Alexia Hilbertidou

Finalist - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 New Zealand

Founder, GirlBoss NZ

Being the only girl studying digital technology and advanced physics inspired Alexia Hilbertidou to create Girlboss New Zealand. Founded in 2015, the business aims to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM), Leadership and Entrepreneurship, as well as empower young women to excel and achieve their full potential.

Made up of a network of 17,500 high-school-aged members nationwide, the business’s programmes have been implemented in over 100 schools across New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands. GirlBoss NZ has become the largest organisation and leading voice for young women, with approximately 15% of all high-school-aged women involved in their initiatives.

Raised in challenging circumstances by her Samoan single mother in West Auckland, Alexia’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Her GirlBoss Edge Programme supports hundreds of aspiring Pasifika entrepreneurs by providing financial skills, mentoring, and business support. A career highlight for her is supporting the creation of the GirlBoss Ignite Apprenticeship programme, which helped 30 young people with zero tech experience, primarily Māori and Pasifika, work in well-paid full-time tech roles.

GirlBoss NZ plays a vital role in driving growth for New Zealand and developing a highly skilled workforce that fuels innovation and economic prosperity. Alexia’s vision is very much on track, as she strives to position New Zealand as a global leader and exemplar of gender equality through her engagements as the New Zealand Gender Equality Ambassador. GirlBoss NZ is equally on track with its mission to close the gender gap in STEM- related careers through its highly engaged and impactful initiatives.