We are very proud of our Centre Director, Dr Susan Foster-Cohen, who was recently among 30 of Aotearoa’s leading women in a variety of industries, at the 2019 NEXT Woman of the Year Awards’ event in Auckland earlier in October.  Across six categories: Arts & Culture, Sport, Education, Community, Health & Science, and Business & Innovation, these women have shown what can be achieved with drive and genuine care for others. Susan was a finalist in the Education category, amongst a formidable group of women.

‘Susan is active and has a strong commitment to promoting better lives for children with disabilities and their families in multiple ways and across different layers including her research, teaching and training other professionals, building a high performing team and accessing funding to enable these things to happen in a demanding and competitive funding climate,’ Trisha Benge says, Centre Director of the McKenzie Centre, Hamilton, who wrote in support of Susan’s application.

The evening kicked off with photos on the ‘red carpet,’ as NEXT magazine staff hosted a glitzy event featuring inspirational insights from the editor of NEXT, former Woman of the Year winners and a presentation by Julie-Anne Genter, Minister for Women.
Television host Kanoa Lloyd presented the Supreme Award to Diana Safarti, the interim National Director of the government's newly established Cancer Control Agency.
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Susan was able to enjoy the evening with her daughter Nomi Cohen (one of the directors of Blackboard Theatre Collective). To be recognised as a finalist amongst NZs powerhouse women across the sectors is a truly awesome accomplishment. We raise a toast to you, Susan!