Inspirational Women Awards

Let's make a difference. Nominations open March 8th, International Women's Day. https://lnkd.in/gfkPuZGq

We raised over $24,585 at the 2024 Inspirational Women Awards. This will be paid out soon to our Women's Refuges. A HUGE thank you to our sponsors: The Rydges, Ray White, Fowler Homes, Tru Woman's Gym, A Woman's Touch, Mountain Scene, and Otago Daily Times. We also thank all our guests and inspirational wahine. This is what can be achieved when we come together as a collective to create change. 💜 👏 #womensrefuge #femaleempowerment #antidomesticviolence #awareness

What a night! It was such a privilege to honour inspirational women from all over the country. A huge thank you to our sponsors: The Rydges, Ray White, Fowler Homes, A Woman's Touch, Tru Woman's Gym and everyone who attended and made this magical night possible. https://lnkd.in/g66ddTGT

Our charity auction is now live! From items signed by celebrities to experiences and diamond earrings, pamper yourself while helping us raise funds for a much-needed cause. (You do not need to attend the event to bid or win!) https://lnkd.in/geVerkVf

Mee Anna Dorsey, a finalist in the A Woman's Touch Inspirational Woman category. Anna has been a cornerstone of community wellbeing in Queenstown since 2008. A public health professional, she's led important campaigns promoting regular health screenings and improved health outcomes nationwide wellness. In response to COVID-19, Anna shifted her focus to mental health, volunteering to establish the Southern Wellbeing Charitable Trust and played a key role in initiating the GoodYarn Community Pilot, which brought mental health education to hundreds of people in priority communities. In 2022, she founded Headlight Trust to continue this work, successfully expanding mental health education and introducing initiatives to help communities support their mental wellbeing. Overall, the community programme increased the mental health knowledge and skills of nearly 500 community members in 2 years. These efforts created a new model for supporting mental health in communities and fostered a network of supporters, making it easier for people to look after their mental health and support those around them who were struggling.

Meet Theresa Gattung DNZM, a finalist in the Tru Woman of the Year category. Theresa is a renowned leader and women's empowerment advocate known for being a former CEO of Telecom NZ (now Spark) and co-founder of My Food Bag. Her influence extends across New Zealand's business realm, founding innovative ventures like Compatico and chairing Tend in health services. A committed philanthropist, Theresa introduced Coralus (formerly SheEO) to New Zealand, empowering female entrepreneurs. Her passion for animal welfare led her to chair the Wellington SPCA and serve on the national board. In 2021, she funded the Theresa Gattung Chair of Women in Entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland Business School. She launched the Gattung Foundation, whose main charitable purposes are to support the relief of poverty, the education and advancement of women, Māori and Pasifika to reduce inequality and the care, support and protection of animals. Theresa’s contributions have earned her numerous honours, including induction into the NZ Business Hall of Fame in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours and promotion to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to women, governance and philanthropy. https://lnkd.in/giHjYEbE

Meet Juanita Willems, a finalist in the Ray White Community Woman Category. Juanita runs Foster Hope Otago, a volunteer charity that supports children in foster care and other vulnerable children across the community. Raised in foster care herself and now blind due to a child abuse injury, Juanita’s personal experience fuels her drive and passion. She ensures children in foster care receive clothing, essentials, and toys for Christmas, ensuring every child knows someone cares about them. Juanita also coordinates the Blind Citizens Otago Network, providing advocacy support to blind individuals. She won Resilient Woman at the Inspirational Woman Awards 2022. https://lnkd.in/gZE-Y2_j

Meet Louisa Patterson a finalist in the Mountain Scene and Otago Daily Times Resilient Woman Category. Louisa is a pioneering figure in Queenstown's aviation industry, has transformed personal tragedy into a mission to enhance aviation safety. Following the devastating loss of her son, James, in a helicopter accident, Louisa developed the Eye in the Sky cockpit audio, video, and flight data recorder system. This groundbreaking innovation aims to prevent similar tragedies and improve aviation safety standards. Her relentless dedication earned her the 2021 Airbus Helicopters Innovation in Rotary Aviation Safety Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the field.

Meet Carol Morgan, a finalist in the Ray White Community Woman category. Carol is a legal advocate and leader in Queenstown's community, known for her kindness and compassion. She promotes inclusivity, tackling issues like employment and housing. As a mental health facilitator at the Headlight Trust, Carol's workshops and support services provide a lifeline for those struggling. She loves bringing people together through events like the annual Latino Festival, celebrating cultural diversity with music, dance, and food. Founder of Women's Circle New Zealand and Latinos for New Zealand Charitable Trust, Carol supports marginalised communities and fosters cultural exchange. Her award-winning community work and "walk the talk" approach make her a force for positive social change. https://lnkd.in/gfkPuZGq #inspirationalwomen #femaleempowerment #womensawards #nzawards

Meet Anna Wang, a finalist in the Mountain Scene/Otago Daily Times Resilient Woman Category. Since migrating to New Zealand in 2020, Anna has been a supporter of the Chinese migrant community. Understanding the challenges migrants face, Anna helps them integrate, fostering connections and aiding cultural adjustment. She translates important information, manages the Queenstown Chinese Community Facebook Group, and coordinates community involvement in local events like the Arrowtown Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations. Anna organised support for an injured Chinese woman, ensuring she received the necessary care and meals—this year, she joined Headlight Trust to help develop a new mental well-being programme for Asian migrant communities. https://lnkd.in/gfkPuZGq #inspirationalwomen #womenawards