2024 Winners
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr Angela Kwong
Dr. Angela Kwong is a General Practitioner with a special interest in medically supervised weight loss. She’s the creator of Enlighten Me, a medically supervised weight loss program that provides individualised medical care, and specific nutritional advice, alongside support, coaching and understanding.
Emerging Leader in the Not for Profit Sector: Dr Naba Alfayadh
Naba is a powerful thought leader and clear visionary who has transformed global health access for refugee and migrant families through her organisation, Rahma Health. The judges were impressed by Naba’s passion, her profound understanding of the issue at hand, and her ability to manage the demands of full-time work while still funding and relentlessly driving her charity’s mission forward. Her timely and forward-thinking leadership positions her a trailblazer with great impact.
Emerging Leader in Climate & Sustainability: Victoria McKenzie-McHarg
Victoria is the CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), Australia’s fastest growing community of women and gender-diverse environmental and climate leaders. In the last 12 months, her team has lifted the lid on the gendered nature of climate and environmental impacts in Australia. WELA’s groundbreaking new research report has spotlighted the benefits of diverse leadership in driving climate solutions, attracting mainstream media attention and sparking important discussions across the sector.
Emerging Leader in the Private Sector: Izzy Jensen
Izzy Jensen is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Kakariki Capital, where she spearheads efforts to channel investment capital into nature-based climate solutions. With over a decade of expertise in carbon markets, Izzy played a key role in establishing a $100 million carbon development platform in Australia. She is now dedicated to transforming the carbon and environmental markets by making them more accessible and transparent, through education and the development of innovative investment products.
Emerging Leader in Health: Dr Naba Alfayadh
Naba is a medical doctor, serial social entrepreneur and International Health Advisor. She is the Founder of Rahma Health, an organisation that supports refugee and migrant families to enjoy the magic of the first 5 years of a child’s life. Naba is reinventing global health access, helping re-write National and State guidelines to reflect the needs of Australian Multicultural Communities and ensuring equitable access to all. Rahma’s resources have helped families more than 0.5 million times. Naba studied Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. Naba’s passion for refugee health is fueled by her own personal experience as a former refugee, fleeing the Iraq war in 2003.
Emerging Leader in Tech: Ghislaine Entwisle
Ghislaine is a Technology Consulting Managing Director and the National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead at Protiviti. She leads a diverse team and has championed events in allyship, indigenous awareness, gender transition and intersectionality. She has delivered thought leadership presentations on data governance, technology optimisation, innovation, inclusive leadership and leading diversity teams. She has advanced inclusivity beyond Protiviti through advocacy, amplification, activism and collaboration. She lifts women and women of colour to thrive in technology.
Small Business Leader of the Year: Frances Bilbao
Frances Bilbao is the visionary founder of Mums Matter Psychology, delivering extraordinary expansion to serve 3,400 women nationwide and save the economy $49.5 million this year alone. Through her innovative bulk-billing model, Frances provides free perinatal mental health care to mothers across Australia. Mums Matter continues to flourish under her leadership, using technology and community partnerships to reshape the industry and make vital psychological support accessible to all families in need.
Emerging Leader in Science: Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist, woman in STEMM/STEAM, science communicator, author and vessel operator. Vanessa’s research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation. Vanessa works collaboratively across both marine and terrestrial environments merging cutting edge tech to access animals in unique ways. Most notable works include drones to collect whale snot and the use of computer algorithms and AI for the detection of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Agenda Setter of the Year: Larisha Jerome
Larisha Jerome is a proud Jarowair, Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli woman. She is an Economic Justice Advocate, Founder of Liberate with Larisha, Board Director of Jarowair Aboriginal Corporation, Host of the Rich Blak Women Podcast and an accomplished Speaker. Her aim is to redress the economic injustice that First Nations people face and to decolonise western money concepts. Her unique approach is centred in her lived experience and leverages the power of community, relational reciprocity, authenticity, and meaningful connections.
Employer Initiative of the Year: Jetss Fitness
Jetts Fitness is dedicated to empowering women in the workplace through its THRIVE framework, which focuses on holistic team support. THRIVE encompasses key areas: Team Member Development, Health and Wellbeing, Recognition, Impact & Support, Values and Culture, and Engagement and Celebration. The framework includes initiatives like an unlimited learning and development budget, free Audible memberships, and an employee assistance program through MindFit. Jetts also fosters flexibility with benefits like early finishes on Fridays, ‘Santa Hours’ for holiday shopping, and free gym memberships.