What’s Happening?
Anja Christoffersen, a disability advocate and social entrepreneur, has been named the 2025 Queensland Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
Hosted by Women & Leadership Australia (WLA), this award recognises women and gender-diverse individuals driving change and advancing equity across business, government, and community.
Anja will formally accept the award at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Brisbane on May 30, 2025.
Why It Matters?
Anja Christoffersen has dedicated her career to creating leadership and economic opportunities for people with disabilities, advocating for greater inclusion across health, research, and business.
As CEO of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN) and the founder of ventures like Champion Health Agency, SHH!T Happens, and Against the Grain Coffee, her work directly addresses the systemic barriers that limit access to career and entrepreneurial pathways for disabled Australians.
“The disability community has the same dreams as everyone else, but we often don’t have the same opportunities. Being an award recipient is an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for, not only for me but for my community,” Anja said.
Local Impact
Anja’s leadership has reshaped opportunities for women with disabilities by fostering sustainable initiatives that promote social and economic participation. Through WDEN, she empowers women with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship, financial independence, and leadership roles.
Karen Surmon, General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, praised Anja’s impact:
“From founding the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network to creating a world-first agency championing lived experiences, Anja has redefined possibilities for women facing barriers of gender and ability.”
By the Numbers
- 43% more likely – People with disabilities are significantly more likely to become entrepreneurs than non-disabled Australians.
- 900 times less likely – Despite their entrepreneurial drive, people with disabilities receive 900 times less venture capital funding, limiting their ability to scale businesses.
- Over 20 years – Women & Leadership Australia has been advancing leadership equity for more than two decades, delivering executive leadership programs, industry scholarships, and training initiatives.
Zoom In
Anja’s advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship. She has co-developed a widely referenced co-design framework, influencing patient care and shaping systemic change within healthcare services. Her work amplifies the voices of women facing barriers in leadership, employment, and economic independence.
“Her advocacy has paved pathways to meaningful work, entrepreneurship, and economic independence while amplifying the voices of marginalised women to drive systemic change in health, research, and business,” said Karen Surmon.
Zoom Out
Anja joins an esteemed list of national, state, and territory award recipients recognised for their contributions to gender equity, including:
- Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM (NATIONAL), Australia’s Former Chief Scientist
- Heidi Yates (ACT) Change Leader, Strategist, Human Rights Lawyer
- The Hon Linda Burney MP (NSW), Member for Barton
- Karan Hayward GAICD (NT), CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation
- Dr. Manasi Murthy Mittinty (SA), Senior Lecturer; Speaker & Author; Founder CHERISH
- Associate Professor Justine Shaw (TAS), Founder of Homeward Bound; Conservation Scientist & Advocate for equity in STEM
- Suzie Betts (VIC) Founder of Boob Armour
- Janine Dureau (WA), CEO of The Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council
Previous Award recipients have included The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Christine Holgate, Sam Kerr, Magda Szubanski, Janine Allis, Prof Dr Marcia Langton, Rochelle Courtenay, and The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, highlighting the award’s prestige.
What to Look For Next?
Anja will accept her award on May 30, 2025, at the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium in Brisbane. Her recognition is expected to further elevate the conversation on disability inclusion in leadership and encourage greater investment in initiatives that foster economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
For more information about Women & Leadership Australia, visit www.wla.edu.au.
