Irene was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to second-generation Greek parents. When she was 11, they moved to Bayside, New York, where she has been a member of her beloved Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of Flushing Community ever since. 

She is married to Larry Hotzoglou, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, who has served as Vice Chairman of the Archdiocesan District Council and is currently Finance Chair and has been serving on the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church Parish Council in many capacities since 2003. Together, they have been active members and supporters of the Archdiocese, their parish, and their community. They have two children, Constance, 35, and Anthony George, 32, who are Irene’s whole life and whom she adores. They were raised and surrounded by their Greek Orthodox faith and traditions, attending Sunday School, Greek School, and GOYA. Irene served as the St. Nicholas Greek School PTA President for two years, from 2005-2007, when her children attended.  

Inspired by her mother’s legacy, Irene has dedicated over two decades to her Philoptochos chapter. Her journey within the Saint Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Board began in 2009, and she has since served in several executive board positions, including President for two terms. Her leadership was marked by a vision to expand the organization’s membership through outreach, enhance its Social Services efforts, and instill its mission in the younger generation. She was appointed to the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Board in 2015, holding various board positions over the last eight years. She is serving her first term as President of the Archdiocesan District Philoptochos. 

Serving as President of the Archdiocesan District Philoptochos has been a blessing and a distinct honor for Irene, and she is proud and enthusiastic to be a part of this dynamic movement.