Empowering the Next Generation: YWPA Awards Ceremony 2024

Josie Aitkin and Camille Sutherland winners of the 2024 Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) awards

Zonta Club of Mana hosted the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) award ceremony on

12th February 2024.

The YWPA Award Program encourages young women to participate in public affairs by recognising the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector and volunteer leadership.

The awardees, Josie Aitkin, Camille Sutherland and Sophie Beca, with Porirua Mayor Anita Baker

Our Wellington recipient, Josie Aitkin (Wellington East Girls' College) and Mana recipient, Camille Sutherland (Newlands College) also shared the evening with the Mana Club awardee for their 2024 Whitireia Health and Social Sciences Scholarship, which was awarded to Sophie Beca.

All three award recipients each responded with grace, expressing their gratitude for the awards, their admiration for Zonta’s work, and speaking of their future plans with hope, vision and determination. These are truly admirable young women, setting out strongly, and with great promise on their path as future leaders in our community.

The award winners were decided on through a collaboration between Wellington and Mana Zonta Clubs.

The Mayor of Porirua, Her Worship Antia Baker graciously attended the ceremony, providing inspiring words for the young women. Several members from our Club also attended to share in the celebration of these outstanding young women.

Find out more about the YWPA award program and other Zonta scholarships.