Described by the NZ Herald as the Headmistress of Gen Z, Alexia Hilbertidou founded GirlBoss New Zealand from her bedroom at just 16 years old, driven by a bold vision to get more women to the table—the boardroom table, that is. Her journey from a teenage changemaker to a globally recognised youth leader is nothing short of extraordinary.
GirlBoss NZ is now the largest organisation for young women in Aotearoa, with 1 in 7 high school-aged young women enrolled and a reach that spans 27 countries. Over 100,000 students worldwide have engaged with its mission to build confidence and future-ready skills. Through the GirlBoss Edge accelerator, more than 5,000 young people have launched projects focused on leadership, innovation, and impact—many calling the experience “life-changing.”
Alexia has taken her message to the world stage, speaking at prestigious forums including the United Nations in New York and the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. She’s shared platforms with the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Meghan Markle, championing youth leadership and gender equality. At 19, she joined the board of a USD $4.8 billion philanthropic fund, making her one of the youngest directors of its kind globally.
Her accolades are extensive—over 50 international honours including Forbes 30 Under 30, The Princess Diana Humanitarian Award, and recognition as a Finalist for both Young New Zealander of the Year and World Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She received the Queen’s Young Leader Medal from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, selected from over 20,000 nominees and becoming the youngest Commonwealth citizen in history to do so.
A National Geographic Explorer and former NASA VIP Scientific Communicator, Alexia is also the host of an upcoming documentary premiering on Disney+ in 2025. She holds a Master’s in Emerging Technology and studied Leadership for Change at the University of Cambridge.
Through her jaw-dropping, name-dropping stories and unshakable belief that “you’re never too young to lead,” Alexia Hilbertidou continues to blaze a trail for the next generation of changemakers.
Talking Points
Movers, Shakers, Action Takers - Inside the Minds of Generation Z
Described by the NZ Herald as the Headmistress of Gen Z, advocate, entrepreneur, and GirlBoss NZ founder, Alexia Hilbertidou, will deliver a lively, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly hilarious exploration of the Generation Z mindset. How will they impact the future of work, and how should we prepare for it? How can we engage the next generation of consumers and talent, and how do we keep up with them?
Movers, Shakers, Action Takers - Inside the Minds of Generation Z
Award-Winning MC & Event Host
Looking for an MC who brings energy, excitement, and a real connection to your event?Award-Winning MC & Event Host
Alexia Hilbertidou is your perfect choice. As an award-winning host, she’s known for lighting up the room and creating an atmosphere that leaves audiences not only laughing but genuinely engaged. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, Alexia effortlessly connects with people, making every moment memorable.
Her infectious energy, relatable style, and effortless wit make her the ideal fit for any occasion. Alexia’s presence transforms any event into something extraordinary. She blends humour, authenticity, and energy in a way that captivates every audience, ensuring your event feels personal, empowering, and truly unforgettable.
The Accidental Founder: How a 16-Year-Old Girl Took on the World
Ever wondered how a 16-year-old girl from New Zealand ends up rubbing shoulders with Richard Branson, Meghan Markle, and the Queen? Well, grab a seat as Alexia Hilbertidou takes you on a whirlwind, hilarious, and deeply inspiring ride through her journey of founding GirlBoss NZ—an organisation that’s now empowering 17,500 young women across New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands.The Accidental Founder: How a 16-Year-Old Girl Took on the World
From awkward teenage years to the bright lights of global stages, Alexia shares the highs, the lows, and the laugh-out-loud moments of turning a wild idea into New Zealand’s largest movement for young women. She’ll reveal how she went from being the only girl in a tech class to being called “The Headmistress of Gen Z,” all while juggling school, a budding business, and, let’s be honest, a lot of imposter syndrome.
With a good dose of humour, Alexia will show you that you’re never too young, too short, or too anything to make an impact. She’ll share how building a network of 17,500 members doesn’t require fancy degrees (although, she does have a few), just determination, the right people, and a lot of confidence (fake it ‘til you make it).
Expect funny anecdotes, epic name-drops, and of course, practical tips on how to stop waiting for "the right time" and start making things happen right now.
Ready to take notes, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear? Let’s go!
Fireside Chat: Breaking Boundaries in Women’s Leadership
Get ready for a fireside chat with Alexia Hilbertidou, the founder of GirlBoss NZ, where you'll hear the story of how a 16-year-old turned a passion into New Zealand’s largest organisation for young women—empowering 100,000 young women along the way.Fireside Chat: Breaking Boundaries in Women’s Leadership
From standing up David Beckham to sharing a laugh with the Queen, Alexia’s journey is packed with hilarious, inspiring, and downright jaw-dropping moments. She’s hired her mum as a teenager, flown with NASA, and used every step to prove that leadership isn’t about permission—it’s about starting, no matter your age, background, or resources.
Alexia has spoken to over 80,000 people, and her informal, engaging style will have your audience laughing for days while gaining powerful insights on leadership, diversity, and inclusion. This conversation won’t have a second where you’re not captivated.
With tangible insights, Alexia will share the lessons learned from her whirlwind story, showing that leadership is about taking action, breaking barriers, and embracing the boldness to lead, no matter who you are.
If you’re ready to be inspired, laugh, and walk away with a new perspective on leadership, this is one chat you won’t want to miss.
Video
Alexia Hilbertidou | Biography Video |Celebrity Speakers New Zealand
Described by the NZ Herald as the Headmistress of Gen Z, Alexia Hilbertidou is the founder of GirlBoss NZ - NZ's largest organisation for young women.
