Introducing the 2022 Impact 25
15 March 2022 at 8:00 am
More than 21,000 people voted for this year’s winners.
From 450 changemakers, shortlisted to 150 nominees, the for-purpose sector has chosen its 25 most inspiring and influential people for 2022.
Working across a variety of issues and sectors including climate, domestic violence, food rescue and animal welfare, this year’s Impact 25 winners have been picked for their innovation, influence, and collaboration.
More than 21,000 people voted for this year’s winners.
Karen Mahlab AM, Pro Bono Australia CEO and founder, said she was honoured to be able to recognise such an incredible group of changemakers, the majority of whom this year were women.
“The past two years have been a challenge for us all. It is inspiring to see how these leaders have risen to meet that challenge and continued to make a huge difference to the lives of those around them,” she said.
“The Impact 25 awards are our way of giving back as a collective community – highlighting the authentic people that work for our common good and catalyse change in Australia.
“It is no exaggeration to say that reading through the nominations and seeing who the community holds in high esteem, is one of the highlights of my year. Congratulations to each and every one of them.”
Since 2014, Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 awards have recognised individuals who are working to solve today’s greatest challenges through integrity, foresight, initiative and collaboration.
From the 25, three Judge’s Choice Awards are awarded for Innovation, Collaboration and Influence.
This year the judges are Karen Mahlab AM, Jan Owen AM and Jodi Kennedy. The winners of the Judge’s Choice Awards will be revealed on 7 April.
See the full list of winners below or head to the Impact 25 website to read their stories.
2022 Impact 25:
- Fiona Armstrong, founder and executive director, Climate and Health Alliance
- Catherine Barrett, founder and director, Celebrate Ageing Ltd
- Asha Bhat, CEO, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
- Dr Simon Bradshaw, research director, Climate Council
- Suzie Brown, founder and non-executive director, Australian Parents for Climate Action
- Marie Carvolth, chairperson and co-founder, Australian Parents for Climate Action
- Sophie Chamberlain, founding committee member, Impact100 WA
- Tarang Chawla, founder, Not One More Niki
- Narelle Clay, CEO, Southern Youth and Family Services
- Mandy Dante, CEO and founder, Flourish Girl
- Georgie Dent, executive director, The Parenthood
- Giancarlo de Vera, senior manager of policy (PWDA), president (AGMC), treasurer (ACDL) and secretary (DALA)
- Delia Donovan, CEO, Domestic Violence NSW
- Simone Eley, chair, Impact100 WA
- Marcus Godinho, CEO, FareShare
- Carly Grubb, founder and managing director, Little Sparklers
- Jennifer Gurry, CEO and founder, Diamond Women
- Sue Hedley OAM, founder and chairperson, Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc
- David Hetherington, executive director, Public Education Foundation
- Fauve Kurnadi, legal adviser, international humanitarian law, Australian Red Cross
- Diana Olmos, community organiser, Sydney Alliance
- Mandy Richards, CEO and founder, Global Sisters
- Gary Thorpe OAM, general manager, Silver Memories
- Sandeep Varma, founder and CEO, SAARI Collective, and chair, 100 Story Building
- Annie Wang, director of health and women’s safety programs, Opportunity International Australia
