Women's health advocate and changemaker Marina Kyriakou is Kingston's Woman of the Year for 2026, recognised for transforming her own lived experience with endometriosis into a powerful national movement for awareness, education and reform.
As the founder and CEO of Fight ENDO Foundation and Adenomyosis Australia, Marina has built national platforms that provide education, support and advocacy for women living with complex gynaecological conditions.
Drawing on more than 25 years' experience in senior executive roles across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, she has combined professional expertise with personal resilience to drive systemic change.
Her leadership empowers women to be seen, heard and supported and she is at the forefront of helping shape a brighter future for women's health in Australia.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley presented the awards at the annual International Women's Day (IWD) event at Kingston City Hall, with contributions throughout the event from Kingston councillors, former winners and nominees.
Cr Oxley praised the remarkable contribution of all 20 of this year's nominees.
"Every year I am blown away by the calibre of women and girls we honour through these awards and the leadership, courage and commitment shown by this year's nominees and winners is nothing short of extraordinary," Cr Oxley said.
"I love that through these awards we can shine a light on the quiet achievers and powerful changemakers who strengthen our community every single day.
"This year's International Women's Day theme, Balance the Scales, reminds us that progress happens when people care enough to show up and take action, because when women and girls thrive, our whole community thrives with them."
With such a strong group of nominees, award winners were also honoured across four categories: Courageous Commitment, Excelling in Arts or Sport, Impact in STEM or Innovation, and for the first time, a Young Woman of the Year was also presented.
Courageous Commitment: Gabriela Ammendola
Gabriela is the Founder and Director of GA Industrial and a respected leader in a male-dominated industry. An immigrant entrepreneur, she combines business success with deep community service through major charity events, domestic violence support and mentoring migrant women. Her leadership is defined by courage, generosity and impact.
Excelling in Arts or Sport: Jessica Adkins-Barber
Jessica is the owner of The Little Swim School and a leader in trauma-informed, neuroinclusive aquatic education. Her innovative programs support over 700 swimmers and influence industry standards statewide. She also leads inclusive community sport and delivers free water-safety education across Kingston.
Impact in STEM or Innovation: Nally Pillay
Nally is the founder of the We Rise Kingston branch, creating inclusive networking opportunities for women in business. Through locally focused events and partnerships, she has built a thriving support ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. Her leadership strengthens Kingston's local economy and community connections.
Young Woman of the Year: Anastasia Bearsley
Anastasia (Anna) is a 22-year-old emerging leader and advocate for inclusion, accessibility and the arts. As Co-Chair of the Better Health Network Community Advisory Board, she amplifies lived experience in health services and champions mental health and wellbeing. She also volunteers to reduce social isolation among older residents, creating accessible pathways to arts and culture.
To find out more about the awards, our winners and all the nominees, visit kingston.vic.gov.au/women-of-the-year.
