Last night, the winners of the 2015 Canberra Women in Business Awards were announced at a gala dinner hosted by Canberra Women in Business (CWB) at the QT Canberra. 

Claudia Vannithone, President of Canberra Women in Business (CWB), said the night was the culmination of a very successful year for the organisation.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in our membership numbers and attendance to our events throughout the year,” said Vannithone. “A few years ago, we changed our focus and style of our events. The core objective of our events is to help local businesswomen make meaningful connections with one another to foster the growth of their businesses.

“Our Awards are to celebrate the achievements of the businesswomen in Canberra, as well as an opportunity to encourage and reward our members, by giving them a chance to showcase their businesses to the Canberra community.”

Here are this year’s winners:

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Business Woman of the Year - Karen Porter, Solace Creations 

Karen is the epitome of thinking big. She started her business at the tail end of a failed marriage and went from start-up to a $3 million business in just three years. Her turnover has doubled in the last 12 months. She is forecasting $7 million in turnover for this financial year, and $10 million for the following year. She holds strongly to her vision of there being energy-efficient double-glazing in every home in Canberra, and doing her bit to help the environment.

 

 

Business Woman of the Year (Highly Commended) - Maryanne Gore, Project Lighting

Maryanne is a stalwart in the business community, leading a team of 35 staff across 6 outlets. She models longevity in business, while still being responsive to changing customer and business needs. A quiet achiever, she shows that continuous commitment to service can bring long-standing results.

 

 

Young Business Woman of the Year - Rita Joyan, Unbox Your Gift

Rita models courage and authenticity. Rita's family escaped Afghanistan as refugees. When she arrived in Australia, she spoke no English and suffered from a speech impediment due to the traumatic challenges. Eight years later she represented her school in the NSW Plain English Speaking Awards. She then bucked family and cultural pressure to establish her own business, helping progressional women identify and pursue their own authentic career and business path. 

 

 

Best New Business - Mary-Jane Liddicoat, Polit Bar

Mary-Jane demonstrates guts and gumption. In a whirlwind, with no previous experience, she started a bar that has become an intimate entertainment destination. She has also leapt into a leadership role by becoming President of the Manuka Business Association with the intention of reinvigorating the Manuka precinct.

 

 

Outstanding Community Spirit - Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion

Jenni exemplifies spirit and contribution. She overcame her own experience of child abuse and has transformed her life and others as a result. Her business is a regular sponsor for many charities that focus on supporting abuse victims. She walked the Kokoda track in 2013 for Bravehearts, raising $15,000. Mount Kilimanjaro is her next target.

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Congratulations to all the winners!