Trade Me and GirlBoss kick off GirlBoss Awards for 2019

Nominations are now open for the 2019 GirlBoss Awards, which aim to recognise incredible young Kiwi women (aged 11-18) who are defying stereotypes and shaping the future of New Zealand, says GirlBoss founder Alexia Hilbertidou.

"There are some outstanding young girls out there who are finding new ways to protect our planet, inventing the next life saving device, helping their community and launching the next multi-million dollar enterprise. They are contributing fresh ideas and new ways of thinking," she explains.

"The GirlBoss Awards are about inspiring and motivating the next generation to become leaders in their industry and community."

TradeMe has again teamed up with GirlBoss to celebrate the awards.

Trade Me's head of data and insights Dr Kathryn Hempstalk says diversity is a big challenge facing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) industries and as a large technology employer, Trade Me wants to help change that.

"We're stoked to be working with Alexia on this fantastic initiative. We hope to encourage young Kiwis to dream big and show them how STEM careers can align with their interests, values and desire to make an impact," she says.

In 2018 the GirlBoss Awards recognised six inspiring young leaders including;'

• Rahiri Makuini Edwards-Hammond (Hawke's Bay) took home the supreme Trailblazer award for her work developing young Maori leaders
• 17-year-old Mikayla Stokes (Auckland) walked away with the STEM award for inventing a pollution sensor
• 13-year-old Greer Wilson (Auckland) received the Emerging Leader award for raising awareness about adolescents and the mental health system

This year there are eight categories: Innovation, STEM, Community, Emerging Leader, Online Impact, Sustainability, Arts and Culture, and the Trailblazer.

Along with Trade Me, Method, Delta Insurance, Air New Zealand, Internet NZ, Auckland Council, Grandkid Power and Vector are each sponsoring an award category.'

Nominations are now open for females aged 11-18 at www.girlbossawards.co.nz and close on 9 August. The winners will be announced on 17 September.