GirlBoss CEO & founder Alexia Hilbertidou has won the 2018 YES Emerging Alumni of the Year Award.
The Young Enterprise Scheme National Awards gala dinner was held on Thursday 6 December to celebrate the achievements of
New Zealand’s most outstanding young entrepreneurs. A component of the awards ceremony is the YES Alumni Awards – for
past YES students who have gone on to do great things.
The award was determined by people’s choice, and Alexia won by popular vote as one of seven finalists selected by an
independent panel of judges. This year the Alumni Awards received the highest number of votes on record.
The Emerging Alumni Award finalists were selected for making a real impact and a strong impression on New Zealand
business so early on in their entrepreneurial journey. Alexia is CEO and founder of GirlBoss NZ – a platform designed to
encourage females to get involved in STEM subjects as well as leadership and entrepreneurship.
GirlBoss STEM workshops have been held in more than 50 schools across NZ in 2018 and were also delivered in four schools
in the Cook Islands. This year, the company held the inaugural GirlBoss Awards in partnership with Trademe, which
recognizes trailblazing young women who are defying stereotypes and creating change in their communities. Alexia was
honoured to be the recipient of this year’s YES Emerging Alumni Award:
"I am so proud to have received the Emerging Alumni Award and I would like to thank the Young Enterprise Scheme - the
staff, the sponsors and the incredible young people recognised this year. The Young Enterprise Scheme changed my life
and I know it will continue to change lives for generations to come." – Alexia Hilbertidou, GirlBoss NZ
Finalists in the emerging alumni category were:
•Alexia Hilbertidou: CEO of Girlboss NZ
•Ezekiel Raui: Founder of Tu Kotahi Program
•Brooke & Leighton Roberts: Co-Founders of Sharesies
•Craig Smith: Ex-CEO and Co-Founder of Education Perfect
•Ben Wigley: Co-Founder of Banqer
•Brad Rowe: Founder of Bluefix Boatworks
•Steph Benseman: Innovation Specialist, Creative HQ
Young Enterprise CEO Terry Shubkin said the judging panel was delighted to see such a wide range of nominations:
“The list of finalists really demonstrates the positive impact that the Young Enterprise Scheme has had on New Zealand.
These are just some of our alumni who have gone on to be employers and changemakers in their respective fields.” – Terry
Shubkin
ENDS