Greek Australian Women Shine at Inaugural Diaspora Forum

The Embassy of Greece in Australia, in partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI), proudly hosted the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum on 25 November 2025 at Parliament House, Canberra.

The landmark event celebrated the achievements, identity, and leadership of Greek Australian women across business, politics, law, health, science, philanthropy, and the arts.

With 24 distinguished panellists sharing personal and professional journeys, the forum highlighted the challenges, progress, and aspirations shaping the next generation of Greek Australian women.

In his welcome address, H.E. Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Australia, reflected on the importance of cultural identity in shaping professional purpose. “Hellenic values are the compass guiding our contributions across public service, academia, business, and the arts,” he said, emphasizing the enduring influence of heritage on leadership.

The Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, representing the Prime Minister of Australia, congratulated the Embassy on hosting the event. Speaking about her constituents, she noted:

“There is no place in Australia that better embodies the profound positive impact the Greek Australian diaspora has on life in our great country.”

The Minister also shared her pride in co-chairing the Parliamentary Friends of Greek Australians, highlighting the community’s significant role in Australian society.

Adjunct Professor Helen Zorbas AO, THI Director and moderator of the Health and Science Panel, described the energy of the day:

“We all left this memorable Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum feeling prouder, more connected, and deeply inspired by the exceptional Greek Australian women making a significant impact across every aspect of Australian society. Words such as resilience, philotimo, and philanthropia echoed through all our stories. What a privilege it was to work with the Embassy to realise its vision for this event.”

Recordings of each panel session will soon be available, offering the public the opportunity to revisit the impactful conversations and personal stories shared by the forum’s esteemed speakers.

Panellists included:

• Business: Marika Calfas (NSW Ports), Kathy Karabatsas (Myer), Dr Elena Limnios (HACCI), Helen Mastrocostas (Aniko Group), Violet Roumeliotis AM (Settlement Services Australia)

• Politics & Law: Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, Fiona Douskou, Erin Feros, Hon. Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson, Hon. Anthe Philippides

• Health & Science: Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos AM, Dr Melina Georgousakis, Prof Maria Kavallaris AM, Prof Maria Makrides, Prof Helen Zorbas AO

• Philanthropy: Vasiliki Antoniou, Helen Mantzis, Faye Spiteri OAM, Alexandra Vakitsidis OAM, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill

• Arts & Culture: Effy Alexakis, Nina Angelo OAM, Elizabeth Kaydos, Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos

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arts and culture, business, diaspora, Greek Australian women, Greek news, health and science, Hellenic values, law, leadership, Parliament House Canberra, philanthropy, politics, The Hellenic Initiative Australia