The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV) has named Melbourne-born Freda Miriklis, a high-level advocate, strategist and humanitarian with 25 years of international development experience, Kastellorizian of the Year. The award will be presented in Melbourne on 12 October at a Gala Dinner at the KAV clubrooms.

The President of the KAV, Nik Spartels, said that the depth and breadth of Freda’s achievements is extraordinary and covers a huge range of activities, including working and supporting multiple national and international causes, through to being acknowledged internationally as an authority on women’s economic empowerment.

Freda’s humanitarian work focused on the building of educational facilities in least developed countries across Africa, Asia and South America. In 2016, she helped secure funding for the Orthodox Mission of West Africa that allowed Father Themi to build a Childhood Centre for orphans of the Holy Orthodox Archdiocesan District of Sierra Leone.

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On being notified of the award, Ms Miriklis said that it is an amazing honour and she feels very humbled. She said: “A life without advocating for change is a life without meaning for me, and I have been on the front line of the gender balance issue for decades, working closely with United Nations expert bodies to advance gender equality. My career highlights my pursuit in seeking equality and opportunities for all – and if opportunity doesn’t knock, I’ll build the door!”

Since returning back to Australia, Ms Miriklis consults to various organisations mainly talking about the human experience of leading and championing a new wave of leadership for the future of work.

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Freda is a fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FinSia) and Master Stockbroker with the Stockbrokers Association of Australia. She has an appreciation for people, food, art and culture. When not travelling, she loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Andrew Christy, family and friends. Her sister is the well-known Melbourne identity Cherrie Miriklis-Pavlou who operates Flowers Vasette.