Jersey Women’s Refuge (JWR) and Soroptimist International Jersey announce short list for Jersey’s Inspirational Woman of the Year 2021.
Launched in March 2021 to acknowledge International Women’s Day, JWR, in partnership with Soroptimist International Jersey, invited Islanders to nominate outstanding Jersey women to be put forward for ‘The 2021 Jersey Women’s Refuge Inspirational Woman Award.’
The team was delighted to receive nearly 50 nominations for women in Jersey, who have inspired others through their selfless achievements, commitments and personality to help others for the greater good,’ explained Marine Oliveira, Jersey Women’s Refuge.
Criteria for this award was someone who:
- has made a selfless contribution
- has made a significant difference to an individual or group
- has succeeded against the odds
- Is an inspiration to others
- comes from any walk of life
- who has shown self-sacrifice, unwavering dedication and generosity of spirit
- has led others to achieve greatness in their own right
- a positive role model for generations to follow
From a stellar line up of incredible women we are delighted to announce the short list, in alphabetical order:
- Louise Carson
- Karen Gallichan
- Lorna Pirozzollo
The winner will be announced at a ceremony to be held at 11am on Friday 15th October 2021 at Essential Dance Works Studio, 2 Wesley Street, St Helier, a place very dear to Cheryle Raphael, our 2020 winner, who we tragically lost this year. We are delighted Cheryle’s husband Paul, and daughters Liv and Chloe will be joining us to present the award to our winner in memory of their wonderful wife, mum and inspirational woman!
JWR Inspirational women of the year 2021 finalists
Louise Carson
Louise an active member of Journey to Zero Waste Jersey Facebook Group giving members advice and support to reducing waste, recycling and reusing in Jersey. Louise also runs Philips Footprints recycling scheme across Jersey, not only to recycle but to raise funds for this amazing charity, whilst finding and coordinating volunteers. Louise recently set up Potty Eco Pots to ensure plant pots are no longer disposed of. Louise supports Just One Tree campaign which encourages fund raising and tree planting as part of a wider initiative within schools fostering awareness within the next generation. She has also arranged for the distribution of eco-friendly period packs to raise awareness of these products in schools and to open up the conversation with younger girls regarding these products. Louise sews old t-shirts into re-usable carrier bags to be used by Olio and other organisations. Louise continually encourages others through her social media activity, gained many supporters and change many people’s lifestyles to make massive improvements to the island, its environment and its residents.
Karen Gallichan
An inspiration to all women, her great determination to succeed is matched by her depth of compassion for autistic people and their families in Jersey. As a member, former trustee and latterly Boutique Manager for Autism Jersey, she has helped to create a special place where parents, grandparents, friends and family can pop in to a safe space to talk about how autism impacts their lives. Karen offers a listening ear and practical support and reassurance from a parent’s perspective. In 2016, Karen decided to train to swim the English Channel to raise £10K to fund a bursary that could be awarded to young adults with autism to help them fulfil their potential. In 2019 she completed her challenged taking 19 hours and 44 minutes, the first ten hours in the dark, raising £13K for her bursary which she has aptly named ‘Channel your Dreams.’ It is already making a positive difference to the lives of autistic islanders. Karen has committed herself wholeheartedly to improving the lives of autistic islanders. Her dedication and passion is quite incredible.
Lorna Pirozzollo
Lorna is founder of Cancer.je an online directory of support for cancer patients, their friends and families. She is co-founder of Jersey Recovery College, is part of the Jersey Cancer Support Network and was involved in Jersey’s Cancer Strategy. Whilst fighting her own cancer battle, she realised many islanders were not aware of the support available to them. Lorna funds the running of the website herself. She never complains and her nominee believes she is the strongest women you will ever meet. She works tirelessly, to help others on their journey despite what she is going through herself, a most inspiring woman.
