Alexia Hilbertidou is a trailblazing young leader and social entrepreneur driven by the motto, “you are never too young to create change.” At 16, she founded GirlBoss New Zealand, now the country’s largest network for young women, with 17,500 members. Through GirlBoss, Alexia has created initiatives that empower young women, providing free access to mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities. Her flagship programme, GirlBoss Edge, has helped over 5,000 young women—particularly from rural areas—gain industry-specific training and one-on-one mentorship, with 93% of participants describing it as “life-changing.”

Alexia has forged partnerships with over 50 corporate and government agencies, ensuring GirlBoss programmes remain accessible to all. She has spoken at over 300 schools and events, inspiring youth across New Zealand. On the global stage, she has spoken at major conferences such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and One Young World, alongside leaders like Richard Branson and Meghan Markle. As a National Geographic Explorer, NASA Scientific Communicator, and Facebook Leadership Fellow, Alexia is shaping New Zealand’s future leaders and empowering a generation to break barriers and create social impact.