Somerville House student Kayla Reimann, has been selected as a finalist for not one, but two categories in the Brisbane Region Women in Business Awards for 2016, an accolade for outstanding businesswomen and industry achievers.
Nominated for her exemplary volunteer work, and leadership within the Somerville House community, Kayla has been named a finalist in categories Community Dedication and Empowering Young Women.
As the School Captain of Somerville House, Kayla demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities, and is held in a high regard by students and staff alike.
Through her proactive involvement in the School’s Community Engagement Committee, Kayla selflessly volunteers her time for a wide range of fundraising and charity activities. These include reading to children at the Mater Hospital; participating in charity fun runs and providing dinner to the homeless for the Wesley Food Mission. When at home in Papua New Guinea, Kayla and her family provide meals to the Community Hospital each week, and contribute to the life of the village.
“I try to involve myself wherever I can, running fun-runs such as Bridge to Brisbane and helping our Community Engagement group to conduct school fundraisers,” she said.
Kayla believes the Women in Business Awards is not about competition, but providing an opportunity for likeminded women to come together and collaborate on ideas and initiatives.
“It’s about motivating women to continue doing their amazing work, and creates an inclusive environment where girls can collaborate and share great ideas.” she said.
When asked what sets her apart from the other contenders, she replied “I don’t think that there is anything that sets us apart from one another. Every one of us, regardless of awards and accolades, merely wants to make positive change in this world and empower the women around us”.
Following her passion for the environment and sustainability, Kayla plans to study Environmental Engineering and Plant Sciences. Kayla has unlimited potential to shape the future of Brisbane and the wider community with her immense energy, dedication and flair.
“I am very interested in finding ways to harness sustainable energy and build more sustainable cities, where we can advance our facilities, yet not at the cost of the environment,” she said
Kayla will be attending the Award Ceremony on Friday 26 August with Somerville House Principal, Flo Kearney sand her mother, who is making a special trip out from PNG.