THE annual Gold Coast 2007 International Women's Day Festival and Leadership Award has expanded to incorporate an extra category that recognises youth leadership.

Chairperson of the IWD Leadership Awards judging panel Vicki Varthas says for the awards to remain relevant and vibrant, they need to take into account new trends.

"It is for this reason that a new award, the youth leadership award, was introduced," says Ms Varthas.

"This year the response for award nominations was overwhelming, so it truly is a major achievement just to make it as a finalist. The philosophy embodied by the awards is that all finalists are considered to be winners and so, on the awards evening, each of them are honoured for their achievements," she says.

The inaugural youth leadership award was won by Hillcrest Christian College student Jillian Thomsen. Ms Varthas says the judging panel was impressed by each of the young finalists in the category.

"Jillian was chosen as the overall winner for her dedication, commitment and maturity shown in her studies, school and the wider community. She is a confident and passionate young woman who is already showing strong leadership capabilities in all of her endeavours."

Ms Varthas says IWD winner Alicia Beverley was chosen for commitment and her ability to inspire women to achieve their full potential - regardless of the barriers they face in the corporate world.

"In addition to her success in the business world, Alicia contributes back to the community in a number of ways, including board memberships, involvement in a range of mentoring activities and providing pro bono work for charities," she says.

The winners were:

IWD Leadership Award
Alicia Beverley,
Director of IP Wealth Pty Ltd

WD Outstanding Inspirational Role Model Award
Veronica Davies,
Registrar, Currumbin Community Special School

IWD Outstanding Inspirational Role Model Award
Mary-Anne Hossack,
Owner and operator of Wecare Child Care

IWD Gold Coast Community Award
Leticia Vargas,
Marketing, events and PR manager of Volunteering Gold Coast

IWD Tourism & Hospitality Encouragement Award
Tracie Sakrzewski,
Director/member Resort Services, Accor Premier Vacation Club

IWD Outstanding Contribution to International Relations and Alliances Award
Anne Isaacson,
Women in Tourism director

IWD Outstanding Contribution to International Relations and Alliances Award
Sidney Barker,
Teacher of Business at Martin College

Young Business Women's Encouragement Award
Rebecca Anderson,
Team Leader at Mission Australia

Youth Leadership Award
Jillian Thomsen, student of Hillcrest Christian College.