IN THEIR OWN WORDS

NATASHA PRICE

I am unbreakable

In 2008 I became blind and paralysed from the neck down almost overnight due to a rare disease I didn’t know I had. I was bed bound for nine years convinced by others my life could no longer amount to anything, I should let go of dreams. Today I’m an elite wheelchair racer, entrepreneur, volunteer, speaker, awards winner and author. I believe I was noticed not purely for athletic achievements but also as I’m a change maker. I use the power of my story to help others, demonstrating an insatiable zest for life and infinite possibilities for anybody chasing fulfillment despite adversity. I draw on feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness and fear at my lowest, and my natural drive, determination and motivation as an athlete to teach inclusion, disability awareness, resilience, passion and purpose.

LINDA BISHOP

I am passionate

Serving committees, coaching and volunteering, I experienced the negativity and politics of sporting culture. This inspired me to create a caring environment built on the spirit of fun. I am proud to be the President and founder of ‘Allstars’ Netball Club Gold Coast where players learn skills, respect, sportsmanship and resilience. This platform has helped me overcome the personal scars from a hostile workplace. Bullying caused me to have a breakdown and shattered my selfconfidence. ‘Allstars’ has given me an outlet to help not only myself heal but guiding others to boost personal pride and confidence. I am devoted to helping young people feel supported, comfortable and to build resilience while being active and making new friends.

MADELEINE MCTERNAN I am fierce

Last year’s Champion of Sport Montana Atkinson nominated me. I am honoured to be a finalist, it’s one of the best things to ever happen to me. I am 21, a Paralympian who is proud to represent my country. I want to show other young people with disabilities that they can have a go to achieve their dreams. I want to be an ambassador for children of all abilities and disabilities. As an Australian female Para Swimmer, it’s wonderful to receive recognition for all the hard work and dedication I’ve given to my community and country. I believe in ‘Training hard, never giving up, believing and achieving.’ At the Commonwealth Games the team slogan was Bold in Gold. To all women out there: be bold, train hard in the sport you love.

STARS OF TOURISM MARION CHARLTON I am authentic

As Qld Airports COO I’m responsible for four airports with the Gold Coast our busiest. The team and I are excitedly putting finishing touches to a stunning $500m airport redevelopment, a gamechanger. After two very challenging years it’s exciting to be thinking positively. In business it is important to stay true to yourself. I’ve been told I am too passionate, ambitious, tenacious. All adjectives that would be complementary if applied to a male. You could tie yourself in knots trying to please others. It’s important to have role models – like nominees – so women can see a path. I’ve always worked in areas lacking female representation, and the saying ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ resonates. I’ve the privilege of setting a path for women in non-traditional female roles.

NATASHA EDWARDS I am inspiring

20 years of presenting SWELL Sculpture Festival, connecting people, art and place, a free exhibition on picturesque Currumbin Beach. To be a finalist is a reflection I’ve made a difference. A nod to the advocacy and vision I have for artists and sector. It is recognition art shapes and informs our cities, builds social cohesion and healthy communities, applauding the dedication of awe-inspiring people. I’ve learned I am brave and enjoy challenging myself. Live your dream, be the curator of your life, let others see you. Be the success you want, relish all moments including tough times. Experiences build resilience and makes you discover how tenacious you are. Behold your vision, stay focused, be kind to yourself. Champion people around you.

JAYME CUTTRISS

I am nurturing

National Trust is a non-for-profit charity managing 15 properties across Qld, on the Coast we manage Garima Conservation Reserve, Honeyworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital. As CEO I lead a team of 1000 inspirational staff, volunteers and training participants, caring for wildlife and special places. Our organisation is 78 per cent women, and I am also very proud to have witnessed a shift in gender diversity from board-level down in recent years. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest of its kind in the world and leading the way in research to help wild koalas, now endangered in Qld. The sanctuary holds very fond memories for me. I’ve been visiting since I was a child – this is not just a career for me. If we can bring perspective to our guests and encourage them to care for our wildlife we have made a difference.

