Zonta celebrates young female leaders of the future Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 4, 2022 Winner of the Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award, Mikal Tesfamariam of Bishop Druitt College. ZONTA Coffs Harbour celebrated 25 years of making life better for women and girls on the Coffs Coast with a special event on Friday, 28 October 2022. The members celebrated the achievements of thirteen amazing young leaders during the Zonta 25th Anniversary celebration dinner, with a Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Panel presentation facilitated by Claire White of the Leaders Network. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Program aims to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognising a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women. “The YWPA Award program looks to the young women of today for the leaders of tomorrow,” Isabella Brandli, Zonta Coffs Harbour member, told News Of The Area. Mikal Tesfamariam of Bishop Druitt College was named the 2022 Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc YWPA Award recipient. Mikal, a 2022 academic school captain, impressed the judges with her passion for politics, leadership, public service and change-making. She was awarded a $500 cash prize, donated by the late Walter Young, father of the current Zonta President, Michelle Williams. Mikal’s application will now be entered into the district level of judging and she will be invited to speak at the 2023 Coffs Coast IWD Breakfast. Honorary mentions were awarded to Nada Ali (Coffs Harbour High School), Abby Raymond and Emelia Naumov (Coffs Harbour Senior College), Ella Drewell (Toormina High School) and Emma Williams (Woolgoolga High School). The other very worthy finalists were Chloe O’Neill (Coffs Harbour Senior College), Caitlin Waugh and Tara Stokes (St John Paul College), Freyja Giese (Toormina High School), Brydi Custance and Rianna Binning (Woolgoolga High School) and Annie Longbow (Dorrigo High School). The dinner, held at the Surf Club Restaurant and Bar, was well attended by guests from other Zonta and Coffs Coast communities. The Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour is one of 1,133 Zonta clubs worldwide, in 62 countries, working together to make gender equality a reality for women and girls. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at Park Beach Bowls Club, Coffs Harbour. New members are always welcome. For more information about Zonta, please email zontacoffsharbour24@gmail.com or call Jenny on 0411 463 592. By Andrea FERRARI Zonta YWPA finalists with Panel Facilitator Claire White of the Leaders Network: Mikal Tesfamariam, Emelia Naumov, Rianna Binning, Chloe O’Neill, Caitlin Waugh, Emma Williams, Brydi Custance, Freyja Giese, Tara Stokes, Ella Drewell, Abby Raymond, Nada Ali and Claire White. Bernardine Guy, Lt Governor of Zonta District 24, with Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour members Cheri Floyd, Isabella Brandli, Michelle Williams, Jenny Wiseman and Kerrie-Ann Kuhle.
