Welcome to Korfes N.G.O.
CLIMB · CONNECT · GROW

At Korfes, we believe that climbing, hiking, and mountaineering are more than just recreational activities — they are powerful tools for empowerment, connection, and growth. We create inclusive outdoor experiences that bring people together, break down barriers, and foster personal and social development.
Our Mission
Korfes is dedicated to using climbing, mountaineering and outdoor activities as a means for social inclusion, personal empowerment, and environmental awareness. Our goal is to provide
accessible outdoor experiences that promote well-being, teamwork, and confidence to people of all abilities and backgrounds.

Our Story

Founded on the belief that nature should be for everyone, Korfes was created to make climbing and mountaineering inclusive and accessible. We provide a supportive environment where people of all abilities and backgrounds can challenge themselves, develop new skills, and connect with nature and the others.
Meet Our Team
Korfes is led by a dedicated team of outdoor enthusiasts, instructors, and social inclusion experts who share a passion for using climbing and outdoor activities as tools for empowerment and inclusion. They bring expertise in sports, education, social work, and communication, creating safe and welcoming environments for all participants.
The Co-founders
Team Members
What We Do
At Korfes, we use the power of nature and outdoor activities to create transformative experiences that promote inclusion, personal growth and environmental awareness. Our activities include:



Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of our journey:

Support our activities by becoming a volunteer. Whether assisting in climbing sessions, leading hikes, or helping with events, your time and skills can make a difference.

