Entries were assessed on their contribution to their organisations following studies undertaken as part of their scholarship, as well the real-life impact of their leadership.
We congratulate all our finalists in this category and commend them for their inspiring leadership.
The 2023 winner is……………………
Outstanding Leader Scholar
An Australian Scholarships Foundation alumni scholar who has contributed significantly to their organisation following studies undertaken as part of their scholarship.
WINNER: Ben Vasiliou, Chief Executive, Youth Projects
Ben Vasiliou, the Chief Executive of Youth Projects, has a genuine passion for breaking the cycle of disadvantage and creating equal access for all people to social and economic participation. Ben is a social entrepreneur who seeks to add value through strategy, good governance and modern leadership. After receiving the Stanford Australia Foundation scholarship through the Australian Scholarships Foundation, he graduated from the Executive Education in Social Entrepreneurship Program at Stanford University (USA). He was recognised by Third Sector in the Top 5 CEOs of 2021, and by Pro Bono Australia as Innovator of the Year and one of the Top 25 most influential and inspiring people in the social economy in 2020.
JUDGES’ COMMENT
Ben Vasiliou is an accomplished CEO who received a scholarship to the Stanford Executive Program in 2019. He has achieved an outstanding amount for Youth Projects. In his application, he clearly identified the principles and content for each component of the scholarship and how they were directly and vigorously applied in his work to execute a major organisational change management and quality improvement strategy. He is recognised as an exceptional leader who drives systemic change, mentors others and contributes significantly to the not-for-profit sector as well as the policy environment.
He is recognised as an exceptional leader who drives systemic change, mentors others and contributes significantly to the not-for-profit sector as well as the policy environment.
2023 NOT-FOR-PROFIT LEADERSHIP AWARDS JUDGES’ COMMENT
WINNER QUOTE
“Being awarded a scholarship by Stanford Australia to study an executive education program at Stanford University was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The course itself opened my mind to new ways of thinking and improved my analytical skills. Whilst being challenged and supported to develop new skills, I was also able to share my own learnings. The most incredible and tangible outcome for me was the network of international leaders I can now call peers. We continue to share challenges and opportunities with each other, a year after the program.”, says Ben Vasiliou.
Being awarded a scholarship by Stanford Australia to study an executive education program at Stanford University was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
BEN VASILIOU, OUTSTANDING SCHOLAR AWARD WINNER 2023
This award is proudly supported by the Australian Scholarships Foundation.
2023 Award Winners
Read more about the Award Winners in the Press Release here.
Other category winners:
