so we can adjust our strategy and be mindful of global and regional events.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my big Greek family and close friends, traveling whenever I get the chance, and staying active. I’ve also always been drawn to creative outlets, so I try to make time for activities like painting, pottery, and fashion.
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