Join us on Tuesday 25 November 2025 at Parliament House for the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum – 8.30am – 1.30pm

Click here for speaker bios.

Limited seats are still available so register here to secure your seat today.

The Embassy of Greece in Australia is proud to present the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, an exciting event that will delve into the achievements, challenges, leadership, and influence of Greek Australian women across all fields of endeavour

To be held at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the Forum will bring together women from across Australia for a day of discussion and inspiration through panels on Business, Philanthropy, Politics & Law, Health & Science, and Arts & Culture.

In partnership with The Hellenic Initiative Australia, the event will highlight the diverse contributions of Greek Australian women and explore how cultural identity continues to shape professional purpose and strengthen the enduring ties between Greece and Australia.

“Greek Australian women have contributed immensely to public life, culture, and the economy of Australia,” said H.E. Mr Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia. “This Forum will honour their stories of leadership and resilience, and celebrate the role of Hellenic values that are an inspiration in shaping the future.”

“The Hellenic Initiative Australia is honoured to partner with the Embassy of Greece to deliver this important event,” said Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, CEO of The Hellenic Initiative Australia. “Through the Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, we celebrate not only achievement, but also connection between generations, between Greece and Australia, and among women who continue to lead with compassion, courage, and philotimo.”

The Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum marks a new platform for collaboration and recognition, shining a light on the contributions and challenges faced, and influence of women of Hellenic heritage in Australia’s professional, cultural, and civic life.

We are delighted to welcome The Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Minister for Cities as a guest speaker at this special event.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all panel participants listed below for their willingness to join this exciting event.

Health & Science
Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos AM Professor Immunology, RMIT University                 
Dr Melina Georgousakis Founder and Director, Franklin Women
Prof Maria Kavallaris AM Head Transactional Cancer Nanomedicine, Children’s Cancer Institute
Prof Maria Makrides Executive Director, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute  (SAHMRI)      
Prof Helen Zorbas AO Chair, National Breast Council Foundation

Business
Marika Calfas Chief Executive Officer, NSW Ports
Kathy Karabatsas Group Chief Financial Officer, Myer
Dr Elena Limnios Chair, Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation
Helen Mastrocostas Financial Strategist, Aniko Group
Violet Roumeliotis AM Chief Executive Officer, Settlement Services Australia

Politics & Law
Fiona Douskou Councillor, Bayside Council
Erin Feros Former Managing Partner, Allens Queensland
The Hon. Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson Resident Judge, Supreme Court ACT
The Hon. Anthe Philippides Former Justice, Supreme Court Queensland

Arts & Culture
Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos Walkley award winning journalist, academic, documentary maker
Effy Alexakis Multi award winning documentary photographer                       
Nina Angelo OAM Artist, author, storyteller, community activist
Elizabeth Kaydos Associate Producer Freelance

Philanthropy
Vasiliki Antoniou Founder & Chair The Childrens Golden Angels
Helen Mantzis Board Member, The Hellenic Museum
Faye Spiteri OAM Chief Executive Officer, Fronditha Care
Alexandra VakitsidisOAM Former President Port Adelaide Philanthropic Society
Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill Chief Executive Officer, THI Australia

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 Time: 8.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: Theatrette, Parliament House, Canberra
Bookings are essential for this complimentary event: https://www.trybooking.com/DFZBM