Young Sāmoan woman honoured with prestigious UK award

A winner of the New Zealand Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards has been presented the Diana Award, considered one of the highest accolades a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts.

Sāmoan Alexia Hilbertidou, founder and CEO of GirlBoss New Zealand, was awarded the Diana Award for her significant impact on young women’s leadership and empowerment.

Photo/The Diana Award

At just 25 years old, Hilbertidou - who won the Business and Entrepreneurship Award at the 2019 NZ Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards - was also recognised, in this latest milestone, for her dedication to empowering young women through leadership and mentorship.

GirlBoss NZ is the country’s largest organisation for young women, which Hilbertidou established when she was 16.

Now, with 17,500 members, GirlBoss aims to ensure that women have a seat at the boardroom table.

One of the highlights of Hilbertidou’s work is the GirlBoss Edge programme, a 10-day career initiative that connects 5000 young people with over 2000 corporate mentors.

The programme reaches over 400 high schools across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Alexia Hilbertidou received the Business and Entrepreneurship Award at the 2019 Prime Minister's Pacific Youth Awards. Photo/MPP

Alexia’s journey to leadership

Hilbertidou founded GirlBoss New Zealand in 2015 to help close the gender gap in male-dominated industries, particularly in STEM fields.

Since its inception, GirlBoss has expanded its reach, assisting thousands of young women in New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands.

Hilbertidou has gained international recognition for her work, including being named in Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" list in 2021.

Royal recognition

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Diana Award, which was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and supported by her sons, HRH William The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.

Watch Alexia Hilbertidou discuss how she's supporting more Pasifika women to unlock their full potential.

Prince William reflected on this milestone: “In this special 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from across the globe being recognised.

“At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place, and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change.

"Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve.

“I know my mother, in whose memory you receive the Diana Award today, would be immensely proud of you.

“I hope this award helps you to further champion your cause and support those around you. Thank you for your dedication.”

The late Princess of Wales, Diana, and her sons Princes William and Harry. Photo/supplied

The Diana Award was founded on the belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Acknowledging young changemakers

Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award, praised the 2024 recipients: “We warmly congratulate our new Diana Award Recipients from across the world who are dedicating their time to making positive change.

“These young people demonstrate that young people have the power to change the world; a belief also held by Diana, Princess of Wales.

“We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities.”

The organisation's goal is to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Leadership & Entrepreneurship. Photo/GirlBoss NZ

A competitive honour

The Diana Award is given to young changemakers nominated by adults who recognise their significant contributions to society.

Recipients must demonstrate vision, social impact, youth leadership, and an inspiring social action journey over a minimum of 12 months.

This year, over 1700 nominations were submitted, and 80 volunteers from more than 30 countries assessed the applications against the Award’s criteria, making it the most competitive year.

Successful applicants are then enrolled in the Diana Award Development Programme, which aims to support recipients in furthering their social impact alongside personal and professional development.