Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks Honored by US Congress as Woman of Distinction

The Greek-American President and CEO of ECOS, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, was honored by the US congress with the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award for California’s 45th District.

“As the president and CEO of ECOS plant-powered laundry detergents and cleaning products, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is passionate about human and planetary health. She’s widely recognized for her highly effective leadership at ECOS and her influential voice in corporate social responsibility, safer chemistry, and sustainable manufacturing,” the award announcement read.

This is not the first time that the Greek-American business leader and environmentalist is honored for standing out as an inspirational female role model.

On International Women’s Day 2020, she was among the honorees at the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) receiving the annual “Women Making History Award” which honors a select group of people who have made significant contributions in their field and serve as an inspiration to women everywhere.

ECOS has been a winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award for several years, recognizing the company’s commitment to safer ingredients and innovative green science, and is also a member of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks inspiring women in leadership roles

“So honored to be recognized by the United States Congress, House of Representatives, with the 2024 Woman of Distinction Award for empowering, uplifting and encouraging our next generation of women leaders!” Vlahakis-Hanks commented on her most recent award.

“As a woman-owned business with more than 50% of our C-Suite and more than 65% of our Technical and R&D teams composed of women, we’re committed to closing the dream gap and making sure women achieve greater representation in STEM and leadership roles,” she stated.

Rep. Michelle Steel solicited nominations for the award directly from members of the Southern California community and presented the awards to a total twenty-one Women of Distinction at a ceremony in Hawaiian Gardens on March 18.

“March is Women’s History Month, and as we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history, I’m so glad to be able to honor some of the amazing women right here in California’s 45th District,” said Rep. Steel.

“From healthcare and education to public safety and philanthropy, this year’s honorees represent the best of their fields and the best of our communities. On behalf of all Southern Californians, I want to thank and commend this year’s Women of Distinction for all they’ve done and continue to do to build their own American Dream and give back to their friends, families, and neighbors.”