Meet The Team

Leo is a passionate online entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for achievement and success. Grounded by his love for family and a strong commitment to natural health, his personal journey centres on finding balance in all areas of life.

 

With a background in medical science, Leo became disillusioned by the lack of genuine support within the traditional healthcare system. This experience sparked his transition into entrepreneurship, where he found purpose in creating BoostCeuticals, a U.S.-based dietary supplements brand that reflects his values and supports the wellbeing of others.

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Leo has recently taken on the role of President at Bags for Earth and Science. a philanthropic opportunity that allows him to give back to the community by promoting both better health and environmental responsibility. For Leo, no matter your purpose, everything worth anything begins with good health.

Maria La Torre is a designer and educator with a passion for innovation at the intersection of science, design, and accessibility. Her work explores creative approaches to solving real-world challenges and looks forward to making medicine more available and equitable for all.

With a commitment to collaboration and education, she empowers others to think critically and design with purpose.  Maria is committed to philanthropic initiatives focused on advancing medical research and finding cures for life-threatening diseases. She is also concerned about the environmental damage to our waterways from the use of harmful plastic bags and is pleased to be a part of Bags for Earth and Science, an Australian Not-for-Profits organisation.

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Betty Coracas is an Author and Artist who lives in Melbourne with her husband and Shih Tsu, King Leo. She has authored 5 adult books, WW2 novel, ‘Alien in Paris’, crime thriller, ‘Stolen’, 15th century historical novel, ‘Caterina the Last Queen of Cyprus’, and memoir, ‘A Rebel’s Redemption’. Her latest book is memoir, ‘The Providential Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’, about her unique friendship with
Australian philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Her share of royalties has been pledged entirely to Bags for Earth and Science Inc. She has also written and illustrated children’s books and has twice entered the prestigious Archibald portrait awards.
 

Her many years of working in her husband’s restaurants and looking after the banking and bookkeeping, has made her the perfect candidate for her role as the Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Bags for Earth and Science Inc. As the initiator of the formation and incorporation of the Charity, she is also devoted and determined to achieve its goals and purpose.

Helen’s motto, “Be kind and always believe in the power of your thoughts,” reflects her optimistic outlook and commitment to spreading positivity. She brings a beautiful balance to her professional and personal life, placing great value on relationships and lifelong learning. Cherishing time spent with family and friends, Helen deeply values connection and love.

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Guided by kindness, she not only enriches her own life but inspires those around her to lead with compassion and positivity. Sharing the same core values as her fellow committee members, Helen has embraced her role as Secretary with passion, dedication, and a strong determination to help realise the dual mission for which Bags for Earth & Science was founded.

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Coral’s vibrant and bubbly personality made her a natural fit for the role of Events Manager at Bags for Earth and Science. With several years of experience in administration and a background supporting her family’s hospitality business, she has long been actively involved in fundraising, particularly through events for the Greek Cypriot community.

 

Drawing on her business, administrative, and entrepreneurial skills, Coral successfully established her own business. When her cousin’s 34-year-old son was diagnosed with brain cancer, she used her business acumen and hospitality expertise to organise a highly successful fundraising event.

 

Now, as Events Manager, Coral brings the same energy and commitment to Bags for Earth and Science. Alongside her fellow committee members, she has embraced the charity’s dual mission with passion, dedication, and a determination to make a meaningful impact.

Maria Makris is a retired Humanities teacher and former Humanities Manager at Melbourne Girls College in Richmond. She resides in Melbourne with her husband and family, and together they frequently travel overseas, dedicating much of their time to supporting those in need, particularly children’s orphanages.

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Her longstanding connection with Melbourne Girls College, especially through the Interact leadership group, has made her an ideal fit for her new role at BESI as the School Liaison Officer. Maria has played an instrumental role in conceptualising and designing the Heart Tree Secondary School Challenge pilot project, which has been formally endorsed by the Melbourne Girls College School Council for launch in March 2026.

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