Meet the Powerhouses Transforming Communities: 2024 Stellar South Asian Women Awards
Now in their four year, the 2024 Stellar South Asian Women Awards reconise, amplify and celebrate impactul South Asian women. The Nine winners were revealed from a shortlist of 34 finalists across the categories of Content Creator, Community & Advocacy, Business & Entrepreneurship, Sports & Fitness, Arts & Culture, STEM, Journalism & Literature, Emerging Leader and Global Impact (based in overseas).
Beyond personal achievement, winners were chosen for the impact they’re making in the community. This year’s award theme Reach Out & Rise captured the essence of collective progress.
The awards received over 120 nominations and on 23 November 130 people gathered at Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (Melbourne) to celebrate the remarkable impact of these South Asian women
The awards were curated by Daizy Maan (Director, Australian South Asian Centre -ASAC), and Rumali Kularatne (Community Manager ASAC) and featured poetry performances by Naarm-based poet AJ D’Costa and Jashan Sandhu.
These awards aim to amplify the voices of change makers whilst also inspiring others to take action on their ideas of making the world around them a better place.
Remember, who & what we celebrate shapes the culture we build – this year’s event truly reflected that.
Below are all our 2024 finalists and winners.
CONTENT CREATOR
WINNER: Manisha Dagore – ManishaDChoreo
Manisha Dagore, behind ManishaDChoreo and a renowned Bollywood dance teacher in Melbourne. Manisha’s content has garnered over 800 000 followers on social media. Her workshops have transformed lives, fostering friendships and uplifting spirits. More than just a dance instructor, she is an inspiration to many, instilling confidence in countless young women.
SPORTS & FITNESS
WINNER: Akeisha Sandhu
Akeisha is a passionate soccer player who began at age 6, representing New South Wales and Victoria. Her dedication earned her a spot on the U19 Australian national team. Recently she embarked on an exciting journey overseas, honing her craft in the competitive soccer leagues of Czechia’s competitive leagues and has captained and coached teams, inspiring players at all levels.
JOURNALISM & LITERATURE
WINNER: Alicia Vrajlal, Founder of Draw Your Box & Editorial & Partnerships lead at Missing Perspectives.
Alicia Vrajlal is a journalist and daughter of Fijian Indian immigrants. Previously Senior Culture Editor at Refinery29 Australia and Editor at HuffPost Australia, she is now the founder of Draw Your Box, a news media company covering experiences of and issues impacting South Asians. She is also the Editorial & Partnerships lead at women’s media company, Missing Perspectives.
COMMUNITY & ADVOCACY
WINNER: Yasmin Khan, Director of The Bangle Foundation
Yasmin Khan is the Director of The Bangle Foundation, an unfunded voluntary domestic abuse support service for South Asian women. The organisation services up to 1000 women a year across Australia and South Asia. Yasmin is a tireless campaigner and advocate for South Asian women and domestic abuse and is highly regarded in this space. She is heavily involved in forums, conferences and political advocacy and representation. The domestic abuse service celebrates 10 years of operation this year.
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WINNER: Manpreet Sekhon
Manpreet Sekhon, the “Curry Queen,” is the acclaimed chef and restaurateur behind Elchi, Masti Fitzroy, and Eastern Spice Geelong. Her restaurants redefine Indian cuisine with bold flavors and vibrant atmospheres: Elchi redefines modern Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist, Masti Fitzroy celebrates adventurous flair, and Eastern Spice is known for its commitment to authenticity while providing stunning waterfront views.
GLOBAL IMPACT (Based in India)
WINNER: Jaspreet Sangha (Jassi)
Jassi Sangha is an Assistant Director, Researcher, and Writer. She is recognized for her work as a writer and director of the narrative short film “Yeh Kaisi Sharafat,” which has been screened at the River Film Festival in Italy and the International Film Festival of South Asia. She has also collaborated with renowned directors such as Imtiaz Ali, Terrie Samundra, and Jatinder Mauhar. Her writings have been featured in several publications, and her debut book in Panjabi language, titled ‘Moh Varhe’ was recently released.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)
WINNER: Onisha Patel, Structural Biologist
Onisha Patel, a structural biologist was key member of a Melbourne based startup team that discovered Momelotinib, now approved by the FDA for Myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer. She is now working in business development and entrepreneurship, helping other scientists take their discoveries beyond the lab and into the clinic.
ARTS & CULTURE
WINNER: Neha Kumar, Founder Artful Yoga Gallery
Neha Kumar founded Artful Yoga Gallery in 2021 in St Kilda – a space dedicated to advancing health through art, community, and holistic healing. In almost 3 years since being established, AYG has hosted 491 events for the community and 31 art exhibitions supporting emerging and often under-represnted artists.
Emerging Leader (Under 22)
WINNER: Neerja Singh
Neerja is a first-year university student and founder of an emerging not-for-profit based in Melbourne’s western suburbs. She works with organisations such as Victorian Government Youth Congress, Raise Our Voice Australia, CMY, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers. Neerja is passionate about amplifying youth voices and advocating for inclusive projects and policies that create positive change across Australia.
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