SARAH COLGATE I am resilient

As a passionate Gold Coast tourism advocate, managing director of Aquaduck and Southern Cross Tours, I work hard to support other business owners in our industry on a regular basis. Since March 2020, I’ve been tested in every way. During a very dark time for our industry, there were many days I was ready to give up. The pandemic and border closures tested us all. My focus was to bring people together, ensure they knew they were not alone and supported. When we feel supported we can face challenges and emerge a stronger community. Today the sun is shining and my beloved industry is bouncing back with less setbacks. Know it’s ok to stumble, it’s ok to fall and none of us are perfect. Believe in yourself, follow your dreams and keep getting up every day. You can do this.

ENTREPRENEURS CHERIE UZAN

I am visionary

I’m driven by passion for creating amazing spaces and crafting unique concepts. As the creator of the Gold Coast’s Balboa Italian Restaurant and The Valley Estate, Covid was an incredibly tough time for me. The pandemic completely decimated the hospitality industry. We battled through with Balboa while building The Valley Estate. We delivered five iconic wedding and event spaces across the nine acres in under 15 months, when the industry was at an all-time low. Having lived on the Gold Coast most of my life I can think of nothing greater than bringing new ideas to our beautiful home and putting the Coast on the map; whether that be in the culinary, design or building sector. I wake up each day overwhelmingly excited to work in my businesses alongside my wonderful team of 70 employees; our ethos is ‘positive people with passion and purpose’. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with good people. And don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and give it a try.

JORDANA EDWARDS I am caring

As CEO of The Breastfeeding Tea

Co, I’m passionate about supporting mothers breastfeeding. It may be natural but not always easy. One cup of tea at a time, we support mothers with colic babies or those struggling with milk supply. It is an honor to have helped 30,000 mums in the last year nationally. It is such an honour to be recognised as an entrepreneur, and the greatest joy. Niche brands like mine are driven by purpose and passion to make a difference. Every day I wake with purpose. As we say in the tea world, you can’t pour from an empty cup. The past year has taught me, you can’t be your best self if you give it all away. To be a great community member, a mother, an entrepreneur, a friend or a partner, self care is not negotiable.

ROSE MADDEN & (VANESSA CAVE) I am bold

Vanessa Cave is my work wife by trade, soul sister and best friend by heart. Our Nine Lives Bazaar womenswear label creates wearable art inspired by the colourful lives of generations before. A decade ago we were selling vintage at the Village Markets and since have evolved to hire staff, open a flagship, see our designs on celebrities including a Victoria’s Secret supermodel. As a small startup brand, it came as a huge shock to us to find our unique hand-drawn prints plagiarized and appearing in local fast fashion boutiques. We give ourselves a pat on the back and know our creations are special and worthy of copying. Entering motherhood we were stretched to our limits wearing all the hats. It is as difficult as it is rewarding. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

YOUNG WOMEN SOPHIA RIZZO

I am determined

I am the founder of Glitter Girl, launched in 2017 with $2000 at age 10. It now turns over $350,000 annually. Today I am 14 and Glitter Girl has blossomed into a multi-faceted business supplying loose eco glitter, vegan cruelty free makeup, sparkly accessories and fashion for sparkle lovers. We have 160 retail stockists across Australia and NZ. I am a young entrepreneur all about sparking joy, providing inspiration, and encouraging creativity while being environmentally mindful. My advice to other young women is believe in your dreams, have a go, don’t fear failure. If you believe in yourself and put the work in, anything is possible. Making a mistake or getting a knock-back are opportunities to learn, don’t let it discourage you from your best sparkly life.

ELLA COHEN

I am ambitious

At age 21 I’m the Gold Coast Turf

Club marketing coordinator. I’m the best example of businesses catching young talent, watching them grow and thrive. I graduated high school at 16, had a scholarship to Bond University at 17, graduated with a bachelor’s at 19. Breaking into an industry at such a young age I was often looked down on as a ‘child’. After job interview setbacks, I promised myself I wouldn’t be defined by age. ‘She’s too young and needs more life experiences’ has been replaced by ‘Because of what you’ve achieved Ella Cohen you are a finalist for Women of the Year’. You have the power to take on the world and achieve your wildest dreams.

