ColourGRIND co-Founder, Susannah Stankiewicz has won the title of 2012 Young Business Leader of the Year.
Bringing together 21 local and national artists to raise money for the RSB as part of a Community Involvement Project, Susannah aimed to create an event with more substance than a fundraising BBQ or hot doughnut stand.
“I also wanted to redefine a stereotypical art exhibition and allow artists the opportunity to exhibit for a worthy cause,” Susannah says.
With more than 50 pieces of artwork on display, 160 people through the door in the first three hours and a live auction pushing venue capacity, ColourGRIND was a great success.
“Planning and executing a successful art exhibition like ColourGRIND was one of the most exciting, nerve-wracking and rewarding things I’ve done in my life to date,” Susannah says.
“I plan to continue to develop ColourGRIND further in the hopes of solidifying it in Adelaide as a local community event; to uphold ColourGRIND as a platform of exposure for emerging talent, while giving them the opportunity to exhibit for a worthy cause, like the RSB.”
Susannah collected the 2012 Young Business Leader of the Year award at a presentation ceremony at the National Wine Centre on Friday night, attended by more than 150 members of Adelaide’s business community.
The event was hosted by Channel 9’s, Kym Dillon, with awards presented by the Hon Patrick Conlon MP and Chris Ryan, General Manager Learning & Development Sales, Australian Institute of Management.
Lina Kolomoitseva (Wallmans Lawyers) won the Achievement Award (first runner up).
The two highest fundraisers were Michael Wall, Outback Leisure Company and Lisa Cucolowskyj, City of Charles Sturt, respectively.
At the Presentation Ceremony, 12 Finalists were recognised for their outstanding efforts throughout the 2011/2012 YBL Program. They are:
Matt Adams - DMG Radio
Lisa Cuculowskyj - City of Charles Sturt
Lina Kolomoitseva - Wallmans Lawyers
Benjamin Liew - Benjamin Liew Photography
Tom Meertens - Neale Realty
Amanda O’Toole - Australian Medical Placements
Mark Perry - Dept for Communities & Social Inclusion
Bec Robinson - YHA Australia
Susannah Stankiewicz - Schneider Electric Buildings Business
Nathan Tichy - Sidek Manufacturing
Michael Wall - Outback Leisure Company
Rachelle Werner - Pinnacle Workplace Consultants
The YBL program is a unique 10-month business and community leadership program. Participants work towards a Diploma of Management from the Australian Institute of Management as well as hone community leadership qualities.
For more information visit www.youngbusinessleaders.org.au
The 2012/13 Young Business Leaders Program will launch on 31 July.
Updated 3 July 2012