Mariam Koslay has been honoured as the inaugural winner of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s (WBCF) Women of the West Awards for her contributions to the community across Melbourne’s west.
The WBCF awards celebrate the unsung heroes and inspirational champions that have improved lives from the inner west of Melbourne to the broad expanses of Western Victoria.
Leading the honours as the Woman of the West, Mariam Koslay has been highlighted as a beacon of leadership and advocacy.
A former Fairfax Media journalist and the visionary behind the documentary series ‘African Kings’, Koslay has actively contributed to the empowerment of women across Melbourne’s west through creative action and strength-based storytelling.
“Storytelling is the oldest vehicle of true expression,” she said.
“All my projects lie in positive storytelling – a collaborative act of education through practice. Young people are craving specialised spaces where they can learn and be challenged and this for me is the key to community development.”
Koslay’s collaborative efforts with Brimbank council and her instrumental role in organising art exhibitions highlighting youth justice are testaments to her innovative leadership.
Her dedication to empowering African diaspora youth across Melbourne’s west through school and community organisations was of particular interest to the WBCF selection committee, highlighting her keen sense of justice.
“Every time I see a young person who is inhibited to reach their full potential, I am filled with overwhelming sadness and equal enthusiasm to support them on their journey of development,” she said.
Keeley Johnson took out the Young Woman of the West award for her work through her own nationally registered charity, Keeley’s Cause. The Champion for Women of the West award went to the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH), a national, community-based organisation dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee women.
