Lismore’s Janelle Saffin was yesterday recognized for her outstanding leadership and committed advocacy, by winning a spot in the AFR Top 100 Women of Influence, 2015.
The women were listed for having ‘an outstanding record for changing the perception of women and the opportunities for them in the corporate sector.’
Ms Saffin was recognised working and mentoring others in the legal, political, policy and advocacy field both at home and abroad. She has been recognized for her leadership and work having international impact and making a mark on the global stage.
Ms Saffin last week announced that she would run again for the seat of Page at the upcoming federal election, a seat that she held for the ALP from 2007 to 2013 but lost at the last election to the National Party’s Kevin Hogan.
Ms Saffin says she’s ‘thrilled and honoured to be included with such remarkable and distinguished company’ and wants all women to ‘follow their hearts and never be afraid to make a difference’
Ms Saffin currently shares a legal practice in Lismore with two local lawyers and is a Senior Legal-Security Advisor to the Government of Timor-Leste focused on securing maritime boundaries (law of the sea).
Ms Saffin was Senior Political Advisor to His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta while the Nobel Laureate served as Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Prime Minister and President. She also served as Special Advisor to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Timor-Leste during a critical period in Timor-Leste, where she acted as Special Liaison with the International Stabilisation Forces (ISF).
In recognition of her committed advocacy and contribution, she was recently awarded the distinguished Order of Timor-Leste.
Now in its fourth year, The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards showcase the county’s highest achieving women in 2015.
The awards evening is being held in October, where category winners will be announced.
The 100 winners have been selected across a number of categories including innovation, management, public policy, diversity, philanthropy and young leader and from a broad field including doctors, scientists, executives, and humanitarians.
See the full list of contenders here.
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