A woman helping to change lives in India was one of four recipients of the University of Wollongong’s Alumni Awards Thursday night.
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Former mechanical engineering and science student Kimberley Abbott founded the social business Roka Jewellery to empower women at the Marahali Bande quarry in Bangalore, and was honoured with UOW’s young alumni award.
Using her engineering skills she developed a way for the women to make jewellery from the waste product of granite dust swept up in quarries, and create a sustainable business. It’s just one of Miss Abbott’s feats of gender equality advocacy which has been recognised many times over.
“It’s pretty overwhelming and a big honour,” she said. “I just work hard and do everything I can to make an impact. The awards and the accolades, it’s great to know you’re [being] recognised and respected for what you’re doing, but they’re not the reason [I do it].”
The 25 year old said her goal was always to use her skills to their greatest potential and usually geared them towards making the biggest impact on the world.
Vice President of Google Sunil Chandra was given the award for professional excellence, Professor Alex Frino was awarded for research and innovation, and founder of the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey was given the award for social impact. Four long serving members of the UOW community were also honoured as Fellows including Pat Farrar, Associate Professor Pauline Lysaght, Richard Miller and Ron Pretty AM.