The 2015 overall winner of the 100 Women of Influence Awards said women must actively choose to use their power of influence outside their home and work lives.

"There is a richness that gives, that you can't really explain until you get to the end of it," she said. "Choosing one or two extra things, that most of us have the power and opportunity to be involved in, is what changes the world."

Ann Sherry is living proof. She has changed the world.

She used her power and influence to help introduce paid maternity leave into the private sector.

Her work in the corporate world on social change and gender equity earned her last year’s award.

As the executive chairman of Carnival Australia, she has helped steer the cruiseboat industry into becoming the massive industry it is today.

It was a pleasure, on behalf of Illawarra Mercury publisher and award partner Fairfax, to attend the launch of the 2016 in Sydney on Friday.

The launch was held at the spectacular new Westpac offices in the Barangaroo development on Sydney Harbour.

Among the invited guests, were many former winners.

It was a delight especially to meet 2012 regional winner Fiona Shewring, a Wollongong TAFE teacher who founded the non-profit organisation Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen (SALT),  which provides support and networking opportunities for women in the trades.

A conference highlighting the work and much of the untold history of women in trades will be held in Wollongong later in the year.

The awards provide an opportunity to showcase the many women who are influencing and shaping our great nation.

You now nominate someone or yourself in the 2016 awards at 100womenofinfluence.com.au.

Categories in the Women of Influence include: Board/management; public policy; diversity; business enterprise; young leader; global; local/regional; innovation; arts, culture and sport; and social enterprise and not-for-profit.