A Job Shadowing Day with the Margarita Vocational Training Center

Real change starts with opportunity, the kind that opens doors, sparks curiosity, and helps people see their potential in new ways.

In collaboration with the Margarita Vocational Training Center, we recently hosted three young participants: Alexandros, Thodoris, and Giannis, for a Job Shadowing Day at our offices. The initiative was part of our broader effort to foster inclusion and create meaningful connections between the business world and young people with intellectual disabilities who are preparing to enter the workforce.

From the moment they arrived, the participants brought a sense of excitement and openness that set the tone for the day. They explored our workplace, met with team members from various departments, and got a firsthand look at what it means to be part of a corporate environment. The goal of this collaboration was simple, yet deeply meaningful: to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping young people gain confidence and a clearer sense of what professional life can look like. Through observation, interaction, and shared experiences, they learned not only about tasks and roles, but also about teamwork, communication, and belonging.

For our team, it was equally rewarding. Seeing our colleagues engage, support, and share their knowledge reminded us of the power of empathy and inclusion. It’s through such human-centered initiatives that corporate culture truly grows.

This year’s event carried a particularly special significance. One of our own colleagues, Christina Parisi (General Services), first joined Diana Shipping Services, through the same job shadowing program in collaboration with the Margarita Center. Today, she is a valued member of our team and an inspiring example of how opportunity and support can transform potential into success. Watching Christina now welcoming new participants to the same experience that once introduced her to our company, was a moment of genuine pride and joy for everyone involved.

Our partnership with the Margarita Vocational Training Center is a reminder that inclusion is an ongoing commitment to building workplaces where everyone has the chance to contribute, to learn, and to feel part of something greater. 

We are deeply grateful to the Margarita Center for their collaboration and for the incredible work they do in empowering young people through education, training, and employment opportunities. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to all our employees who participated in this initiative, making the day both welcoming and inspiring for our guests.

Together, we can continue turning opportunities into futures.