BROOKE PENDER

I am ambitious

I am The Fresco Complexion founder, a beauty and skin clinic specialising in uniting clinical results with holistic education. I know feeling beautiful from the inside out is essential. I wanted to continue to offer this experience beyond the treatment room. This inspired the creation of Fresco Collection. An Australian-made cosmetics brand with only clean ingredients. To get to where I am has been a challenge. I left school after year 10 to pursue my dream. Straying from societal norm to do year 12 and pursue university, came with negative criticism, doubt but I was guided by my heart and chased the vision. By sharing my journey I want young woman to know anything is possible if you work hard, embrace challenge, neutralise fears, take risk.

ANGELS AMONG US MANUELA WHITFORD ‘I am strong’

I am the founder and CEO of Friends With Dignity, a community-based service doing great things. We’ve helped over 5000 and distributed furniture and household items worth eight million dollars through one of our programs. I am committed to social justice and love working with an equally passionate team. Having been a victim of assault myself, I vowed I’d never be a bystander. Years of nursing made caring for people second nature to me and a vocation I am truly devoted to. It provided me with life skills and emotional intelligence to know when and where I am needed most. I have strong personal, professional boundaries that allow a healthy work-life balance. Take the leap of faith and believe in yourself. There is nothing you can’t do if you commit yourself and believe in what you are doing.

SAM STENBERG

I am empowering

I am passionate about utilising civilian skills to assist communities hit by disaster. Our ‘National Disaster Management Service’is designed to fit and adapt to volunteers and the community. It can be a lonely road backing a vision no one else can see. I was laughed at when I said the gaps in public emergency management could be better filled by specialist trained NGO and community-led response that contextualises and assesses risk dynamically to the specific disaster and community. There wasn’t a model, concept, data or funding — so I created a new model. Financially it has taken a toll, I’ve personally funded the start up, operations, admin, systems, equipment, training, insurance — a huge personal cost but I knew we were making huge changes in the lives of people who needed it.

NICOLLE EDWARDS

I am empowering

My favourite African proverb is “if you want to go fast you go alone, but if you want to go far you go together” and with a community nestled at the very center of what we do, I am most grateful for the angels that walk beside me as we continue this important work. I may indeed steer the ship but it’s the Rizeup team, as a collective, who keep it afloat with shared commitment and relentless drive to create new beginnings for the most vulnerable. The success of Rizeup is testimony to the hard work and allegiance of many. Domestic and family violence is as pervasive as it is insidious and for me to be recognised for the work we are doing, means my team are also being recognised …and for that I am extremely grateful. When you find people who share your values, purpose, and advocacy, nothing stops you.

CHAMPIONS OF EDUCATION KYM AMOR

I am tenacious

I became an educator to inspire our youth to find their passion, fulfill dreams, and make a difference. I am proud to be the Foundation Principal of the Gold Coast’s fastest growing school shaking up traditional education with innovative opportunities and a focus on kindness and contribution to humanity. I established ‘Girls in STEM’ to inspire young women to take careers in Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics. We need to address the alarming statistic there are only 25 per cent of women in STEM careers. Through our unique partnership with UQ, Griffith University, and QUT, our G-STEM students partner with PHD buddies who mentor and inspire them as they chase their STEM dreams. Women need to surround themselves with empowering women who share triumphs, challenges and setbacks. It’s often those who think differently to us that provide us with the deepest contemplation and greatest growth.

KEITHA DUNSTAN

I am trailblazing

I am a proud descendant of the Mandandanji people of South-west Qld and the eldest of five girls. First in my family to attend university, I chose to enter the male dominated fields of accounting, academia. I was the first woman appointed Professor in accounting and Finance in NZ in 2000. I am the first Aboriginal appointed as Provost at an Australian university. I take pride in my achievements because I’ve shown others what is possible. While many more women have now joined academia, fewer than 20 per cent of full Professors in Australia are women. And while Indigenous students are succeeding at universities we still have a long way to go to gain equality. I have committed my career to ensuring other women and Indigenous Australians gain the opportunities the socio-economic bridge of education provided me.

