Anna Robertson, founder of socially responsible fashion brand YEVU Clothing, took out the top honour at The Australian’s Women’s Weekly eighth Women of the Future awards.
Robertson, 34, from Stanmore in NSW, received the main award for YEVU Clothing, which uses African made fabrics—providing employment opportunities for Ghanaian women.
WoTF, which is sponsored by feminine care brand Veeda, this year welcomed a number of high-profile guests. These included the likes of Turia Pitt, Home & Away actresses Penny MacNamee and Sarah Roberts, Ita Buttrose AO OBE, and fashion designer Carla Zampatti.
Media personalities Sarah Harris, Kylie Gillies, WSFM and Channel 10 personality Amanda Keller, and Melissa Doyle were also in attendance, alongside Angela Bishop, Jessica Rowe and businesswoman Christine Holgate.
The event was held at the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms.
Brooke Dougall, chief of staff for Naturalena, said: “The Veeda team are really proud to be the sponsor of this year’s Women of the Future Awards.
“The calibre of the women who entered was exceptional and their drive to create positive change in the fields of charity, technology and business, aligns perfectly with Veeda’s values of sustainability, philanthropy and accessibility. We have loved partnering with The Australian Women’s Weekly and being able to celebrate with everyone today.”
Women aged 18–34 were celebrated for their exceptional innovation, creativity and business nous in tackling social and economic issues in Australia and across the globe.
The Australian Women’s Weekly editor-in-chief Nicole Byers added: “Each year we are blown away by the number of bright and bold women our campaign draws out and this year is no exception.
“Despite the challenges faced by Australians this year, our 2020 finalists have shown exceptional strength, innovation and resilience. It was important to celebrate these special women—even more so as we close out one of the toughest years.”
As the 2020 The Australian Women’s Weekly Veeda Women of the Future winner, Robertson will receive $20,000 to help grow her business, as well as advertising opportunities across The Australian Women’s Weekly and marie claire magazine to raise awareness of YEVU.
Judging the WoTF awards was a panel of some of Australia’s most well-known media personalities and international female influencers including Brooke Boney, ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop, Nicole Byers, Hilary Duff (chief brand officer for Veeda), Genevieve Clay-Smith, Amanda Keller and Ita Buttrose.
Duff also addressed the guests via a recorded video, sharing what particularly resonated with her about the finalists and their projects, and personally congratulating the winner.
The Christmas issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly, featuring the Veeda Women of the Future Awards winner, is on sale now.
Featured image (L to R): Nicole Byers and Anna Robertson
