Australian Women Win Big at the 2024 Stevie Awards, Honouring Bold Leadership and Positive Change

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Australian women took centre stage at the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, bringing home a dazzling array of Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards.

These accolades—celebrated at a gala event in New York’s Marriott Marquis on November 8—recognise extraordinary female leaders, change-makers, and innovative businesses from around the globe. Australia’s winners showed how passion, resilience, and bold vision are changing industries and uplifting communities across the country.

Celebrating Our Gold Stevie Winners

• Kerry Bolton (Caring Lotus) – Best Female Entrepreneur – Consumer Services (11 to 2,500 Employees)
  Gold Stevie Winner
  Kerry Bolton’s work through Caring Lotus is reshaping what support for people with disabilities looks like. Kerry’s commitment to her clients and her groundbreaking approach earned her the title of Best Female Entrepreneur, a true testament to her ability to lead with compassion and insight.

• Caring Lotus – Startup of the Year - Consumer Services Industries
  Gold Stevie Winner
  Redefining what it means to be a disability support provider, Caring Lotus won big as Startup of the Year. The organisation is breaking down stereotypes, creating a model for inclusive, client-centered care that’s winning praise both locally and internationally.

Silver Stevie Honours for Inspiring Impact

• Yvonne Hilsz – Woman of the Year - Business Services
  Silver Stevie Winner
  With a knack for transforming sales teams by blending service-driven strategies and genuine customer connections, Yvonne Hilsz has earned the title of Woman of the Year in Business Services. Her work sets a new bar for what sales success can look like when it’s driven by heart and authenticity.

• Mia Smith – Female Employee of the Year - Business
  Silver Stevie Winner
  From support worker to Chief Operating Officer, Mia Smith’s journey is one of pure dedication. Recognised as Female Employee of the Year, Mia’s story is an inspiring reminder of how far commitment and vision can take you.

• Kristine Cotter (Synergy Safety) – Woman of the Year - Industry
  Silver Stevie Winner
  Known for her dedication to keeping workplaces safe, Kristine Cotter has championed safety on site, reminding us all that a secure workplace is foundational to any industry’s success.

• Petina Tieman – Social Change Maker of the Year - Race
  Silver Stevie Winner
  As a proud Aboriginal woman, Petina Tieman has transformed the business landscape for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Her work as a social change-maker is making a meaningful impact, empowering communities and fostering opportunities for Indigenous businesses to thrive.

Bronze Stevie Awards: Recognising Rising Stars and Groundbreakers

• Yvonne Hilsz – Mentor or Coach of the Year – Business
  Bronze Stevie Winner
  Yvonne’s influence extends beyond sales teams; she’s also a Bronze winner for her mentorship, guiding others with wisdom and encouragement in a way that’s truly life-changing.

• Caring Lotus – Company of the Year – Consumer Services (More Than 10 Employees)
  Bronze Stevie Winner
  Caring Lotus continues its mission, setting a gold standard for disability care and redefining company culture in the sector.

• Kerry Bolton (Caring Lotus) – Social Change Maker of the Year - Disability
  Bronze Stevie Winner
  Kerry’s impact extends beyond her business; she’s a champion for disability rights and advocacy, recognised here for her dedication to social change.

• ohGiGi – Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries
  Bronze Stevie Winner
  This Australian-born startup is revolutionising oral care with a new kind of tooth powder that’s turning heads—and proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

• Nikki Cali – Startup of the Year - Business Services Industries
  Bronze Stevie Winner
  Through Wisdome, Nikki Cali is creating inclusive learning communities, making educational resources accessible and tailored to individual needs.

Annette Densham, a profile-building specialist, described why these wins are so significant: “These awards aren’t just shiny trophies—they’re recognition of the courage it takes for women to step up and own their impact. Many of these winners have faced imposter syndrome head-on, questioning if they’re truly deserving. But their work speaks volumes. They’re creating positive change, showing up for their communities, and proving that purpose-driven work can move mountains. It’s inspiring to see the world recognise their power.”

The Stevie Awards are recognised as the world’s premier business awards, celebrating leadership and innovation in more than 70 countries. This year, 1,500 entries from 36 nations and territories competed, making the recognition for these Australian women and businesses all the more impressive.

Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, said, “In its 21st year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations. We are thrilled to see the passion and innovation of women worldwide celebrated through these awards. Each Gold, Silver, and Bronze winner represents the very best of what women bring to business.”

To learn more about the winners, visit www.StevieAwards.com/Women.

About the Stevie® Awards
The Stevies honour outstanding achievements across the globe, with annual programs celebrating leaders in Asia-Pacific, Germany, the Americas, and beyond. With over 12,000 entries annually, the Stevie Awards spotlight trailblazers and game-changers worldwide. More information is available at www.StevieAwards.com.