In Episode 8 of From A to Me, writer, public policy fellow and mental health advocate Maria Katsonis acknowledges the strong focus on diversity and inclusion in society today, however she believes “there’s a danger that we all get caught up in the moment” and without structural change we won’t see “systemic, long-term change”.
Maria is a vocal advocate for mental health. After experiencing a severe episode of depression, she became a beyondblue Ambassador as well as a consumer advocate with Mental Health Australia.
Her 2015 memoir ‘The Good Greek Girl’ recounts her experience of mental illness and recovery, and the challenges she faced coming out as gay having a traditional Greek upbringing.
Maria’s career in the arts, the Victorian Public Service and now the University of Melbourne, has enabled her to influence public policy and strategy, with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In sharing her very personal journey, Maria seeks to inspire others to do the same and “take up that challenge of change”.