Join our community and gain access to exclusive training, events, and networking opportunities with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Donate
Your contributions help us provide accessible outdoor experiences to those who need them most.
Every donation supports equipment, training, and outreach initiatives.
Contact us:
Apostolis Zalachoris
Operetional Manager
Apostolis is a passionate mountaineer, climber, and outdoor enthusiast, blending his technical expertise with a deep love for adventure. Certified in rock climbing, alpine climbing, and mountaineering, he has strong skills in expedition planning, risk management, and training. At Korfes, he acts as the Operational Manager, responsible for coordinating projects, organizing training sessions, and managing the day-to-day operations to ensure that climbing and mountaineering are accessible to diverse groups. His background in engineering further strengthens his ability to oversee logistics, safety, and compliance in all initiatives. Driven by his love for the mountains, Apostolis is committed to creating opportunities for people to explore, learn, and challenge themselves in nature.
Katerina Bakola
Director
Katerina is passionate about social inclusion, outdoor education, and connecting people through nature. She holds an MA in Globalization and Development Studies from Maastricht University and a BA in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology from The American College of Greece (DEREE). With over six years of experience in developing, managing, and implementing EU-funded projects, she has a strong background in research, project management, and social impact.
When she’s not managing projects, you’ll find her climbing mountains or exploring trails, blending her love for the outdoors with her mission to make nature more accessible to everyone. As the Director of Korfes, she brings her expertise in youth engagement, social inclusion, and sustainable development to create meaningful and inclusive outdoor experiences for all.
Dimitris Daskalakis
Outdoor Activities Manager & Instructor
Dimitris is an experienced Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Instructor with a strong background in outdoor education, safety, and risk management. He has led multiple training programs for adults through various alpine clubs in Greece and has served as Project Manager for the Young Alpinist Group of the Greek Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing. Holding a Master’s in Sports Science and Physical Education, specialized in snow sports, he is also a Level 2 Swiss Snow Sports Ski Instructor with extensive expertise in avalanche rescue, emergency first aid, and work-at-heights safety training. His qualifications include certifications in Rope Access (IRATA Level 1), Avalanche Rescue (ANENA), and Emergency First Aid (ERC), making him highly skilled in outdoor risk management and technical training. At Korfes, Dimitris serves as the Outdoor Activities Manager & Instructor, ensuring the highest standards in safety, technical guidance, and educational content development. He is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable mountain sports, making climbing and mountaineering accessible to diverse groups.
Sonia Kanellopoulou
Mountain Leader
Sonia is currently studying to become a Mountain Leader. With a strong background in mountaineering and rock climbing, she has developed both technical expertise and a high level of physical endurance, shaped by years of training in martial arts and acrobatics.
Beyond technical skills, Sonia possesses strong soft skills related to team dynamics, communication, and empathy. Her ability to manage stress, adapt to new environments, and find solutions to challenges makes her well-suited for outdoor activities and leadership roles.
With experience in the hospitality industry and a background in guiding, she has honed her ability to lead and collaborate with diverse groups. Her passion for nature constantly drives her toward opportunities that combine outdoor life with experiential learning and teamwork.
Excited to be part of Korfes’ team, Sonia looks forward to sharing experiences and contributing to the organization’s mission through hands-on action.
Valeria Zevgoli
Art Director
With over ten years of experience in design, Valeria brings a passion for visual storytelling that is deeply inspired by the natural world. When she is not working on creative projects, you’ll most likely find her doing acrobatics, climbing, or exploring mountains and nature — activities that not only ground her but also fuel her creative process.Being part of Korfes feels like a natural extension of both my professional skills and personal values. I believe in the power of community, in preserving the beauty that inspires us, and in using design as a way to connect people with causes that matter.
Katarina Baskouta
Tour Director & Music Teacher
Katarina brings a multifaceted background to Korfes, combining her expertise in cultural heritage, tour leadership, and creative education. She holds a BA in Design and Interior Architecture and has worked professionally in museology and film production design—fields that reflect her passion for storytelling through place and experience.
She currently works as a violin teacher and cultural tour director, specializing in food-focused and educational travel. A passionate traveler herself, Katarina loves discovering new cultures and natural landscapes—an ongoing inspiration that shapes her approach to life. When she’s not in a classroom or leading a group, you’ll likely find her exploring villages, hiking through nature, or weaving together new ideas for myth-inspired journeys.
A certified mountaineer and rock climber, Katarina aims to lead hikes that blend local folklore, history, and environmental awareness. At Korfes, she contributes to the design and guidance of educational and cultural walks—experiences that aim to connect people to the land, to heritage, and to one another.
Elpida Zacharaki (Vatomouro)
Calligrapher and Graphic Designer with a background in Art & Design
After working as a graphic designer in advertising agencies, she has been working independently as an artist since 2020. Her practice focuses on the exploration of writing systems and the creation of new letterforms and symbols, often moving beyond conventional boundaries. Since 2016, she has been leading visual art workshops centered on lettering and its artistic potential, fostering creative expression through the written form.As a member of the Korfes, she contributes to the development of artistic activities in natural settings during hiking excursions. These initiatives aim to bridge art and the natural environment, drawing inspiration from direct engagement with the landscape and immersive experiences in nature.
Selda Bozbiyik Iatropoulos
Community Engagement & Policy Lead
Selda was raised in a home with a large terrace overlooking the stunning Mount Erciyes. When she was depressed, she ran to the balcony to tell Mt. Erciyes about it, and when she was happy at school, she ran to Mt. Erciyes to tell her about it. In her tiny fantasy world, Mt. Erciyes was a member of her family. She still considers mountains to be family. Wearing a humanitarian vest is another childhood ambition of hers. She does now. Selda is a multidisciplinary humanitarian who has worked for many years in a variety of roles. The resiliency that all living things possess inspires her. In addition to humanitarian role, she has been addressing child safeguarding, climate change, permaculture, and nature literacy concerns both professionally and voluntarily. She loves walking, gardening and cooking for others.
Selda brings her rich humanitarian experience and deep connection to nature to Korfes, where she leads the development of inclusive policies and informative content that reflect our values. With a heart rooted in the mountains and a commitment to social and environmental justice, Selda helps shape our communication and community engagement strategies—ensuring our work is not only impactful, but also aligned with principles of care, accessibility, and sustainability.