Written by Christine Johnstone on . Posted in Blogs.

Madina Mohmood 16 Copy CopySoroptimist International of South Queensland sponsored the inaugural Soroptimist International Empowering Others Award a category in the Seven News Young Achiever Awards. Madina Mohmood was announced the winner of this inaugural prestigious Soroptimist award in front of 400 attendees on Friday 3rd of May at Royal on the Park Brisbane. Madina was also announced the overall winner of the 2019 Queensland Young Achiever of the Year, chosen from the eight winners. What a wonderful achievement for this young woman.


Soroptimist International of South Queensland sponsored the "Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award", which acknowledges and celebrates the commitment of young women in initiating and leading activities which enable change in the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and/or internationally. The 400 guests from Queensland celebrated this amazing group of Young Achievers, the event was hosted by Max Futcher and Katrina Blowers from Seven News. Official guest was the Honourable Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.

Madina Mohmood 22 of Redland Bay was the outstanding woman out of 33 amazing nominees for this prestigious Soroptimist Award. Madina is dedicated to promoting and raising awareness of cultural diversity and empowering young women. She helped establish the Afghan Student Association and the Muslimah Student Society at the University of Queensland. Madina was directly involved in creating the Queensland Afghan Community Association youth committee. As a result, many young Afghans and Muslim women gained confidence to contribute in public discussions. In 2017, Madina was chosen as university delegate to visit New York for the National Model United Nations. She secured a state leadership position as part of the QLD Vision Generation and was a keynote speaker at the International Women's Day Breakfast.


The Awards night was the culmination of a tremendously busy year for Queensland Soroptimists promoting the ideals of Soroptimism and the event to encourage young women to nominate for this prestigious award.
It was the aim of SISQ Region with support from 2 Clubs in the SINQ Region to use this sponsorship opportunity to truly “publicise” and “showcase” Soroptimist International and encourage women of all ages to join our wonderful organisation, empower women and make the world a better place.  Soroptimist International Bayside encouraged Madina to nomate, and Soroptimist International Beenleigh encouraged Taylor Birtchnell and Kathryn Lyons nominees in the Stella Rickoff Award to nomate.  Members are just so excited for Madina the ventual winner, with Taylor and Kathryn reaching the finals in their categories.  

The eight category winners are:
• Alexandra Wells, 19 of Ormeau ' LGIAsuper Community Volunteer Award
• Madina Mohmood, 22 of Redland Bay ' Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award
• Zane Ratcliff, 18 of Everton Park ' Kennelly Constructions Aboriginal Achievement Award
• Tara Baker, 29 of Currumbin Waters ' iFly Online Achievement Award
• Imaan Ashraf, 17 of Mackay ' BB Print Regional Achiever Award
• Evie Marshall, 13 of Palmwoods ' First National Real Estate Leadership Award
• Navdeep Pasricha, 22 of Carrara ' The University of Queensland Create Change Award
• Joshua Apitz, 16 of Mudgeeraba ' Awards Australia Small Business Achiever Award

Madina received a magnificent trophy and $2,000, courtesy of Auswide Bank. Madina also received an additional $2,000 from Auswide Bank and an amazing State trophy.