Stephanie Woollard OAM

Stephanie Woollard OAM…

CEO and Founder – Seven Women

CEO and Founder – Hands on Development

In 2016 Stephanie was presented at the United Nations New York with the Rotary International Responsible Business Award, followed by the Woman of the Decade Award at the Women’s Economic Forum in New Delhi in 2017 and an award from the Governorette for entrepreneurship in Bahrain. This year Steph was awarded an Order of Australia.

Bothered by the state of the world and passionate about how she could use her life to make a difference, Steph searched for ways she could create a better world by travelling the world volunteering in different organisations.

On a trip to Nepal, a 22 year-old Stephanie stumbled across 7 disabled women living in a tin shed and heard their stories of suffering and stigma. Using her last $200, she paid for trainers for the women to learn new skills, which in turn empowered them to earn money, become independent and transform their lives. Her visionary leadership led her to start an organisation called Seven Women, which has now educated, trained and employed over 5000 disabled and marginalised women in Nepal through education, skills training and employment pathways.

Women have been employed by the enterprises Stephanie has created including a manufacturing business which exports fair trade products made by the women internationally and a cooking school and guesthouse which target the tourist market in Nepal. Stephanie also has a responsible tour company leading life-changing tours to Nepal, which allow travelers to make a difference in the local community and train marginalised women as tour guides. Stephanie believes in ‘trade not aid’ when seeking to empower and gives examples of how all businesses can make a difference using the framework of the sustainable development goals.

Stephanie’s impact in making difference reaches far beyond Nepal and she has shared her story on a global stage to audiences of all ages in over 20 countries.

Dedicating her life to make a difference in the lives of some of the most marginalised people on the planet, Stephanie inspires many by sharing her story and practical steps everyone can take to be part of positive change in our world. Her story is a stunning example of how one person can make a difference with passion and persistence and by tapping into the power within to propel us forward.

Whether you are a consumer, employee or business owner, Stephanie’s talk is empowering and practical and will inspire you to take action. Stephanie Woollard OAM was a nominee for Australian of the Year in 2016
She founded Seven Women, an organization which educates, trains and provides employment pathways for disabled and marginalized women in Nepal.
In 2016, she was made a Rotary International Peace Fellow and was a recipient of the Rotary International Responsible Business Award presented at the United Nations in NY.
Stephanie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her philanthropy and humanitarian work in Nepal.
She has a Masters in Peace & Conflict Research from Uppsala University, Sweden

Stephanie Woollard OAM – Topics:
How to Create Sustainable Social Enterprise
Thought Leadership and Social Trends
Responsible and Ethical Business Practice
CSR and Philanthropy and the Impact on Communities
Tourism and Community Development

Stephanie Woollard OAM

Testimonials

Excellent – Stephanie was an amazing, passionate speaker who completely engaged our diverse audience.  Her talk was delivered with warmth and she shared so many personal experiences and insights. She also generously gave her time at the end to interact with the audience and answer questions.  Our event was a great success thanks to Stephanie.
The University of Queensland

Steph is an inspiring speaker that exemplifies both authenticity and a keen passion to make a difference. It was fascinating to hear Steph speak about her journey as the founder of Seven Women, and how she is empowering disadvantaged women in Nepal to live a better life. Steph is engaging and refreshingly honest – one of the most impactful speakers that I’ve had the chance of hearing.
Westpac Leaders Future Scholarship Program

Stephanie is an intelligent, giant hearted young woman that does not big note herself because of her achievements. Her story is uplifting and has a positive & genuine effect on her audience.. People walk out thinking….”Now what can I do to make a difference“.
City of Yarra

Stephanie’s story transports us from our first world problems.  Through Steph we see lives transformed; women formerly neglected and marginalised grow to become confident leaders contributing to their society.  Steph’s powerful and polished presentation shines a spotlight on the benefits to people and society of empowering individuals.  Everyone will be moved by the tears to triumph stories of the original ‘Seven Women’ and the countless thousands that have followed.  Steph’s is a reflected glory of a modest and incredibly capable person who refused to walk past injustice.  The joy of people she has helped is the highest endorsement.  Steph’s story makes us believe in a better future.
Deputy State Director
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

From my membership in the US National Speaker’s Association, I have seen many good (and many not-so-good!) speakers. Stephanie Woollard is, without doubt, one of the former. I have seen her speak in high-pressure engagements such as at the United Nations in New York, and have seen her interact one-on-one, and she displays a confidence, presence, and eloquence that is most engaging. Whether she is delivering from the podium or handling audience questions, Stephanie is a rare gem with an amazing story to tell, and that is why I look forward to hearing her next speech–wherever it may be–and why she was an easy choice to include in my book, A String of Pearls.
District Governor 2015-2016 and 2016-2017
Rotary District 7500 (Southern New Jersey, USA)

Inspiring keynote speaker! Stephanie was amazing! She spoke with great passion and enthusiasm in her address to the opening session of the Rotary Day at the United Nations in New York. Stephanie’s story and ideas on breaking the cycle of poverty left people wanting to know more about how they could be involved. People who have heard Stephanie speak are often saying how awesome she was and how uplifting it was to hear from someone so inspiring.
Rotary District 9800 Governor 2016-2017

I have been privileged to witness Stephanie’s inspiring speeches. Her powers of connecting people with her motivational thoughts and experiences, not only give people a good reason never to give up – but have also provided women and men alike with new hope and aspirations to pursue happiness through the act of giving.
Business Banking Manager
Westpac Australia

More Speaker options for your event

Blue Planet Entertainment have a fantastic range of speakers from sporting and business worlds who can set the tone for your event and deliver a talk that’s both entertaining and memorable. If you are looking for a keynote speaker, sports speaker, motivational speaker, celebrity speaker, lifestyle speaker, business speaker conference facilitator, MC or for something completely different, you are in the right place.
Blue Planet Entertainments professional approach to each inquiry means that you get that best service possible. We work with you to make sure you engage the perfect speaker to suit your experience and budget

Through the excellent service we provide, Blue Planet Entertainment are working with some ‘Great Australian’ companies on an ongoing basis.

Call us on 0418 364 728 to discuss your next event speaker!!

Check out more great entertainment options at Blue Planet Entertainment TV!!