The Fonterra 2023 Dairy Woman of the Year finalists have been announced. They are Donna Cram, Kimberly Crewther, Rebecca Miller and Sheena Penwarden.
The award recognises an outstanding woman who has contributed to the dairy sector with passion, drive, innovation and leadership.
Dairy Woman’s Network (DWN) trustee Donna Smit said “this is one of the most diverse groups we’ve ever had as finalists, each bringing incredible passion, knowledge, leadership and mana to the sector”.
“Donna Cram influences locally and nationally through a large range of positions, Kimberly is our first ever off-farm finalist who plays a key role for our sector nationally and internationally, Sheena is driven by Maori values, passionate about educating her community on dairy and the environment, and Rebecca has a passion and vision for influencing through a heart-centred drive. They are all inspirational in their commitment and passion for dairying.”
Each nominee is a DWN member and the five judges include representatives from DWN, Fonterra, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and a previous Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year recipient.
The judges will be assessing the finalist on a range of factors, including commitment, drive and passion for the dairy sector, and being a positive role model for women in dairying.
They will need to be a strong performer who is recognised by her peers as a potential leader, demonstrate leadership within her community, and have a wider circle of influence than her local community, holding or having previously held leadership positions on regional or national dairy organisations.
The judges will be looking for someone who has a vision to add value to the dairy sector’s future and is actively working towards achieving that in her current professional and personal journey.
“The recipient will receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 for an approved and personally chosen development programme, or professional/business coaching and/or learning experience,” Smit said.
“Each finalist is living the DWN values and offers a huge amount to our sector, epitomising the ‘bigger, brighter, bolder’ mantra shared through the DWN Conference.
“Every year, these amazing women step up and put themselves out there for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. They are everything we should be proud about in the dairy sector; they are courageous, kind, passionate and visionary.”
The award will be announced on May 3 at the gala dinner of DWN 2023 Conference – Brighter, Braver, Bolder.
