Proud Darwinian Angela Tomazos wears many hats.
The 52-year-old is a business leader, banking and finance professional, board member, and gender equality advocate. She is also currently a Business Bank Executive in Northern Australia, and holds many volunteer advocacy roles with the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Economic Security for Women, and Business & Professional Women International.
With such an extensive repertoire, it’s no surprise Angela will be heading to Ioannina, Greece in September 2024 to speak about her experience at the first global conference ‘Women and Hellenism,’ organised by the Food for Thought Network of Greek Women in Australia (FFTN).
Ahead of the conference, The Greek Herald sat down with Angela to hear all about what she’s been up to recently.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your Greek heritage.
I am a first-generation Greek Australian, born in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
My parents migrated to Darwin separately in the 1960’s. My father was from the beautiful region of Laconia in the Peloponnese, and my mother was from the idyllic island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese. They met in Darwin, fell in love, and raised their family here where we remain today. They have both sadly passed away but their legacy and memory live on in their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Their purpose in seeking out a new life in a country with limited education or language, was to create a new future and hope for family and to prosper.
I started a career in banking and finance 30 years ago and have been blessed to live and work in this incredible part of Australia and be surrounded by loving family and lifelong friends.
You are a prominent business leader, holding roles with the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Economic Security for Women, and Business & Professional Women International, just to name a few. How did you come to be involved with these groups?
Although I lived in a regional location with population less than 250,000, I have been blessed to make connections that led to incredible opportunities.
My journey into the world of not-for-profit advocacy began with my involvement in the Australian Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW). This initial experience opened doors to numerous connections and opportunities across the globe. Through this organisation, I met inspiring individuals and encountered serendipitous experiences that further strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact in the world. This foundation allowed me to expand my reach and engage with other advocacy groups, each one building on the relationships and insights gained from the first. The network and knowledge I developed have been instrumental in my continued commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment and equality.
I was able to meet Georgegina Poulos in 2016, then Chair of Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce (HACCI), at a BPW Australia National Conference in Geelong. Georgegina then introduced me to Fotini Kypraios, who I deeply admire and since had the privilege of being part of the historic formation of HACCI National Federation. In another historic moment, our federation has recently announced the signing of Memorandum of Understandings with Athens, Piraeus, Thessaloniki Chambers and SEVE in Greece.
HACCI National Federation has also joined forces with an international mentoring platform in Athens, Women on Top. This partnership has led to three young women from Darwin being selected to join a 6-month mentoring program.
Many of your roles are centered on female empowerment and equality. Do you believe it’s important to encourage more female leaders in business? Why / Why not?
Encouraging more female leaders in business is essential for several reasons. Firstly, diversity in leadership brings a variety of perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation. Women often bring unique insights and approaches to problem-solving, which can lead to more effective and inclusive decision-making.
Secondly, female leaders serve as role models and mentors for the next generation, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated fields. This visibility is crucial for breaking down barriers and inspiring young women to pursue their ambitions. I am incredibly grateful to have Violet Roumeliotis AM in my life, both as a dear friend and a mentor. Violet embodies kindness and compassion in everything she does. Her wisdom, patience, and unwavering support have been invaluable to me over the years.
In my roles, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of female leadership, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for equality and empowerment in all sectors.
What do you believe is the best way to encourage women to take up roles in typically male-dominated areas?
Encouraging women to take up roles in typically male-dominated areas requires a multifaceted approach.
Building confidence through positive reinforcement and by highlighting the unique strengths and perspectives women bring to these roles can help women feel more empowered to pursue them.
Providing opportunities for women to gain experience and advance in these fields is crucial. This can be through internships, apprenticeships, and targeted recruitment efforts.
Providing access to mentors and showcasing successful female role models in these fields can inspire and motivate women to pursue similar paths. Seeing someone who has navigated the challenges and succeeded can be incredibly empowering.
Establishing networks and communities for women in these areas can offer much-needed support, advice, and encouragement. These networks can help women share experiences, overcome challenges, and celebrate achievements together.
How does your Greek heritage and upbringing inspire your work?
My Greek heritage and upbringing have been profound influences on my work and values. Raised by migrant Greek parents who arrived in Australia with nothing but a dream, I witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience they embodied. They were determined to raise a family, prosper, and give back to the community that welcomed them.
This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the ethos of Greek culture, which values hard work, community support, and the importance of giving back. My parents’ journey taught me the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of dreams. Their story is a testament to the Greek spirit of ‘philotimo’—a concept that encompasses honour, dignity, and a sense of duty to others.
In my professional life, these values have driven me to advocate for female empowerment and equality. I strive to support and uplift those around me.
My parents selflessly worked to give us a future in a new country. Their legacy inspires me to work tirelessly, not only to achieve personal success but to contribute positively to society and help others thrive.
What do you believe is the future of the business sector?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Consumers and investors are prioritising environmentally responsible companies, leading to a rise in sustainable practices and green technologies. Businesses are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, adopting renewable energy sources, and promoting circular economy principles.
The ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and global events, will be crucial. Businesses that demonstrate resilience and agility will be better positioned to thrive in the future.
This year you are also taking part in the Greek Women and Friends Global Forum in Ioannina, Greece. Why did you decide to take part in the forum?
My involvement is driven by a deep respect for the rich history and cultural legacy of Hellenism. I am humbled to contribute to a platform that fosters dialogue and connection among Hellene women globally.
Your topic of discussion at the forum will be ‘Celebrating the Impact of Hellene Women in a Regional Tapestry.’ What can people expect from this talk?
Being involved in this conference is not about my personal journey, but about representing the many Hellene women who have made significant impacts in their communities. It is a privilege to highlight their stories and showcase the strength and resilience of our culture.
I wanted to share the unique narrative of Hellenic women thriving in regional Australia, where a smaller population belies the outsized impact of the Hellene community. With a higher per capita presence than our metropolitan counterparts, these women embody resilience and cultural preservation. I hope to illuminate the often-overlooked narrative of the Hellenic community thriving in a setting distant from the bustling metropolis.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
This conference is a chance to reflect on how far we have come and to inspire future generations of Hellene women. It’s about creating a space where we can support and uplift each other. I am looking forward to making new connections and the opportunities we can create together. I am very grateful to be a part of this journey. Thank you to The Greek Herald for being a media partner at the conference and for raising the profile of Hellene Women globally.
Registrations continue for the first global conference ‘Women and Hellenism‘ until August 20. For more information and the FULL PROGRAM visit the website of the Food for Thought Network of Hellenic Women in Australia: www.fftn.org.au. Media Contact in Greece: +306936290145. Media Contact in Australia: +61406011015.
The conference is under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Family and Social Cohesion, Region of Epirus, Municipality of Ioannina, Chamber of Ioannina, and the Office of Education of Epirus.
