The innovative women changing the world

Innovation is how we build a better future. But real progress doesn’t happen alone. It happens when people come together – sharing different perspectives, lifting each other up, and turning ideas into action.

That’s why we were proud to sponsor the Social Impact Award at the 2024 Women in Innovation Awards in South Australia.

These awards celebrate the women who are pushing boundaries – who lead with courage, question the status quo, and build new futures for all of us.

Across science, tech, education, the arts and more, the women honoured this year are changing the way we live and work with creativity and determination.

Two women, in particular, captured our hearts and minds this year as our recipients of this award.

Dr. Samantha Pillay – Tackling taboos in healthcare

Some topics still don’t get the airtime they deserve, especially when they involve women’s health.

Urinary incontinence is one of them. It affects millions of people, it’s treatable, and yet it's often left in the shadows.

That’s why Dr Samantha Pillay is doing something about it.

As a surgeon and founder of Continence Matters, Dr Pillay is leading the charge to normalise conversations about continence care.

From her clinic in Adelaide to her national advocacy work, she’s working to remove the shame that too often surrounds this issue.

Her work is practical, clinical, and evidence-based, but it’s also deeply human. It restores dignity, gives people their confidence back, and shifts public perception.

“This award highlights our efforts to break the stigma surrounding urinary incontinence. Together, we’ve worked to raise awareness and empower those affected by this often-overlooked condition,” says Samantha.

She reminds us that innovation doesn’t always look like shiny gadgets or new tech. Sometimes, it looks like changing the conversation, so people feel seen, supported, and no longer alone.

Onnie Chan – Opening doors through creative tech

As the digital world becomes a bigger part of our lives, one question matters more than ever: who gets to shape it?

For Onnie Chan, founder of ADA Lab and Women in Creative Technologies (WiCT), the answer should be everyone.

She knows that women and diverse communities are often left out of opportunities in tech and the arts. So she’s changing that by creating programs and spaces where underrepresented voices can get the tools, training, and confidence they need to lead in digital creativity.

“It’s about building something bigger than yourself,” Onnie explains. “ADA Lab celebrates the spirit of possibility and aims to create a future where every woman can turn her vision into reality.”

Her work brings together art, technology, and community. And it shows what happens when we include people who’ve historically been left out.

“This moment isn’t just about me – it’s about everyone who has walked alongside me,” she adds. “To my WiCT team, your energy and ideas have built something bigger than all of us.”

When you invest in people’s potential, the ripple effects reach far beyond one program or project. Onnie is proof of that.

Innovation is for everyone

At Stone & Chalk, we work with ambitious founders and teams to build the future, and that’s why we know that it must be inclusive.

Innovation, when it’s done right, solves real problems. It lifts others up. It creates more opportunities, not fewer.

That’s part of the reason why supporting the 2024 Social Impact Award means so much to us. Samantha and Onnie remind us that innovation should serve everyone – not just a select few.

Whether it’s tackling healthcare stigma or opening up digital arts to new voices, they’re showing us what’s possible when you create with purpose. And that’s the kind of community we’re building, across every Stone & Chalk hub.

Because when innovation is inclusive, everyone wins.

Congrats to all winners, finalists and entrants

The Women in Innovation Awards aren’t just for the winners. They’re about every woman brave enough to put herself – and her work – forward.

We see scientists, technologists, artists, engineers, founders, and educators. They come from cities and regional towns, big businesses and startups. But they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.

While we can’t name check everybody, here’s a shortlist of this year’s other incredible winners:

• Science Award: Prof Nicola Anstice – Flinders University
• Technology Award: Jennie Zeiher – Rising Sun Pictures
• Engineering Award: Merrily Hunter – Mac Trade Services
• Arts Award: Gigi Pinwill – DunnART, Escapeaneers & Pinwill Productions
• Maths & Data Award: Dr Lauren Kennedy – University of Adelaide
• Regional, Rural & Remote Award: Nina Swiderski – SA Cochlear Implant Centre
• Open Innovation Award: Claire Osterstock – Olive & Bee
• Emerging Innovators Award: Laura Drexler – The Ambient Menu
• Innovation in Government Award: Gabrielle Canny – Legal Services Commission of SA
• Young Innovator Award: Cintya Dharmayanti, Scientell

To every nominee, finalist and winner: we see you. Your work matters. Your voice is powerful. And your leadership is opening doors for those who’ll come after you.

And to our winners Samantha and Onnie... you inspire us. And we’re proud to walk beside you as we shape the future, together.