Helen Kapalos

Helen Kapalos's Biography

An accomplished journalist, presenter and executive producer with over 20 years' experience, Helen Kapalos is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who directed, produced and appeared in a ground breaking film on medical cannabis. In fact the film was one of a handful of Australian documentaries chosen to be acquired by Netflix. It also appeared on 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 its most 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 a 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. She has also been called on present at international forums on the role of community and media in counter terrorism policy. She was the first Victorian commissioner to create a strategy with the private sector, to reduce unconscious bias and tackle systemic employment issues.

A respected 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.

Helen is a captivating speaker, engaging audiences with her expertise in public policy development in diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership and self-empowerment. Helen is also an outstanding professional emcee and panel facilitator.

Speaking Topics Include

‘Proud to Belong’ - everyday multiculturalism

Public policy development in diversity and inclusion

Ethical leadership

Self-empowerment