The Food For Thought Network (FFTN) kicked off the first in a series of events celebrating its 25th anniversary on International Women’s Day 2026 – with a gathering that felt less like a webinar and more like a global reunion of Greek women whose stories, histories and identities are woven across continents.
Titled Balance the Scales – Women, Migration and Leadership (1835–2026), the online event brought together participants from Australia, Greece, Europe and the United States – a digital amphitheatre filled with emotion, authenticity and intergenerational wisdom.
The event was elevated by the presence and greetings of distinguished figures.
- Her Excellency Alison Duncan, Australian Ambassador to Greece, reflected on the enduring ties between the two nations.
- His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Greek Ambassador to Australia, shared a thoughtful video message honouring the strength and global contribution of Greek women.
- Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy, Ms Maira Myrogianni, provided a powerful written greeting that was shared with the international audience, highlighting the State’s commitment to empowering women of the diaspora.
- Professor Giannis Chrysoulakis, former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, joined live to acknowledge the importance of such initiatives in strengthening global Hellenism.
At the heart of the event — and the emotional thread connecting every speaker — was the historical novel Η Πρώτη Έποικος (The First Settler) by Dr Fotini Papadimitriou.
This remarkable book traces the extraordinary life of Ekaterini Plessou, believed to be the first Greek woman to settle in Australia. Her journey of courage, displacement and reinvention resonated deeply with migrant women across generations. Many saw their own mothers, grandmothers and great‑grandmothers reflected in the heroine’s resilience.
The book was so widely embraced that participants expressed unanimous anticipation for the translated English edition, which is already underway. A formal book presentation will follow in Australia, honouring this extraordinary work that pays tribute to Ekaterini Plessou and the first Greek migrant woman whose story shaped the foundations of the Greek‑Australian narrative.
A defining force of the event was the exceptional moderation of Maria Dimopoulos AM, whose presence elevated the entire experience. With her signature blend of intelligence, empathy and cultural insight, she guided the discussion with a mastery that participants described as “rare,” “deeply grounding,” and “profoundly connecting.”
Maria framed the conversation with clarity and purpose, reminding the audience that migration is not only a historical movement but a lived emotional landscape — one shaped by sacrifice, identity, belonging and the quiet heroism of women. Her questions were crafted with precision, drawing out the deepest truths from each speaker while honouring their individuality and lived experience.
She navigated the panel with extraordinary skill, weaving diverse stories into a clear and compelling whole. Her ability to hold space for vulnerability while elevating the cultural and intellectual depth of the discussion gave the event its heartbeat. Her role went far beyond moderation — she led with a profound understanding of the emotional landscape of diaspora storytelling.
The emotional centre of the event belonged to the remarkable panel of women who shared their lived experiences with honesty and depth:
- Shelly Papadopoulos (Los Angeles) spoke movingly about growing up as the child of immigrants — often becoming the interpreter, the negotiator and the bridge between cultures. She emphasised that the next generation should no longer have to “audition” for legitimacy, calling for a shift from mentoring to true access and sponsorship.
- Perrie Veremis (Chicago) reflected on the women who shaped her life — grandmothers, mothers and resilient village women whose sacrifices laid the foundations for the opportunities enjoyed by the next generation. Her words, “when you grow up between cultures, you often become a bridge,” captured the essence of leading with empathy, courage and purpose.
- Chrysa Voulgaridou (Athens, born in Poland) highlighted the continuing tensions many women face between tradition and ambition, expressing hope for a future where equality, access and safety are a given — and where domestic violence no longer exists.
Together, their voices created a tapestry of lived experience that resonated across continents. These were women who had crossed borders, broken barriers, rebuilt identities and carried forward the strength of generations before them. Their honesty was disarming, their reflections deeply human, and their willingness to share personal histories transformed the event into a collective moment of remembrance and recognition.
What emerged from the gathering was not simply a discussion about women’s leadership, but a collective affirmation of the Greek female spirit — a spirit shaped by migration, strengthened by adversity and carried forward by generations of women who refused to let their stories fade.
As the Food For Thought Network continues its mission to empower Greek women worldwide, this International Women’s Day event stands as a powerful testament to the organisation’s 25-year legacy — and to the enduring bonds that connect Greek women across the globe.
The founder of the Food for Thought Network, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, thanked all who attended and acknowledged the dedication of her team. She highlighted the resilience, adaptability and cultural intelligence that Greek migrant women have carried across borders and generations.
She urged participants to go beyond mentoring and actively sponsor those who struggle to access opportunity—particularly the many talented graduates who today find it difficult to enter their professions.
She concluded with a powerful reminder: “Intelligence and talent are distributed equally across cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Opportunity is not. That is why our responsibility is clear: we must lift one another, open doors, and make space for the next generation.”
