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This category recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the creation of an innovative idea, project or business where they are an integral part of overseeing growth, leading fast-paced change or innovation, increasing diversity in their business or sector, role modelling for others or breaking boundaries.
Caroline Surtees
Nyat Mulugeta
An entrepreneur from a young age, Caroline started her first business at 19 years of age and later went on to establish the Olive Grove Centre of Early Learning in Gosnells. Caroline’s centre promotes family focused childcare.
Through this business, Caroline has innovated a unique initiative she terms Imitikula Empanga meaning “the shrubs of today at the trees of tomorrow”. Under this philosophy, she and her team provide a not for profit service to children and their families that ripples out into the wider community.
Caroline was the recipient of a Business Excellency Award from the Organisation of Zambians living in WA (OZLIWA) in 2017 and has been recognised by the former and current Mayor of Gosnells for the contribution in services and employment opportunities her centre offers.
She is a member and sits on the board of the Migrants Professional Bridge, conducts the Stepping out Stepping in Women Empowerment Project and is a mentor for the LiME Project. Caroline has also featured on the UK’s Salaam Radio Empower Hour show where she seeks to empower women of diverse backgrounds and currently serves as the treasurer and the P&F for St Munchin’s Catholic School.
Emmanuel Onyegbula
Nyat Mulugeta
Emmanuel is a Producer and Creative Director at BeyondFilmz Production, a media and creative content production company. He is also the co-founding Director of Afropacific Media, publishers of Afropacific Connect Magazine, An event and lifestyle magazine celebrating the achievements made by African Australians within Engineering, Health care, Entertainment, Politics and Academia.
A self-professed serial entrepreneur, Emmanuel has played significant roles in several startups in the financial, real estate and media sectors either as a co-founder or founding partner siting a commitment to advancing the cause of humanity and providing services to meet their needs.
He is a member of the Nigeria Association, WA and the Igbo Association of WA and continues to volunteer his time and services in contribution to the local community.
Regina Akora
Nyat Mulugeta
A passionate artist and talented creative, Regina served as head organiser for Tokyo Alley, an events-based community initiative that brings local Perth artist inspired by Japanese anime, manga and gaming under one roof.
Through her involvement and leadership over four years, Regina was able to increase the cultural diversity of the organisation and acted as a mentor for aspiring African artist.
Her work has been featured in the Curtin Illustration Club, the U.K. NEO Magazine and the University of WA’s Anime Club website. Regina was a finalist in the Saturday AM Manga competition and she attended Sydney’s Supernova as a Supa-Star Guest.
Regina’s aspires to use her leadership skills to support up and coming artist from multicultural backgrounds to turn their dreams of art into a viable and sustainable career path.