For the first time in 2025, Zonta South Australia held a combined awards ceremony for the Young Women in Leadership Awards at Government House.
Her Excellency the Governor and Mr. Bunten welcomed the 10 finalists of the 2025 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Awards, honoring their commitment to leadership and community service. As part of the program, each finalist completed leadership training and mentorship-driven projects addressing topics such as financial literacy, women’s rights and environmental sustainability.
The 2025 award winners are:
- Ella Davies (Zonta Club of Adelaide): A student leader and 2024 Order of Australia Student Citizen Award recipient, Ella has mentored through Puddle Jumpers and Camp America.
- Lucy McDonald (Zonta Club of Adelaide Flinders): A student of international relations, Lucy advocates for youth engagement and political change through the Onkaparinga Youth Committee and YMCA.
- Yenuli Perera (Zonta Club of Adelaide Torrens): A Year 11 student passionate about women’s rights and domestic violence prevention, Yenuli aspires to a career in medicine or law.
- Keira Trevorrow (Zonta Club of Mount Barker): A proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Keira is committed to advancing her community through health, law, and environmental justice.
The collaborative event was organized by Area 2 Director Jennifer Foreman and attended by District Governor Debbie Schmidt and Zonta Australia Chair Bridget Mather.
These outstanding young women now progress to the District 23 judging panel for further consideration. The event emphasized collaboration as key to amplifying voices and celebrating the amazing young women in our communities.
Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, stated: “If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.”
These young leaders are already proving they have what it takes to make a lasting impact.