Alexandra’s Angela Connell is a top contender for the community recognition award in the Otago Inspirational Woman Awards.

Angela (Ange) said she feels a little bit uncomfortable and awkward under the spotlight. 

“It felt a little bit nerve wracking to be highlighted, but also…really confirming in a beautiful way to feel celebrated in what I'm doing. So [I’m] really grateful [to get this far.]

“My work is always about the people - the people I see for massage, coaching, meditation courses, yoga and our creative and women's groups…they are the ones to be celebrated because they are going through tough stuff and putting in the effort for their own wellbeing, I'm just a facilitator of that.”

Ange was nominated for the gong by her sister Kelsey who said she’s passionate about supporting her sister.

“Many people out there are doing such amazing valuable work in our communities and it is so important that we celebrate, recognise and support them.

“I’ve seen how much of an impact [Ange] has had on many people, their mental health and wellbeing, whether it’s a block course on breathing, mindfulness and meditation, the women’s group or a yoga class. 

“I hear comments of admiration and gratitude from people who have found Ange amazing either working with them or their child one on one, or if they’ve had a massage with her.”

Listen to Ange speaking about her journey and making the final on The Outlet today.

Click here: The Outlet Podcast.

Along with yoga and wellness classes Ange has contributed to the arts in Central, recently hosting musician and artist Janie Shaw (Just Janie) at her yoga studio, and running monthly poetry nights.  

The other finalists in the community recognition category are WellSouth Dunedin health clinician Claudia Hurley-Macaskill and teacher and LUMA Otago school programme volunteer coordinator Rebecca Hembrow. 

Awards judge Julia Strelou said “judging was tough”, but the four judges were able to determine twelve finalists across the categories of inspirational, entrepreneurial, community recognition, and resilience, along with five highly commended medalists.

The Otago Inspirational Women 2023 finals event will be on Saturday, November 25 (the International Day for Non-Violence Against Women) in Queenstown.

The Inspirational Women Awards is an awards and gala raising awareness around domestic violence in New Zealand whilst celebrating the female leaders and change-makers of our country.

This is the second year of the event, which aims to raise funds and awareness around domestic violence in New Zealand, with all funds raised through ticket sales going to the Women’s Refuge Otago and Central Lakes Family Services.

Read a profile on Ange here.