Canberra’s only dual-accredited Family Law and Dispute Resolution Specialist, Debra Parker, has been crowned Business Woman of the Year at the 2025 Canberra Women in Business Awards.
At CWB’s night of nights, nine other incredible women were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Canberra community. Canberra creative Eryn Marshall was recognised as the Young Business Woman of the Year for her work in her self-titled business Eryn Marshall Artistry, which shows that art can have both aesthetic and social value.
CWB President Mandy Hill said each year the CWB Awards highlight the tenacity, creativity and sheer determination of women leaders and business owners across Canberra.
“Reading the stories of all our finalists is one of the greatest rewards of my role with CWB. I continue to see the commitment women business owners and leaders have to lift others up and make a difference,” Mandy said.
“It’s an honour to shine a light on these women and the work they do. “Congratulations to every nominee, finalist and winner — you are all deserving and inspirational.”
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries, Michael Pettersson, praised the remarkable achievements of local women entrepreneurs and leaders.
“What a wonderful celebration of the ingenuity, resilience, and leadership of Canberra’s businesswomen. These awards deservedly recognise the long hours and the sheer determination it takes to turn a vision into a thriving business,” Minister Pettersson said.
”Women-led businesses make a significant contribution to the ACT economy, and their success inspires future generations of leaders to ensure we have a more inclusive and innovative business landscape.”
Parbery Consulting Founder, Owner, and Co-CEO, Kylie Burnett congratulated Debra Parker of Parker Coles Curtis for winning the Parbery Business Woman of the Year. “This is a well-deserved recognition of leadership for a business that supports women and families,” Kylie said,
“The Canberra business sector is in safe hands with all these incredible women leaders contributing to and shaping our community.”
The 2025 Canberra Women in Business Award Winners
Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Parbery Consulting): Debra Parker, Parker Coles Curtis
Young Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Canberra Women in Business): Eryn Marshall, Eryn Marshall Artistry
Small Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by ACT Government): Sophie Mclean, Your Property Profits
Leadership Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Doma Hotels): Amanda Mead, Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Community Service Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Synergy Group): Courtney Smith, Completely Rescued
Innovation Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo): Laura Chapman, The Know You Co.; Careen Redman-Matthews, humaneer
Social Impact Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Canberra Weekly): Vanessa Schimizzi, Curated
Sustainability Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by Instant Colour Press): Vanessa Brettell, Stepping Stone Social Enterprise
Micro Business Woman of the Year (sponsored by auDA): Reiné Williams, Tranquil Architecture
