Helen Kapalos is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, recognised journalist, keynote speaker and facilitator with over 25 years of experience across media, government and industry.
An accomplished journalist, presenter and executive producer, Helen directed, produced and appeared in the groundbreaking medicinal cannabis documentary A Life of Its Own, acquired by Netflix, SBS and later Binge, reaching global audiences.
Helen served a four-year term as Victoria’s principal Multicultural Commissioner, championing social justice reform for marginalised and disadvantaged communities. During her tenure, she established an Australian-first internship program with ABC Australia and a Victorian Film Competition in partnership with leading universities, and was the first Commissioner to create a private sector strategy to reduce unconscious bias and tackle systemic employment issues.
She was appointed Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow for Multicultural Engagement at Swinburne University and has held executive leadership roles in the medicinal cannabis industry, most recently as Director of Communications and Community at Australian Natural Therapeutics Group.
Helen currently serves on the board of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and holds an AICD Company Directors qualification and Graduate Management credential from Melbourne Business School.
A recognised national broadcaster across all three commercial networks and both public broadcasters, Helen is a captivating speaker who has addressed audiences across corporate, government, health and community forums worldwide.
SPEAKING & FACILITATION
Helen Kapalos is an experienced keynote speaker, facilitator and MC with over 25 years of expertise across media, communications, government and industry.
Known for her warmth, professionalism and ability to command a room, Helen brings credibility and authenticity to every engagement — from intimate boardrooms to major public events.
Helen served as MC and facilitator for numerous state government events during her tenure as Victoria’s Commissioner for Multicultural Affairs.
Clients include: Government House · Victorian Multicultural Commission · Department of Education · Global Victoria · Federation Square · Crown · AFL · Melbourne Victory · Coles · Etihad · Australian Payroll Association · Hume City Business Awards · Ethnolink · Entrepreneurs Summit · United in Compassion Symposium · Protected Cropping Australia · Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Melbourne Press Club
Available for: Keynote speaking · Panel facilitation · Event MC · Corporate presentations · Government forums
Helen Kapalos Is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, recognised journalist and motivational speaker and facilitator.
In addition to her extensive career in media, Helen served a four year term as Victoria’s principal Multicultural Commissioner where she championed social justice reform for marginalised and disadvantaged communities.
An accomplished journalist, presenter and executive producer with over 20 years’ experience, Helen directed, produced and appeared in a ground breaking film on medical cannabis. The film was acquired by Netflix and SBS Television and was screened nationally to Australian audiences.
In 2015 Helen was appointed by the Victorian State Government to lead the Victorian Multicultural Commission, completing a four year term as Chairperson. As the voice of Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities, Helen led the Commission through a dynamic era, receiving several awards during her time as commissioner. More recently she was awarded the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Fellow for Multicultural Engagement at Swinburne University – a role created to provide expertise on contemporary multicultural issues and challenges.
She is also an fearless innovator and during her time as commissioner she established an Australian-first internship program with ABC Australia, and a successful Victorian Film competition in partnership with leading Universities. A respected speaker and leader she has been invited to present international forums on the role of community and media in counter terrorism policy. She was also the first Victorian commissioner to create a strategy with the private sector, to reduce unconscious bias and tackle systemic employment issues.
A recognised national news broadcaster, she has extensive experience across several media organisations, and in her time as a broadcaster worked for all three Australian commercial networks and both public broadcasters.
Helen has published several national editorials on issues surrounding the challenges faced by minority communities, is a regular radio commentator and authored a book titled ‘Proud to Belong’ on everyday multiculturalism.
The Novocastrian-born Kapalos is a captivating speaker, engaging audiences with her expertise in public policy development in diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership and self-empowerment wisdom for any age.
