Greek Australian, Samantha Papavasiliou, has won The Shine Award at this year’s SA Woman Awards.
The Shine Award is a new category this year and recognises a woman who pursues excellence in her chosen career and who has overcome challenges to continue to pave their own path towards a career they are thriving in.
Samantha fits this award category perfectly.
She works at the Australian Taxation Office; is a senior research fellow at the James Cook University; is an advocate for people who identify as neurodivergent or atypical; and is a great supporter of Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Speaking to The Greek Herald in September, Samantha also detailed her ongoing battle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that stems from germaphobia, and explained how the last twelve months have been the most demanding of her life.
“I was dealing with my own health and personal issues, when my family learned that Mum was going through renal failure, followed by the emotional roller coaster waiting for a transplant,” she explained.
“Hearing my dad wake up one day and say ‘I will be the donor,’ showed me what true strength and selflessness really is. We are now post-transplant, and they are both doing incredibly well.”
In her award acceptance speech, Samantha credited her success to the support of her parents, siblings Chloe and Jake, and partner Levi.
“I never expected to win. I was completely shocked,” Samantha told The Greek Herald after her win. “I hope my story shows other women going through tough times, that it’s okay to ask for help and support.”
Now in their fifth year, the SA Woman Awards recognise the achievements of women in business and careers from across South Australia.
