FINALIST - INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Anna Dorsey 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.

FINALIST - INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Carmen Doran is CEO of Helius Therapeutics, New Zealand's medicinal cannabis pioneer. Under her leadership, Helius has been supplying Kiwi patients with NZ-grown, NZ-made medicines since 2021 whilst championing change to make the medicine more affordable and accessible to patients who need it. Carmen's strategic acumen has advanced research, development, and production, positioning New Zealand globally. Her efforts have set Helius up for expansion into Europe, South America, and Australia. Carmen champions female representation in often male-dominated areas, such as motorsport, BMX and football. She inspires others through public speaking and sharing her experiences, significantly impacting the industry and community. She recently won the Inspiring Women Leaders category at The New Zealand International Business Awards.

FINALIST - INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Victoria Crockford leads the Coalition to End Women's Homelessness, advocating for important policy and funding reforms. Her activism started 15 years ago at Wellington Women's Refuge, driven by the need for safe housing for women escaping abuse. As former CEO of Community Housing Aotearoa, she addressed housing crises affecting older women and young mothers. Victoria also tackles energy and hardship issues and is a member of the Queenstown Lakes District Council's Climate and Biodiversity Reference Group. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Arts Access Aotearoa, enhancing arts inclusivity for disabled individuals and those in corrections and is a Director at nationwide consultancy Heft Communications.

FINALIST - ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Heidi Renata, Co-founder and CEO of INNOV8HQ, is acclaimed for her pioneering impact on technology innovation and community empowerment across New Zealand and internationally. As a leading tech sector figure representing 3% of its workforce, Heidi brings a distinctive indigenous perspective to business leadership. With over 25 years in prominent roles at Vodafone NZ and entrepreneurial projects worldwide, she is renowned as a dynamic global keynote speaker, lauded for her award-winning youth programmes such as Mana Rangatahi, Konaki, and Manawanui Scholarships. Named Otago Daily Times Business Leader of the Year, Heidi has fostered 1000 startups and guided 500 youth leadership pathways, envisioning a future where innovation and inclusivity drive societal change.

FINALIST - ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Joan Kiernan, with over twenty years in management, accounting, and banking in the UK and Hong Kong, moved to Queenstown in 2001. Since then, she has significantly contributed to various businesses and non-profit organisations. As a partner in a wealth management business for over ten years, Joan brought her expertise to the financial sector. She served eight years on the Board of Community Trust South, and has held numerous leadership roles in Rotary locally and at District level. Joan was the first female President of the Queenstown Rotary Club, is a past District Governor and is currently Rotary Foundation Chair for the South Island. Joan was among the founding members of Impact100 and Chaired the Grants Committee for four years. She has been a Trustee of the Wakatipu Community Foundation since 2022 and is currently Deputy Chair.

FINALIST - ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Karla Sanders, founder of Sticks ’n Stones, is revolutionising bullying prevention through her youth-led organisation. Since 2013, she has empowered over 6,000 young individuals in Central Otago and beyond, mentoring them to tackle bullying confidently and skillfully. Karla's unwavering commitment has evolved Sticks ’n Stones from a local initiative into an internationally acclaimed charity, dedicating thousands of hours to ensure youth voices lead the way. Her efforts have shaped the organisation and significantly impacted bullying prevention nationwide, making a lasting difference in the community. Photo by Image Central.

FINALIST - COMMUNITY WOMAN

Carol Morgan 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.

FINALIST - COMMUNITY WOMAN

From a family dedicated to giving back, Juliet Fraser has embodied this spirit through her life and business, Hot Property Queenstown. She started the business as a solo parent seeking independence and quality time with her sons, Ashar and Nazih, who remain her greatest pride and volunteered as teenagers in Tanzania and Nepal. Fourteen years later, Hot Property supports numerous causes discreetly, including donating a safe night for every booking to honour her son’s friend Allanah, who was tragically lost in an accident. During COVID-19, Juliet transformed herself and became a weight loss coach, inspiring women to prioritize their health. She is now finalizing her certification as a mental health coach, focusing on addiction, driven by a need for effective support in this area. Her commitment extends beyond her business; Juliet practices daily kindness, inspiring those around her with a message to always face challenges head-on and keep smiling.

FINALIST - COMMUNITY WOMAN

Juanita Willems runs Foster Hope Otago, a volunteer charity that provides essential support to 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.

FINALIST - RESILIENT WOMAN

Since migrating to New Zealand in 2020, Anna Wang 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 Headlights Trust to help develop a new mental well-being programme for Asian migrant communities.

FINALIST - RESILIENT WOMAN

Louisa Patterson, 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.

FINALIST - RESILIENT WOMAN

Sally Woods is the owner and senior instructor at Fierce Grace Hot Yoga Queenstown, a studio reopened on a smaller scale after the initial large-scale opening was impacted by COVID-19. Despite the challenges, including closing the original studio due to lockdowns, Sally's business lives on.

Sally is also the 2023/24 Yoga Lululemon Ambassador, a role through which she supports mental health and the LGBTQIA2+ community. She has held numerous events promoting inclusivity and wellbeing.