Announcing the Winners of the Difference Maker Diversity Awards

In 2017, we established the Difference Maker Diversity Awards as a key strategy to acknowledge people who were championing diversity on boards. Why it was important to have awards like this? Our world is filled with uncertainty, and as leaders, we seek understanding. We can do this by looking for the drivers of change or by gaining different perspectives.

These awards recognise an organisation and a director in the WA Not for Profit sector who are genuinely engaging with people who bring different perspectives. This approach helps boards and organisations manage uncertainty by championing diversity in the boardroom. They actively seek individuals who are different from themselves, and people who view the world from another angle.

Engaging diversity takes courage—the courage to reflect on your own behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs regarding differences. The Difference Maker Diversity Awards highlight those who have shown exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment in promoting diversity to achieve better governance outcomes for their organisation and society. These awards give us the occasion to showcase the innovative programs, initiatives, and strategies that boards are using to enhance diversity and inclusion.

Champions are people who respect, value, and include differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, profession, and religion—these are core principles of diversity and inclusion.

Organisational Winner: Wanslea

Award accepted by Liane Papaelias Chief Finance Officer, Wanslea

As part of the Engaging Young Leaders program, Wanslea has always supported our emerging leaders. They have provided financial and in-kind support as a Community Partner, and their Board and Executive team members volunteer to mentor ELGP participants.

Wanslea actively champion having young directors as board observers at Board Meetings. They participate in panel sessions and speak at ELGP events, attending ELGP breakfasts, launches, graduation ceremonies, and networking events. Over the years, they have recruited a number of graduates from the ELGP Program who serve on their board.

Congratulations Wanslea!

Individual Winner: Maria Davison, CEO, Melville Cares

Award accepted on Maria’s behalf – Brenda Lowe Executive Manager Finance and Corporate Services

Maria Davison has demonstrated her commitment to diversity and inclusion by actively attending and supporting ELGP events including launches, graduation ceremonies, and this year, hosting the fantastic ELGP networking night. She has championed the Engaging Young Leaders program through Melville Cares who are a committed Community Partner.

On top of all of this, Maria is a thought leader on good governance and why diversity is important, and generously shares her knowledge and experience, on ELGP panel discussions and as a consistent mentor for the program.

Congratulations Maria!

Congratulations to Wanslea and Maria Davison for their outstanding efforts and leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.