Szablya, Helen M.

Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, Honorary Consul of Hungary for WA, OR, and ID, based in Seattle, she is an award-winning author, columnist, translator, and lecturer. As well as former publisher of Hungary International, a newsletter for Americans about business in Hungary. She has two university degrees, speaks six languages, and lived in five countries under seven different political systems. The number of her English language publications exceeds 700, many of which won awards. Helen co-authored, researched and was project manager for the writing and production of "Hungary Remembered", an award-winning, oral history drama/lecture series for the 30th anniversary of the Hungarian revolution, coordinating four universities. "The Fall Of The Red Star," an award-wining book about an illegal boyscout troop during the 1956 uprising, was published for the 40th anniversary. Helen was President of the Washington Press Association and received its highest award, that of the "Communicator of Achievement". Helen recently received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary for her consular and cultural work. She and her late husband escaped in 1956 with two toddlers and a newborn, (10 days old). They have seven children, 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.