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This category recognizes an individual, charity, community group or company who has worked to make a positive difference in the local, state, national, or global community. This individual, charity, community group or company should have worked toward the enhancement of wellbeing for communities.
This is the only award that recognises ‘unsung heroes’ that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to deliver initiatives that transform and empower marginalised communities.
Ephraim Osaghae
Nyat Mulugeta
Ephraim Founded the Migrant Professional Bridge Incorporated in 2016 with a vision to advance, empower and provide vocational integration of skilled and unskilled people of migrant backgrounds, including Africans.
His dedication and commitment to education and capacity building has expanded to include being an active contributor to the Women Empowerment for Work and Business Project, as well as the LIME Project for youth aged 12-17.
Ephraim has been recognised by the City of Gosnells, the City of Canning and the Executive Members of Nigerian Association of WA (NAWA) for his work.
He aspires to continue making contributions to the community, drawing on his lived experiences to make the path easier for those that come after. He is the author of A Handbook for Migrants and led the project and compilation of A Handbook for Migrant Youth (authored by LiME Youth). His next book:Voices from Home: Wisdom from our Diasporic Roots is scheduled for publication in August 2019. Ephraim teaches in the university and mentors young professionals in the field of project and construction management. He continues his advocacy work on the importance of diversity, inclusion and participation.
Fadzi Whande
Nyat Mulugeta
With a long history for social justice advocacy Fadzi commenced making an impact from the early age of 15. She speaks globally on the issues covering diversity and inclusion particularly gender and racial equality.
Fadzi is a multiple award winner and has received recognition for her work, more recently being the recipient of the 2019 His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh & Common Purpose Commonwealth Leaders Program, UK, the 2018 Golden Key Honour Society Lifetime Membership, she was nominated for the 2018 West Australian of the Year award and has recently featured on Tedx Perth as a speaker.
Fadzi is the founder and leader of Sofa Sundays an initiative that mentors young women leaders from diverse backgrounds. Her work has opened doors for young women engaged in the program, with participants going on to showcase designs, receive nominations for the 40 under 40 award and others attending programs in the US.
Fadzi is committed to breaking barriers and building confidence in women and continues in her efforts as a member of the OMI Board program, an ambassador for 100 women, a board member for volunteering WA and the Museum of Freedom and Tolerance..