The Hellenic Australian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) has announced its collaboration with Women On Top (WoT), a leading Greek organisation dedicated to promoting women’s professional and economic empowerment and equality at work.
Through this partnership, the organisations aim to launch a transformative international mentoring program, bringing together young female professionals accomplished female experts from a variety of industries.
The HACCI – WoT program will be offering four six-month mentoring scholarships to one young woman from each of the four states in Australia where the HACCI National Federation operate: Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
“The HACCI National Federation is thrilled to join forces with Women On Top for this international mentoring collaboration initiative. The HACCI mentoring program has been a source of pride for everyone involved, and it is wonderful to see it’s reach expanding beyond Australian borders and reaching the motherland,” HACCI NF Council Chair, Fotini Kypraios, said.
“Fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations between professionals from Greece and Australia has always been part of the HACCI mission, and this international collaboration ensures the continuation of our mentoring program through to a new generation of professional women.
“Furthermore, it is very important for us to connect with an organisation such as Women On Top, and be part of their significant work, supporting and empowering Greek women in becoming leaders in their field.
“This program will connect young Hellenic Australian women with successful professional women mentors in Greece, whilst also providing the opportunity for Hellenic Australian professionals to mentor young women from Greece. We can’t wait to see what great outcomes this collaboration will produce.”
HACCI NT Chair Angela Tomazos added: “As two nations rich in heritage and innovation, the partnership between Greece and Australia in mentoring signifies a powerful union of wisdom and ambition. Through this collaboration, we aim to cultivate a global community of mentorship that reaches every corner of our beautiful southern land, from the bustling metropolis of Melbourne to the growing potential of regional northern Australia. Together, we celebrate the strength of our cultural ties and the boundless potential of mentorship to inspire and transform lives.”
Women On Top Co-founder, Pinelopi Theodorakakou, said: “As an organisation, we are deeply committed to empowering women and fostering their professional and financial growth and success. Our partnership with HACCI serves as yet another important step towards forging stronger connections and support networks that can propel us all towards greater success and prosperity.”
Women On Top Co-founder, Stella Kasdagli, added: “Over the last 12 years, we have experienced again and again the change that happens when we connect with one another, especially from afar. We all need the knowledge, the experience, the inspiration and the understanding that comes from getting to know women from other cultures, backgrounds, ecosystems and we are really excited that this collaboration with HACCI
allows us to offer this gift to even more women in Greece and beyond.”
In today’s post-industrial economy, investment in human capital has been more important than ever, and mentoring is an integral part of this process. HACCI has a long-standing commitment to mentoring, presenting a highly successful annual program targeted to the HACCI Young Professionals Network (HYPN). This program remains one of HACCI’s core strengths and a source of pride, fostering the next generation of Hellenic Australian Professionals.
Women On Top, founded in 2012, has been instrumental in providing a platform for women across various industries and regions to access mentorship, professional training seminars, and networking opportunities in Greece. Through this collaboration, Women On Top will extend its reach to young Hellenic Australian women by offering mentoring scholarships, while also inviting Greek Australian women to become mentors in WoT’s international mentoring platform.
The HNF aims to unite and establish a national presence across Australia, representing the Hellenic Australian business and professional community. This collaboration reflects the HNF’s commitment to supporting and fostering bilateral trade and professional networks between Australia and Greece, creating opportunities for progress and advancement at every level. Applications for the four six-month mentoring scholarships are now open.
Female professionals of Hellenic Australian background, with more than three years of experience, can become a mentor on WoT’s platform.
Young women looking to become a mentee and benefit from getting expert guidance in navigating professional challenges, applying for leadership positions, making informed decisions in their field of study, or improving their overall work performance, can apply by filling in the application form by Tuesday 30 April.
Results will be announced on Wednesday 29 May and scholarship recipients can utilise their scholarships within the following 12 months.
