Maria
Thattil

Melbourne

Maria Thattil is an Australian actor, media personality and author working across television, global campaigns and cultural leadership. She first came to international attention after being crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2020, placing in the Top 10 at Miss Universe and emerging as one of the few women of colour to represent Australia on the global stage.

She has since established a growing on-screen career spanning scripted television, live broadcasting and unscripted formats. Her work includes appearances across Australian primetime, a guest judging role on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, a widely recognised season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and a landmark scripted role on Neighbours.

Beyond the screen, Maria is a Penguin-published author and TEDx speaker, and an ambassador for World Vision. She has served as a keynote speaker for UN Women at International Women’s Day events, reflecting her global advocacy work. In 2025, she was selected as an international face of Wella Professionals, fronting a major European campaign. Her cultural influence has also been reflected editorially, with cover features across leading Australian publications including Stellar, Body+Soul and BeautyCrew.

With significant on-screen work set for release in 2026, Maria continues to build a career defined by range, intention and international relevance.

SPEAKER TOPICS:

POSITIVE FEEDBACK:

"Maria was a fantastic speaker and we were all very inspired by the conversation."
“Maria was engaging and insightful. Many of these topics are difficult to discuss in the corporate world, so it’s great to feel heard and have a space for these conversations”
"Great choice of panellist - she was so engaging, inspiring and passionate!”
"Maria was incredibly engaging and insightful, and I took away so much from your discussion."
"Your passion for inclusion, fearless advocacy, and ability to inspire change resonated deeply with our audience. Your involvement not only inspired audiences but also helped raise much-needed funds to support the vital work of UN Women in Australia and globally. These funds will drive real change – supporting women’s economic empowerment, leadership, safety, and rights, ensuring all women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination."