Page 15 - Comites Progetto Donna

CORAGGIO: CHANGEMAKER/SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
The Nominees in the Coraggio: Changemaker/Social Justice Award are:
Connie Granozio has served her local community of Norwood Payneham & St Peters for 25 years. Elected Councillor in 2000, she has since won seven elections, most recently in 2022, working diligently to deliver for her community. Beyond Council, Connie joined the Overseas Specialist Surgical Association of Australia in 2006, raising over $100,000 to fund life-changing surgeries in Indonesia. A successful businesswoman with InStyle Lighting before retirement, Connie’s commitment, leadership, and fundraising efforts have profoundly impacted countless lives.
Elvira (Vera) Ubaldi is a resilient advocate for social justice, promoting gender equality and community respect. She leads workshops and forums empowering women, engages stakeholders including politicians, councils, and professionals, and facilitates community connections. Active since her teens, she championed Italian girls’ netball, joined Australia Donna in 2015, and initiated events like ‘Castagne e Vin Brule’ and ‘Poetry and Prose’. Vera has led domestic violence workshops, launched the ‘Red Bench Project,’ and volunteers supporting cultural life in residential care and dementia wards.
Maria Fantasia’s lifelong allyship with Aboriginal peoples is marked by truth-telling, advocacy, and lived commitment. From challenging racist narratives as a student to teaching Australia’s true history, she ensured Aboriginal voices were heard. Her work in government and remote communities saw her navigate challenging projects with integrity, respect, and courage. As a community manager in some of Australia’s most remote settlements, she witnessed resilience amid harsh conditions. A daughter of Italian migrants, Maria embodies courageous, active allyship built on empathy, justice, and purpose.
Maria Russo is a courageous advocate for Italian migrant women in Australia, transforming personal grief into decades of service, justice, and empowerment. Inspired by faith and resilience, she has volunteered as a Justice of the Peace, educator, and radio presenter, preserving culture, supporting migrant women, and fostering community. Maria’s lifelong pursuit of justice, particularly for her firstborn child, embodies dignity, hope, and compassion. Her work bridges generations, uplifts the marginalized, and leaves a lasting impact on the Italian-Australian community.