About us
Relational, strengths-based and participatory practice is at the heart of what we do
Soulgen is a creative consultancy that partners with councils, universities, organisations, young people, and diverse communities to grow confidence, connection, and collective action.
Grounded in Asset-Based Community Development, storytelling, creativity and place-based, co-design approaches, we facilitate spaces where people’s strengths, community assets, and shared aspirations are recognised, shared, and mobilised for social impact.
Our pillars
Since 2015, Soulgen has been rewriting the handbook on youth and community development. We don’t follow a strict formula – we co-design creative workshops and experiences that engage, inspire, and uplift people, places, and organisations.
Empathy
Sustainability
Co-creation
We listen deeply and hold space with passion and care – creating safe, brave, and inclusive environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued, and are encouraged to take positive action in their communities.
We focus on long-term relationships and grounded impact – helping communities grow from within, and supporting organisations and professionals to build capacity for relational, strengths-based, and participatory ways of working.
We bring people together to imagine, design, and act – turning shared ideas into collective movements for change.
Our story
Since 2013, Soulgen has been rewriting the handbook on youth and community development.
We don’t follow a strict formula – instead, we co-design creative workshops and experiences that engage, inspire, and uplift people, places, and organisations.
Soulgen was founded by Dimitrios Papalexis, whose work as a counsellor, trainer, and consultant across Greece, Brazil, and Australia continues to shape our approach. His journey – alongside the many teachers, mentors, peers, young people, and communities he’s worked with – and grounded in empathy, creativity, and collaboration, inspires everything we do.
We work collaboratively with local governments, NGOs, universities, peak bodies, foundations, and for-purpose organisations, alongside their young people and communities of all sizes, cultures, and identities. Together, we uncover strengths, share stories, and mobilise collective potential – helping people, places, and systems grow towards connection, confidence, and social impact.
“I’ve had a very enriching experience co-designing a workshop for widening student participation with Dimitrios. He brings to the table not only his broad experience working with communities and youth development, but also a deep understanding of various frameworks and methodologies for fostering inclusivity in diverse and challenging contexts.”
Beatriz Carrillo Garcia PhD
Senior lecturer, The University of Sydney
Our collaborators
Join the campfire
Connect with us for updates, stories, and insights from community development leaders and practitioners – and stay inspired by what’s possible when communities come together.
Soulgen 