An eco-conscious Czech migrant with a passion for sewing and a cancer survivor recognised for her selfless efforts in the community have both been named the Business Woman of the Year at the 2021 Canberra Women in Business (CWB) Awards tonight.

Olga Imbriano of Bellelis Australia and Natashia Telfer of National Community Care led a stellar list of winners in six categories as part of the CWB Awards announced tonight at a virtual gala event.

Melissa Lacey of Point River Networks received two awards – Pipeline Talent Indigenous Business Woman of the Year, and Elite Event Technology Innovation Business Woman of the Year.

Other winners included: QT Canberra Young Business Woman of the Year – Vanessa Schimizzi, of Branded Graphics; Solace Creations Small Business Woman of the Year – Justine Lennane, of Gumnut Dance; and Bookssorted Social Impact Business Woman of the Year – Antoniette Gomez, of Exhale Coaching & Consulting.

In what has been another challenging year for many businesses across the ACT, CWB president, Sheena Ireland paid tribute to all those working in business through a continuing global pandemic.

“In particular, our female-led businesses have shown great tenacity at this time,” Ms Ireland said.

“So many have juggled their children’s home learning, pivoted to keep their businesses alive and had the added pressures a lockdown environment brings.

“However, the applications received for this year’s awards were absolutely outstanding. Of course, many noted the challenges they faced, but what they also told was the story of overcoming those challenges and how the current environment has made them even stronger.”

The six winners were announced from 24 finalists in a year that judges assessed the highest number of applications ever.

“Our judging panel advised that applications were of an extremely high calibre, which really does exemplify the passion and strength of Canberra’s female-led business sector,” Ms Ireland said.

“We thank everyone who was nominated and/or applied for this year’s awards.”

In what was the first online gala event for the CWB Awards, due to current COVID restrictions on large gatherings, members of the community got behind the event by frocking up and celebrating in small groups, virtually, from home.

The hashtag #cwbawards2021 built momentum during the week leading up to the awards and was in full force once winners were announced.

“We look forward to coming back bigger, stronger and in-person for our 2022 Gala,” Ms Ireland said.

Nadia Pessarossi, Chief Operating Officer of partner and naming rights sponsor, Rubik3, said it was a delight to be involved in the awards, which provided women with an opportunity to stop, take stock and reflect on their achievements.

“Just being nominated for an award is an achievement in itself and recognition that you have touched the life of another member of the community doing what you do in business,” Ms Pessarossi said.

“Rubik3 is honoured to be associated with CWB and to support these annual awards. Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and winners.”

The 2021 award winners are:

Chamberlains Law Business Woman of the Year: Olga Imbriano, Bellelis Australia; and Natashia Telfer, National Community Care

QT Canberra Young Business Woman of the Year: Vanessa Schimizzi, Branded Graphics

Pipeline Talent Indigenous Business Woman of the Year: Melissa Lacey, Point River Networks

Solace Creations Small Business Woman of the Year: Justine Lennane, Gumnut Dance

Elite Event Technology Innovation Business Woman of the Year: Melissa Lacey, Point River Networks

Bookssorted Social Impact Business Woman of the Year: Antoniette Gomez, Exhale Coaching & Consulting

Editor’s note: Canberra Daily continues to be a proud media partner of the CWB Awards since 2010.

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.