The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) South Australia recently hosted a landmark event spotlighting the critical role of women in leadership within the Hellenic community.
Held amidst a room of distinguished guests, the gathering served both as a platform for inspiring stories and a celebration of resilience, innovation, and heritage.
Dignitaries in attendance included Alexandra Papaioanou, representing the Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC; The Hon. Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia; Irene Rowe, representing SA Multicultural Commission Chair Ms Lusia Greco; The Hon. Michelle Lensink MC, Shadow Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, representing Opposition Leader Hon. Vincent Tarzia; and Maria Makridis, Executive Director of SAHMRI.
Opening the event, Alex Demetriou spoke about HACCI’s mission to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Australia and Greece, setting the tone for the discussions to follow.
Celebrating Hellenic women in leadership
The event’s centrepiece was a panel discussion, chaired by Alexandra Douvartzidis, showcasing the journeys of three remarkable women whose careers span comedy, academia, and agribusiness.
- Corinne Grant
Best known for her work on Rove Live and The Glasshouse, comedian and lawyer Corinne Grant brought a blend of humour and insight to the panel. Now an employment lawyer at the Working Women’s Centre SA and a passionate advocate for social justice, Corinne shared her reflections on navigating leadership as a woman.
Although not of Greek heritage herself, Corinne, married to barrister Christos Bouras, spoke with warmth about her connection to the Hellenic community. She reflected on the cultural overlap between rural Australian life and Greek family values, describing the local church as the heart of extended family gatherings.
- Associate Professor Voula Gaganis
A multi-award-winning educator and pharmacologist at Flinders University, Voula Gaganis inspired the audience with her achievements in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
As South Australia’s 2024 STEMM Educator of the Year and recipient of a national Teaching Excellence Award, Gaganis has transformed medical science education through curriculum innovation and digital technologies.
She encouraged attendees never to underestimate the power of family influence and the importance of finding their “tribe”—those who will champion and support them.
- Helen Aggeletos
A trailblazer in the citrus industry, Helen Aggeletos shared her remarkable story of rescuing her family’s business, Venus Citrus, and turning it into an internationally recognised and sustainable brand. Raised in a Hellenic household, Aggeletos described the challenges of operating in a male-dominated industry, where earning respect required perseverance and excellence.
Aggeletos’ story was one of courage, transformation, and deep-rooted pride in her heritage.
A call to action
In his closing remarks, Mr Demetriou emphasised that we are at a pivotal moment where the global landscape demands inclusive strategies and innovative thinking.
He urged all attendees to continue championing women’s leadership within their spheres of influence and reminded them: “Progress is not a destination but a journey—when you reach the top of the mountain, find a bigger one.”
Gratitude was extended to event sponsors Eleni and Angeli from Cerbis, and to Ms Douvartzidis for curating a powerful and impactful conversation.
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