‘I never expected to win’: Samantha Papavasiliou among SA Woman Awards recipients

·

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Alumni excellence celebrated in style at Oakleigh Grammar

Oakleigh Grammar has inducted two more former students into the prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame.

A pilgrimage to heroic Souli: Remembering the legacy of the Souliotes and Souliotises

Nestled in the rugged mountains of Epirus, Souli is more than just a historical site—it is a symbol of resilience and bravery.

The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea: Defining Orthodoxy and preserving Hellenism

The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD by Emperor Constantine the Great, stands as a pivotal event in Christian history.

From PAK to PASOK: Sakis Gekas to lecture on anti-dictatorship resistance in Toronto

The talk will feature some of the key moments of the anti-dictatorship struggle and its manifestations in the public sphere.

US urges EU to abandon protections for feta and other regional products

The United States is ramping up pressure on the European Union to eliminate its system of geographical indications.

You May Also Like

Cretans executed by Nazis identified 83 years later through DNA

Eighteen civilians executed by the Nazis on Crete during World War II have been identified 83 years later through DNA analysis.

Marcus Catsaras to be a major donor behind the federal election bids for ‘teal’ MPs

Marcus Catsaras, a Tokyo-based weather trader and climate investor, has emerged as one of Australia's largest political donors.

Terry Antonis faces red card as football brought back onto television

Greek Australian footballer Terry Antonis faced a red card in Suwon Bluewing's Friday night loss on the opening match day of Korea’s K League.