ECU Alumna and City of Joondalup Citizen of the Year Snezhana Stacey packing care packs for Ukrainian families in need.
Edith Cowan University School of Business and Law Alumna Snezhana Stacey (nee Torgasheva) has been recognised as the City of Joondalup's Citizen of the Year.
Ms Stacey was honoured by the City of Joondalup at their annual Australia Day awards ceremony for her work co-ordinating a grassroots effort to send diabetes medical supplies to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Her daughter Nikita has type 1 diabetes and her family is from Ukraine - so Ms Stacey said she did what she could to help other desperate families care for their children.
Executive Dean of ECU's School of Business and Law Professor Maryam Omari said Snezhana an exceptional student who also worked in the University’s Business Edge program.
"I am proud to say that Snezhana was a student of mine, and after finishing her studies I was pleased to hire to work in my team in the School of Business and Law," said Professor Omari.
"Snezhana is a delightful person; we are still in touch - I am so pleased to see her acknowledged in this way as she did a marvellous job in helping and supporting people back home from Australia."
During 2022, Snezhana worked with the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre community in Stirling to organise a Perth drive to collect diabetes medical supplies, and personal care items, to be sent to refugees in Poland and to clinics across Ukraine.
She also helped to gather vital supplies for people remaining in Ukraine and provided essentials for Ukrainian families who came to Perth after they were forced to leave everything behind.
Ms Stacey said receiving the Citizenship Award from the City of Joondalup has been a humbling experience for her.
"Reflecting how much was achieved by myself and a small group of volunteers – we made a huge difference to so many peoples' lives – both back home and here in Australia," Ms Stacey said.
"We saved lives. We managed to make a difference and inspired others to go out, volunteer and make a difference in their own way - all making a huge positive impact in the support acquire for humanitarian support back in Ukraine and in our local community.
"Never underestimate what can be achieved when you are supported by a team of people who are invested in your success and help you achieve that purpose.
"Maryam Omari was that person for me when I met her in my third year of studies at ECU. Her push for academic excellence, passion for student engagement, encouragement and mentorship gave me the confidence to aim for my personal best and make a difference to those around me in my community and on an international scale."
