Manjimup’s Jennifer Franceschi has been named the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business Woman of the Year at an awards night in Perth on Tuesday night.
Mrs Franceschi – who also took home the Corporate and Private Award – has been immersed in the avocado industry ever since she took on her first summer job, working in her family’s commercial orchard.
In 2016, Mrs Franceschi founded a processing facility, Fresh Produce Alliance, alongside her husband and two other growers.
The business champions a sustainable agriculture ecosystem and uses innovative technology such as high-pressure processing and individual quick-freeze to produce “naturally healthy, delicious, real food that people love”.
Mrs Franceschi’s career in the avocado industry spans four decades, and has taken her to opening her own orchard, being involved with the state association and industry board for avocado growers, and launching an avocado packing facility.
“As a pioneer of our industry in WA, I believe the contribution I have made over many years has made a real difference to the people I represent,” she said.
Also recognised at the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business Women’s Award were:
- Entrepreneur Award winner: Dr Anh Nguyen, Director/Owner, Dr Anh Plastic Surgeon Medispa & Wellness Clinic, in Perth
- For Purpose and Social Enterprise winner: Jahna Cedar, Executive Officer, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, in East Perth
- Public Sector and Academia Award winner: Michelle Fyfe, Assistant Commissioner, State Crime Portfolio, Western Australia Police Force, in Perth
- Young Business Women’s Award winner: Maitri Patel, Founder and Creative Director, Bolly Active, in Victoria Park
Telstra Business Women’s Awards ambassador, group executive media and chief marketing officer Joe Pollard said all the WA winners are extraordinary business women whose achievements deserve to be recognised.
“Mrs Franceschi stands out as a genuine, authentic, country business woman with a world class vision,” Ms Pollard said
“She lives to create a sustainable future through intergenerational farming, sustainable working, long-term job opportunities and reduced agricultural wastage.”
The Telstra Business Women’s Awards shine a light on women’s achievements as business leaders and celebrate the positive results of inclusive leadership, such as better organisational performance, increased competitive advantage and, at a macro level, a thriving economy.
State and territory winners will be flown to Melbourne for the national awards judging, culminating in a Gala Dinner on November 21.
Nominations for the Telstra Business Women’s Awards are open year-round. If you, or a brilliant business woman you know, deserve recognition, nominate at telstrabusinesswomensawards.com/nominate/
