Qantas, together with Australian Business, today announced Corporate Social Responsibility Lawyer Sarah Ramwell as winner of the Qantas Australian Woman of the Year in the UK Award 2014.
The prestigious accolade is awarded annually to an Australian woman living in the UK who is a leader and role model in her field of expertise.
Sarah Ramwell was recognised for her corporate social responsibility work focusing on pro bono, volunteering, environment and diversity, as well as her dedication to women’s rights.
Stephen Thompson, Qantas Executive Manager International Sales said Qantas was proud to sponsor an award that showcases the achievements of Australian women living and working in the UK.
“On behalf of Qantas, I am pleased to congratulate Sarah on her win. Sarah’s success is testament to the great Australian spirit, and is another example of Australians achieving great things on the world stage,” said Mr Thompson.
This year’s award was presented by special guest, Australian Foreign Minister, The Hon Julie Bishop MP, at a special ceremony at Australia House in London. The prize includes a Qantas business class ticket from London to Australia return, a perpetual trophy and an ambassador role representing Qantas and Australian Business in the UK over the next twelve months.
Since 2010, Sarah has run the Corporate Social Responsibility programme at Reed Smith LLP, a multinational law firm renowned for its award winning Pro Bono and corporate social responsibility programmes.
In her role, Sarah motivates people to contribute their time and skills to tackle issues affecting communities across the globe. She has spent time in Haiti pioneering projects to support those affected by the 2010 earthquake, in particular vulnerable women and children. She has also led numerous efforts to fight social exclusion in East London, including a project at a women’s shelter which enables those at-risk to rebuild confidence and learn new skills for integration into the community – a project which later won the Lord Mayor’s 2012 Dragon Award for social inclusion.
Sarah’s work has been recognised by the WorldSpreads 2011 “30 Under 30” initiative which celebrates the 30 most successful and influential young individuals in the City of London. She was also presented at Buckingham Palace to Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at a reception for prominent Australians living in the UK.
Women from all walks of life were encouraged to apply for the Award, whether their success has been achieved through business or personal endeavours, the arts, sciences, professional disciplines, government, the community sector or any other field.