Australian women of Greek heritage are being celebrated on the world stage through the Greek International Women Awards (GIWA), which honour courage, leadership, and impact across business, media, education, fashion, and social responsibility.
This year’s shortlist features a remarkable group whose achievements are making waves locally and globally. Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, founder of the Food for Thought Network, has been honoured for her lifelong work empowering Greek women worldwide. From the corporate and humanitarian sector, Violet Roumeliotis AM, CEO of Settlement Services International, is applauded for her transformative leadership in refugee support. In education and advocacy, Dr Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis has gained recognition for their contributions to Greek language teaching, and Chanel Contos has been recognised for pushing consent education, and gender equality. Meanwhile, couture designer Angela Nicolades stands out for her artistry and lifelong dedication to Hellenic-inspired craftsmanship.
Dimitra Skalkos, publisher of The Greek Herald, is recognised for transforming the publication and championing multicultural representation, while Andriana Simos, the paper’s digital editor, has been celebrated for her socially conscious journalism and advocacy on mental health and inclusion.
Now in its public voting stage, GIWA invites the community to have their say via its official website until 26 October 2025. Public votes will contribute 25 per cent to the final decision, with the remainder determined by an international judging panel. The awards not only celebrate professional excellence but also highlight the strength of cultural identity that unites Greek women worldwide.
