About – Sappho Women

The International Eressos Women’s Festival was established in 2000 through our local travel agency, Sappho Travel.

In 2010, this work was formalised through the establishment of the non-profit organisation Sappho Women, providing a dedicated structure to support the festival and our wider community-based work.

From our base in Skala Eressos, Lesvos, our team coordinates the festival programme and works with performers, facilitators, volunteers, local businesses and other collaborators to bring the event to life each September.

Sappho Women was established to bring women together, promote women’s talents, creativity and achievements, strengthen women’s networks and opportunities, support women’s initiatives and organisations, and organise the International Eressos Women’s Festival.

The festival itself was created as a space in which women from Greece and around the world can meet, create, learn, celebrate and connect.

Skala Eressos has a unique place in lesbian history and culture, and the lesbian community has played an important role in shaping both the festival and the wider community that has grown around it.

Over the years, the festival programme has included live music and performances, DJ sets, workshops, talks, sports and wellbeing activities, exhibitions, book events, walks, excursions, swimming, dance and many other opportunities to take part, learn, create and connect.

Alongside the organised programme, visitors can enjoy everything Skala Eressos itself has to offer — its beach, sea, village life, local food, cafés, restaurants and the friendships and connections that continue long after the festival ends.

Truly, there’s something for everyone to relish during our festival!

Our Team Small, but mighty!

Wendy Jansen

Legal Representative & Founder – Wendy is the legal representative and a founder of Sappho Women and has been involved with the organisation since 2004. She supports festival programming, budgeting, coordination, and digital infrastructure, and occasionally DJs at opening events and local venues during the festival.

Ioanna Savva

Founder & Member – Ioanna is a founder and member of Sappho Women and has been closely involved in the festival’s development and delivery for over two decades. She supports festival coordination, local engagement, and visitor experience, and plays a key role in welcoming participants to Skala Eressos.

Liz Turnell

Events Coordination (Staff) – Liz has supported Sappho Women’s festival events and operations since 2017. She works closely with artists, workshop providers, volunteers, and the wider team, and plays a key role in coordinating and delivering the festival programme. During the festival, Liz can be found at the festival office supporting participants.

Lainy Walker

Festival Office Support (Staff) – Lainy joined Sappho Women during the most recent festival season, supporting the festival office with sign-ups, information, and administrative tasks. She quickly became a valued part of the team, providing reliable support during busy periods and contributing to the smooth running of festival operations.

Antonia Savva

Print and Production (Local Partner) – Antonia owns a reprographics company in Mytilini and has supported Sappho Women since the festival’s early days by handling large-format and high-volume printing. Her work includes posters, flyers, programme booklets, stickers, and apparel, and she remains a valued local partner in the festival’s delivery.

Luisa Di-Lella

Graphic Design (External Collaborator) – Luisa Di-Lella supports Sappho Women as an external graphic design collaborator and has contributed to the festival’s visual identity and promotional materials. Her work includes event posters, banners, and other official assets, helping establish a consistent and recognisable look for the festival.

Funda Cizgenakad

Social Media Promotion (Volunteer) – Funda supports Sappho Women’s festival social media promotion as a volunteer, contributing to communications and online engagement. She captures and shares festival moments through photos and videos, helping amplify the festival’s reach and community spirit.

Sara McAleese

Volunteer Coordination (Volunteer) – Sara supports Sappho Women as a volunteer coordinator, helping organise and support the festival’s volunteer community. She brings energy and care to the role and contributes to creating a welcoming and well-coordinated festival experience.

Florence Bass

Photography & Video (External Collaborator) – Florence Bass supports Sappho Women as an external photography and video collaborator and was commissioned to document the festival’s 25th anniversary. Her work focuses on capturing meaningful moments and community stories, and we look forward to future collaborations.

Our Dream Team Volunteers

Sappho Women is supported by a dedicated core group of volunteers whose time, care, and commitment help sustain the festival year after year. Their contributions span many roles, often behind the scenes, and are central to creating a welcoming, safe, and well-run festival experience. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.

Cookie, Rebecca, Anja, Becky, Jules, Debbie W, Rosie, Karen, Debbie, Dawn, Suzie, Cailin, Ann, Angela, Janet, Jo, Chris, Nell, Gill, Steph, Helene, Anna-Britta, Debby S, Jody, Rose

Sappho Women is based in Skala Eressos, from where all festival activities are coordinated. During the festival, you’re welcome to visit our office to collect wristbands and programmes, sign up for workshops and excursions, or simply stop by and say hello.

The International Eressos Women’s Festival was established in 2000 through our local travel agency, Sappho Travel.

In 2010, this work was formalised through the establishment of the non-profit organisation Sappho Women, providing a dedicated structure to support the festival and our wider community-based work.

Truly, there’s something for everyone to relish during our festival!