Illawarra Women in Business director Glenda Papac is used to handing out awards to noteworthy women - but when it comes to recognition of her work, she's more reserved.
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"I'm very embarrassed, actually, and humbled," she said, of being named Wollongong's 2020 woman of the year.
"I'm not usually the one receiving accolades.
"For me it's all about bringing out the best in women because, in general, women are not usually that fantastic at promoting ourselves."
"So my work has been all about getting out and increasing their confidence."
Wollongong MP Paul Scully said he had nominated Ms Papac for the award after hearing her name recommended many times as a woman who made a difference in his electorate.
"Illawarra Women in Buisness is a great organisation providing support for women of all ages in our community - whether they are coming into the workforce for the first time, changing directions, or finding a business passion in retirement," he said.
"The work that Glenda has done in establishing IWIB as the largest professional women's network in the Illawarra has been phenomenal.
"Glenda has been able to help so many women across the Illawarra to succeed as she deserves to be recognised for all the work she has done for over a decade."
He said Wollongong had a strong history of women who had helped improve employment for other women, and noted that this year's NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Kirli Saunders, was also from Wollongong.
"Whether it was the women who led the campaign to get work at the steelworks in the 1980s or women like Glenda and Kirli who have been recognised in recent days, women in Wollongong continue to set new examples for all of us every day and that is something our city should be incredibly proud of," he said.
The local woman of the year award is presented in each electorate, as nominated by the MP.