Author and public servant Maria Katsonis has been named as one of the 100 Women of Influence for 2016.
The director of Family Violence and Service Delivery Reform at the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Victoria, Katsonis was selected under the category of ‘Diversity’, for her dedication to advocacy for mental health and LGBTI issues.
Having started out in theatre production, the 54-year-old began working with the state government in the arts and industry development, and has since gone on to serve in various senior executive positions in social policy, LGBTI, family violence and policy review areas.
Outspoken about her experience with depression, which she reveals in great detail in her popular memoir The Good Greek Girl, she is the most senior Victorian public servant to have disclosed mental illness and come out as gay.
Embracing the challenges she has come to face as a chance to do good for the community, Katsonis is an advocate for mentally healthy work places and is an ambassador for beyondblue, and the founding member of Open Minds.
Now in its fifth year, the 100 Women of Influence initiative is an opportunity to increase the visibility of women’s leadership in Australia across various sectors of society and highlights their essential and ongoing contribution to the nation’s success.
For more information about the 100 Women of Influence initiative, visit 100womenofinfluence.com.au/