DONNA NAYLOR

‘I am enthusiastic’

As Study Gold Coast Careers Outreach manager, I’ve seen our programs support and guide career pathways of 22,000. My journey began with distance education in regional North Qld, west of Cairns. I’m proud to be the first of my family to graduate university. From an early age I’ve been determined to help others. Working across many industries offered insight and opportunities to support individuals with resources and tools to understand their own value, strength and interests. It’s a privileged position supporting young women to find independence from difficult personal situations to find their place. If by being a finalist I’m able to help our community to see the value in career education and impact it can have on an individual’s self-worth and their life – this opportunity is invaluable.

WELLNESS WARRIORS FELICITY COHEN

I am unstoppable

I am a wellness warrior who founded Weightloss Solutions Australia in 2000, to empower women to live their best lives. Weight-related health complications continue to escalate at an alarming rate. Developing systems and solutions to end obesity is at the forefront of my objectives. Every day I am excited to work. As the business evolves I find new ways to connect with people in need of support. I launched my Wellness Warriors Podcast, The Research Institute For Future Health and developed an obesity prevention program for kids. Women of 2022 are choosing to be heard on all issues central and pivotal to women leading empowered and independent lives. We want equality across all spheres of life; parenting; workplace; healthcare and rights for all humanity.

BELINDA NORTON

I am supportive

My fourth book was ‘Because I Was

A Bad Wife’. Being referred to as a

‘bad wife’ was a pivotal moment which led to my awakening, acknowledging my self-worth. We are often defined as weak without a partner or fairytale ending. I wanted to share my story to empower mothers to be who they want, who they want their children to see. We need to re-habit to celebrate life as a family unit – cooking, eating and walking together daily. These factors support confident, healthy, balanced youth, strengthening parent-kid relations and reducing social behavioral, mental and physical struggles.

JODIE BRADNAM

I am compassionate

I’m the Group Psychologist and Wellbeing Officer at Village Roadshow Theme Parks. I know the value of supporting people to navigate life’s successes and challenges. When we take good care of ourselves we have the capacity to extend care and kindness to others. I’m proud to lead the BOOST wellbeing program at VRTP, offering counselling and coaching support and onsite wellness initiatives including mindfulness, movement and meditation. As we empower to take care of physical, emotional health, we weave wellness into the way we live, work, love and lead.

ENTERTAINERS MICHAELA COOK

I am unshakeable

Considered ‘too country’ for pop-music and ‘too pop’ for country forced me to forge my own path. I reached number one as an independent singer-songwriter. Have courage to trust your instincts. In 2014, I began creating my own positive online community now at 1.5m. I focus on celebrating diversity and providing a feeling of instant acceptance to everyone who engages. I’ve consciously used my platform to partner with deserving charities. I’m a proud RSPCA ambassador.

SUE PORRETT

I am courageous

I was that girl who followed her dreams, ran away and joined the circus. I’ve always had a desire to push boundaries and live my way. I opened Australia’s first circus arts, acrobatic and dance school, Aerial Angels Cirque Central, the same year I had triplets. The sisterhood of the school shaped lucrative careers for thousands of young women and made dreams come true. Months before the pandemic, I opened Spiegelclub, The Pink Flamingo. Despite lockdowns, we employ 150 and have put the city on the map for this style of entertainment. Your dream should be so big it scares you. Anything is possible with a dream and pocket full of passion.

LIZ CANTOR

I am loyal

I’m a passionate, loyal Coaster working on TV for 18 years after my start on 7’s Creek to Coast in 2005. On awards night I’ll be 37 weeks pregnant. Growing up I didn’t think it was possible to be on TV pregnant. It was something you never saw. This year I’ve presented the weather for 7News Gold Coast alongside pregnant anchor Amanda Abate and Sally Pearson. All of us are mindful young female impressionable eyes witness a new picture on screens.